Jungle Boot decisions

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DarkenRahl

Joined
Jul 13, 2007
Messages
30
I haven't posted in a while but have a quick question.

I've only ever been walking in "real jungle" once before. I was up in the table lands near Cairns, Australia for 4 days (we had to cut the walk short due to cyclone damage. It was meant to be a week long walk). The Misty Mountains to be precise. Even though it rained endlessly (didn't stop, at all for 3 days) the temp was fairly kind as I was at an altitude of around 800-900 meters.

I'm planning a trip to Borneo in a years time and am wondering if it is nieve to think I can keep my feet relatively dry, or at least not sopping wet and bring my 8' waterproof boots or just wear a light jungle boot that will get soaked the minute I step in a few inches of water.

I know this question has been asked before but I ask because if I went back to the tablelands of Cairns I would wear the 8' boots and bring my gaiters with me and a pair of rain pants. I know my feet would be dry.
If it's going to be stinking hot then I think I'd be happier getting soggy feet and not worrying about getting wet.

Umm yes, "quick question".
 
Dry is better for your feet . I am heavy and require a stout proper boot so and overboot is a good choice N.E.O.S. makes some very nice ones that are light and waterproof and have fairly agressive soles and built in gaiters.
 
Just my $.02, I never went through jungle training in Panama when I was in the Army, but, from talking to some guys that did, from what I understand, what you want is boots that drain properly; that won't hold in moisture, as much as possible. You want your boots to stay ventilated as much as possible, and get boots that you could wear without socks. I wouldn't get boots with any sort of "breathable" membrane...your feet will get wet from the perspiration.
Also, I heard it was a good idea to wear sandals around your campsite when you're done with your activities for the day, to let your feet dry up.
- Hope this helps.
 
I thought I had looked at every possible camping/bushwalking product around but have never come across an "overshoe". Interesting looking things.

I'm kind of leaning towards troops suggestion already with the jungle boot/sandal combo.
 
There is no such thing as waterproof boot in a rainforest. If you bring a gortex boot, it will get wet and stay wet. A good jungle boot will drain and dry quickly. my 2 cents.
Go to the rat cutlery forum with this question as they have a survival school in the amazon jungle of Peru.

By the way, have a great time in Borneo! I always wanted to go, post pics when you get back.
 
Yeah...and don't get eaten. Don't they still have Headhunters there?:D
 

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There are situations where you have to give up the hope to keep your feet dry and refocus on having them dry quickly when possible.
Being wet is acceptable if weather is hot enough.

The regarding boot/sandal advice, it also work for clothes, use wet clothes during the day, and keep dry clothes for stops, even if you have to put back on wet clothes in the morning. At least you'll have one set of clothes dry instead of two wet.
 
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Like the others said, you'll never keep your feet dry in the jungle. Go with the jungle boots.

I once spent 14 days at NTA in Okinawa, it rained all day and all night for 13.5 of them. If it wasn't sealed in a plastic bag, it wasn't dry.
 
I've always worn light ankle-high boots while trekking thru jungles in SE Asia. IMO, anything that gets wet will remain wet for the duration, the only difference is what level of 'wet'.

Light boots will chafe and rub less on your feet, heel, ankles and legs. They will air out faster too. I used to use liners under my socks to wick moisture outwards, but eventually ended up just wearing the liners and skipping the socks.
 
Jungle boots for sure. You will definatly be in water above 8" at times and wonce the "waterproof" boots are wet they will stay wet.
 
You want jungle boots, they will dry in about 20-30 minutes in hot weather.

You will eventually step into a place with water higher than your knee high boots, and those waterproof boots will fill up like buckets and will not drain or dry for days.
 
I'll add my 2 cents...I spent some time in Panama and a lot more time in Ecuador (highland jungle and headwaters of the Amazon river).

Jungle boots are definately the way to go. Stick with cotton-duck sidings; I prefer Wellco's but they no longer make their original jungle boots:( However, Altama does make them, but I can't comment on their quality (their desert boots have held up well). The cotton-duck will dry out much faster than nylon and I've found they don't chafe me as much either.

Find a good pair of insoles..something that won't absorb much water. If you're going to be in the water for long periods, start wearing your boots without socks...yeah, doesn't sound right, but this will allow your feet to get drier faster. Another option are thin socks...nylons, silk or synthetic sock liners.

Get a good coating of Kiwi on your boots...keep them clean when you can and reapply whenever you get a chance. If your leather gets roughed up too much it will really retain water/moisture and take much longer to dry out. It will also loosen up around the seems and start falling apart.

Stop to remove your boots whenever you can to air and dry your feet out. I would highly recommend carrying a pair of quality sandals as well (Teva, Chaco, Keen). Once you're on dry ground or around camp, you can remove your boots (clean and apply Kiwi when dry) to dry and air out...but still have foot protection for dry trails or camp chores.

ROCK6
 
Thats good advice rock, I was gonna write the same thing. Kiwi is essential, and the nylons work well. The altama jungle boots are stellar, very comfortable and dry fast.
 
How are the new US issue dessert/Jungle boots?

It looks like you can still get the Wellco jungle boots direct from Wellco. It looks like they have them in a couple of different styles.
 
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