A Pack and Boots

The Government

The Government

Joined
Aug 21, 2009
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I would really appreciate some help in picking out a "one day/ over night" back pack. I also need a good pair of boots.

My budget for the boots is $200 and under. My budget for the pack is around $100-150. If needed, I will pay a little more for either.

I just received a $100 gift certificate to REI, so I would like to be able to purchase either the boots or pack from them.

Specific needs- to be able to handle heavy rain and puddles. Specifically the rain forests of Oregon and Hawaii. If they could also function well in dry environments that would be great. I may have to cross shallow streams and submerge my feet -just about ankle deep. If there is a big difference between boots for dry environments and wet ones just let me know -I am a boot nube:o. I will use them for hunting and recreation.

I am willing to compromise if those needs are too far apart to encompass a single model boot. The ability to function in dry environments is also important -just let me know if there is no great compromise.

I have been looking into camelbak for my pack, but I am totally lost on the boots. I just borrowed some new army surplus boots -I think the ones that are issued right now. They were awesome, but I know that they are unavailable and hard to find -especially with my budget. I am looking for similar performance. I was able to submerge my feet to about ankle level and my feet stayed dry.

All help is very appreciated,

Thanks:):thumbup:
 
Where are you gov? I have been wearing the same scarpas for 10 years and three soles. I love them, they work wonderfully for my spring/summer/fall trips here in the rockies.
 
I have family in Northwest Oregon and Maui Hawaii. I am planning to move to Hawaii soon, but in living Oregon now.
 
The Government said:
I have family in Northwest Oregon and Maui Hawaii. I am planning to move to Hawaii soon, but in living Oregon now.
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on the pack i would say get whatever feels comfortable...waterproofing is the easy part!

not to throw off the thread but im in medford,or and were moving to the Big I on the tenth! :) what are the chances?
 
For the environment you describe my pick would be a pair of Jungle Boots (just avoid the knockoffs). They aren't the fanciest or 'latest and greatest' but there's a reason they're still around and popular...they work. In a wet environment your feet are going to get wet and Jungle Boots dry faster than anything else. They also work well when it's dry.

As for the pack there are lots of choices and the best thing is to try some on and see what feels best to you. I'm a fan of Osprey packs but there are a lot of other good companies out there.
 
For a boot in mountain environments, I like a full leather, 3/4 shank boot with a vibram sole. The brand matters much less than the workmanship. The fit trumps all. I have not had luck with mesh or exposed fabrics, as they tend to get sliced on the rocks in the mountains.
 
For boots I would get the new Danner combat hikers. They are USA made and current issue to soldiers in afgan.
 
BlackHills said:
For the environment you describe my pick would be a pair of Jungle Boots (just avoid the knockoffs). They aren't the fanciest or 'latest and greatest' but there's a reason they're still around and popular...they work. In a wet environment your feet are going to get wet and Jungle Boots dry faster than anything else. They also work well when it's dry.

As for the pack there are lots of choices and the best thing is to try some on and see what feels best to you. I'm a fan of Osprey packs but there are a lot of other good companies out there.
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I am just going to have to get two pairs of boots. There are some awesome hikes that I have been on where jungle boots would be perfect -trekking through streams and what not.

I think for this purchase I am going to go for a pair of boots that are built with wetness in mind, but not exactly as much as jungle boots.

I am going to go to REI this weekend and try out some gear. I should also add that I have wide duck feet -It has always been a problem for finding well-fitting shoes.

thanks everyone.:)
 
First, let me ask what kind of terrain you really expect to need boots for. If you're moving to Hawaii, you probably don't really need real heavy boots. Also, for a watertight pack, you'll have to either pay up the bung, or do some footwork yourself. Without really understanding your needs, I'll make some suggestions at your store of choice.

