Hey guys,

Trying to decide between the Canada model and the Alaska Hunter model in the Cabela's catalogue. Any suggestions? I will be using them in the Northwest Territories hunting Dall sheep.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/sta...cat601927&hasJS=true
Canadaâ„¢ Hunting Boot
Perfectly suited for extremely rough terrain, these 11" hunting boots have a GORE-TEX® boottie making it 100% waterproof, yet breathes to allow water vapor to escape. 200-gram Thinsulate and perforated polyurethane footbed covered by Cambrelle® insulates without the loft or bulk. Meindl's Super-Grip sole, with its built-in shock absorber system, makes walking on rocks and rough terrain easy on your feet. Heavily waxed, one piece leather uppers withstand immense punishment. The boot features a glove-soft, padded collar that encases the ankle and lower

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/sta...cat601927&hasJS=true
Alaska Hunterâ„¢
Maximum support is needed when following sheep or goats, so this boot is built with a super-stiff insole for support and extreme torsional rigidity. A DiGAfix® fixing system provides perfect, pressure-free fit around the instep and heel. These boots are insulated with 200-grams of Thinsulate insulation and GORE-TEX liners ensure 100% waterproof breathability. A padded collar and fully gusseted tongue provide a snug, comfortavle fit, and an air active footbed protects from shocks.

I would just go buy a pair of Lowa Sheephunters and forget the Meindls

I HAVE BEEN WEARING THE CANADA MODEL FOR THE LAST SIX YEARS TWICE IN ALASKA BEST BOOT I EVER HAD GREAT ANKLE SUPPORT

I have had a pair of Meindl boots( the Canada model from Cabela's) for approx. 12 years. I have to decide to buy another pair or resole them. The thinsulate in them make them fine for hunting/hiking down to -10C( according to my feet).Excellent ankle support. I also own the uninsulated Alaska hikers, excellent ankle support as well, although those have only done light hikes with a day pack so far.

EB, I have heard that Lowa makes as good or a better boot than Meindl. I would love to see a pair but I can't find any dealers in Canada...

The Canada model has been recommended by many but the reason I was looking into the Alaska Hunter is the rubber rand around the sole... I would think that would make them more durable in the rocks?

All Meindl boots are not created equal.

The run of Meindl boots for Cabela's are made to Cabela's specs for their price cap.

AJ Brooks is a top source for Mendls. The run of Mendls for them are tops.

AJ carried a custom built for them Canada Pro that came in last fall. Unsure if any are left. Same boot as in the link but it had a taller full rand. Head and shoulders above the Cabelas but it was too narrow for my foot.
http://www.ajbrooks.com/qs/product/40/2351/139717/0/0

I needed a longer, size up, to fit my width which didn't work for me. The Lowas thru Schnee's better fit my wider foot.

GVA

I was able to get some Lowa Goretex boots while living in Germany; they are excellent. Very comfortable and water resistant. This model was not quite a severe cold weather boot as I wore them in upstate New York in moderately cold weather (-5 deg F) and my feet did get kinda chilled. I think above 10 deg F or so they should be good, at least they were im Deutschland.

I've worn the Canada Pro's for a couple of years for everything but late season mule deer or whitetail stand hunting in the cold.For that I have a pair of Schnee pac-boots(warmer!).The best place in Canada to by Meindl's(and the only place to buy Schnee's),is Fisher's Hardware in Vernon,BC.Quite a bit cheaper than AJ Brooks! Monashee

Swarovski,
Like the Meindl's the Lowa Sheephunter has the rand around the soles. You can get them through Schnees and have them shipped. The reason I'm partial to the Lowas is simply that for me they have fit me better and been a more comfortable boot, right out of the box, and they wear very well. Nothing wrong with the Meindels though. Schnees is now selling a "propreitary" model of the sheephunter, the only difference as far as I can tell is the leather is a bit darker and they are selling it for $15 dollars more...

EB, Do the Lowa's fit as the size says or do they fit like Meindl's which I find are a little bit oversized? Tough to order when you can't try them on first...

Swaro, On the Schnee's website they say to order one half size larger than your normal boot size. This has worked for me and they have fit great. The good news if you order from them and they don't fit, they will simply exchange them for a size that works.

I ordered the Lowa's today. They look good and based on opinions they are worth trying. Thanks for the help guys!

My Meindl's were the opposite. I normally wear a 12 or 13 but had to get a 11.5.

Have a pair of meindle pamirs ,well made but feel bulky and not good in hot weather ,open eylets at the top of the boot i find bloody annoying when in a hurry ! i just wear cheap workboots i get from work, lace ups with ankle support and dont cost me anything

I have worn the Canadians from Cabelas for a few years now. They are the best boot I have found for fitting wider feet without having to go to a custom made boot. For the price I wouldn't hesitate to order another pair from them, but If I wanted to spend a bit more I might look at HANWAG.

i have had both the boots you refer to.

the cabela's boots were nice at first. until the water started pouring in thru the goretex membrane. cabela's did take them back but only gave me half my money back. i am not a big fan of cabela's brand stuff to bet your life on. either take them back for a full refund or don't. were they half defective boots?

i have been on several 14c sheep hunts with the a.j. brooks canada pro meindl and a goat hunt. i am going on another 14c sheep hunt this aug and will be wearing the meindls again. i am now sending them out for re sole. can you get the cabela's resoled?

go with the meindls.

quote:

Originally posted by cold zero:


the cabela's boots were nice at first. until the water started pouring in thru the goretex membrane. cabela's did take them back but only gave me half my money back.

Outrageous!!!
If you inform Meindl abouth this, you would get all your money back! I have worn Maindl boots for very steep climbing for 15 years, and leakage before the boots are two years old have always given me new ones!!!

Know that Cabela recieved a brand new pair from Meindl, so they lied you straight in the face!!!!