Got a bear hunt booked for next May in South Central B.C. Canada. I have an uninsulated pair of boots but need advice on a good pair of insulated, waterproof boots. I looked at a pair of Rocky boots(timberwolf) with vibram sole,Gortex, and 1000 thinsulate that looked good. Also was considering Danner. Any suggestions for early spring and fall hunting in the Northern country?

I live in South Western B.C. and have tried a lot of different makes and models of boots over the years. I now wear Meindl boots along with most of my friends that are serious about the outdoors. About 8 month's out of the year I am in the bush at least 4 days a week and wear out most boots in about 1 1/2 years. My Meindl's have 3 1/2 years on them now and will be good for at least a couple more.
I'm curious why you are thinking that you need a insulated pair of boots for May, even in the South Central area of B.C. its not that cold anymore especially where the bears are hiding.

I would try a pair of Danner Pronghorns.

Danner Canadians. Best mountain boot there is.

Pete

Go to www.hikingbootshandcrafted.com, my wife has had these for over ten years, they are absolutely superb. If, this is financially difficult, go to www.ajbrooks.com for the REAL Meindls, those Cabelas sells are NOT the same. I have used boots in B.C. for 40+ yrs. and my last job was boot fitter at the largest outlet of Canada's largest sporting goods retailer.

For the conditions you describe, I prefer the boots Charlie makes or the Meindl Model "Perfekt" which I used to wear year 'round in the Kootenays, fighting forest fires, climbing, hunting and even snowshoeing, they WORK and they LAST. Do not use insulated boots or any of those crappy "hunting boots" that most catalogue retailers peddle; use a good leather boot, proper waterproofing techniques and two sock changes per day. At 58+ yrs., I still actively backpack hunt for several days on end, solo, with this system and it works, period.

I've fought fire in Whites and Hawthorn's , but for hunting comfort Meindl . Mine are like wearing a sock yet wont let you break an ankle .

Meindl canadas.Mine are 11 years old and are still waterproof and comfortable after many sheep and elk hunts.

i live in southeast b.c. in may in the high country its still winter (most years) we don,t get high water till early june so you might need a couple pair of boots because
insulated boots can take a while to dry and also it might
not hurt to have a lighter pair in case of warm weather

Another vote for the ruggedly constructed Danner Canadians. I've had mine for about 6 years and have used them for deer hunting in Northern MN to canoe trips in the Boundary Waters and Quetico. Still waterproof, comfortable, and warm. Plus, they have stitched soles, which means if you ever wear them out, you can send them back to Danner for a full overhaul. Danner will even replace the Gore-tex lining should that ever wear out. Danner's customer service is top notch. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Meindl's soles are not stiched, but glued or something.

In south-central B.C., in May, the Black Bears are out on the southern and western slopes, feeding on the oncoming "green wave"; this includes steep slide chutes. The Danner boots do not provide enough ankle support for long days of stalking in this country and are also too warm and heavy for the conditions you will encounter.

The Meindls, that are suggested by those of us who live here and actually trek, year around, where you will be hunting, are a better choice; "claude's" suggestion of a second pair of boots is also a good one. I know many of the Outfitters and Guides here in B.C. quite well and you will find that MOST of them wear and recommend Meindls and Schnee pacs. I am retired from wilderness work in which I began in 1965, my suggestions are not based on anything but 40+ yrs. of actual B.C. experience.

My boots are Meindel Super Cracks and White pac's. In 18 years of forestry work, backpacking, and hunting they are the ones that I have settled on. I guess I'll have to switch from Super Cracks to another Meindel boot when these ones wear out though.

Cheers,
Canuck

I love my Meindals..

They ofer the best support for my beat up ankles while sidehlling, excelelnt grip in al terrain, and have always kept my feet dry...

Unfortunately, I've started to have problems withthem, because of the shape of my foot. it's REALLLY wide, and the Meindals either have shrunk, or my foot has gorwn, and now they are cutting off circulation when I use them.

I can't say enough how good I have felt with Meindal boots, I can balance my considerable size on a thin edge with them, as they are so stiff and strong..

KMB, you made some suggestons regarding my Flintstone feet before, ie: custom boots. Maybe you could PM me that info again.. What I reay want is a boot that has all the properties of my high top Meindals, stiff, strong, gortex lined, a little thinsulite etc, but that will fit me better...

I have the same problem with pants and jackets- Nothign new to a guy that is as broad int he shoulders as he is tall..

I thank you all for your responses! I can definitely see where the Meindls would be a better investment in comfort and longevity for you Canadian/Alaskan hunter who spend a lot of your time out in the bush. However, I will probably take about a week to ten days to hunt in May (Canada/Alaska) and a week to ten days in October Canada/Alaska). For this time of year and amount of hunting time I hate to invest that much money. But, I don't want boots at the cheapest end of the spectrum either. To sort of choose from the middle of the road, I was thinking about Cabelas Outfitter Series 9"leather boots with 200 thinsulate. Opinions? I wear a size ten in a street shoe so should I get one half size larger for a thicker/wool sock? Thanks again!

.44

If you are going in the spring- Apri/May/june, dont' worry tooo much....

It's not htat cold. Well, maybe for a southerner, I don't view anyhting as 'cold' until it get's minus 20C...

Anyways, you should talk to your guide abotu foot requirements...Chances are, it won't be too cold, and you won't have to hike very far.....