Pack: I have one of these http://www.rei.com/product/778437. Plenty of room for 2 days, provided you don't try to take the kitchen sink. Is it waterproof? No, here's the solution to that: http://www.rei.com/product/778475 Pop that on it when it rains. Good to go.
Boots: MAKE SURE YOU TRY THEM ON. Never buy online. Most important is your individual fit. No boots will keep your feet dry if you submerge them. Most boots are made to fit without any break-in. Break them in anyway, but make sure they feel awesome before you leave the store. Boots should also be a touch big to accommodate large socks and keep your toes from ramming into the front on downhill slopes. Recommendation for boots = http://www.rei.com/product/772930
These are hybrids, not dedicated backpacking boots or lightweight hiking shoes. They'd be the best of both. I like this particular model and have two pairs. Some people have said they soles wear quickly, I haven't had that issue. REI takes everything back if you aren't satisfied which is nice. Total package is $240 out the door, but it's all quality gear and from your store of choice. If you're stubbornly stuck on heavy boots you'll pay more. Do not skimp on boots. Period. These are my favorite heavy boots: http://www.rei.com/product/764062. Best of luck. If you have any more questions feel free to email me.
 
You're last post came 2 seconds before mine. The Keen's I recommended also accommodate wide feet. Keep in mind there are amazing shoes out there. Military boots are decent but contracted and fairly cheap. You won't need jungle boots. Yes, they work and keep our soldiers moving, but there are way better options, they'll just cost you. Check out some backpacking forums for more advice and help with this type of gear.
 
Thanks Iboschi. I am beginning to see that there is no "shotgun solution" for a multi-terrain boot.

In Hawaii I like to hike all over. From the dry side to the wet side. It is such a diverse climate. There is one place I like to hike where you have to hike through a stream. I used teva style sandals and they worked well. For other hikes on the wet side we stayed out of the streams, but it was still really wet/muddy with frequent rain. For these hikes I would like a boot, since you encounter a lot of jagged lava rock. I also like to hike the dry side, where wetness is not an issue, there is just a bunch of sharp Lava rock.

In Oregon, I stay primarily in the northwest. It is semi-cold and rainy/muddy.

I guess I am aiming mostly for boots to use in Oregon and Hawaii where I am not getting super wet, but I am going through mudd and puddles a lot. Finally, it would be nice if they could be used on the dry side of the island as well.

Thanks for the help.

PS -for the pack, I can accept using a cover for rain. I dont need anything too waterproof, just rain resistance. Again I will be trying everything I can this weekend to see how it fits.
 
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You could go with Jungle boots (~$120.00) and then use a waterproof sock if you needed to. Not a bad option.
 
I too have wide duck feet (8.5 EE). Scarpas used to be perfect, but they changed the shape around '05 and the new ones cramp me. The Portland REI will have all the choices you need, have fun with the blisters. ;)
 
Ill do some boot talk since most are focusing on the pack.



For $200 and under, look into
Danner
RedWing


For the love of God, do NOT, go with the China made Danners. They are absolute JUNK!
Actually, do not go with any china made boot.
 
personally I suggest going to a store and trying on packs, if you have an REI store near you even better. I ended up with a flash 65 rei pack, although probably a bit larger than what you're looking for. REI makes some nice products at an affordable price compared to the other big names. The Osprey packs suggested are very nice, although there is one problem with them. I have noticed that when fully packed the hydration sleeve becomes inaccessible and difficult to fill due to the curvature of the pack. However this can be a tradeoff for a great airflow system.
 
you had better like cold wet feet if you are going to hike "wet side" in Oregon in jungle boots. I wear them some during the summer while wading trout streams but I would never consider them in any other season.
 
I've owned them all-north face, osprey, kelty, eberlestock, etc etc etc and my most comfortable overnight pack is the 75 dollar Mountainsmith Maverick. Awesome layout for long range rucking/bushcrafting, one of these days I'll take a picture of it loaded so you can see just how efficient it is. Durability is side-by-side with Eberle and Kelty. Very reasonable price for such an amazing pack. As far as boots, the North Face Rucky Chuckys are awesome, they have a reinforced arch which makes climbs and descents 100x easier than typical hiking boots. I just got a new pair for 54 dollars.
 
I use Merrell Moab Ventilator
They are NOT waterproof,but
when they get wet,they dry very quickly.
Light on the feet,pretty good traction,I like um.
Good smartwool socks will keep your feet in great shape till
you dry your boots off.

Packs,dont forget to look on Craigslist.
Lotta people use a pack a few times and it sits in the basement.
I have seen many "used" packs that were used maybe for
a 1 time camping trip,,,still looked new.
Might find some great bargains.
Happy shopping.
 
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