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How to keep socks/ boots dry inside

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valleysnyper

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2015
Messages
534
Location
Southwest Wisconsin
Guys if this is in wrong place let me know and I'll move....sorry. I am wondering what to use inside my hunting boots to keep the sweat from soaking my socks and inside of boots. I'm going on a late october elk hunt in Colorado next year and trying to get everything together
.
 
I'm just concerned with the moisture wetting down the insulation in the boots and no way of drying them. I realize I can change out socks, but how do you deal with wet boots and no way to dry them 5 miles from the truck at spike camp for a week
 
Stuff & soak
Remove the insoles and set them aside. Pack boots with absorbent materials like dry leaves and grasses. When the materials are soaked, remove them and repeat until you've gotten the insides as dry as possible.

Hot rocks
Heat dry stones (never use river rocks, which can explode when heated) in boiling water or near the fire. Place the heated rocks in a sock. Test the stones to make sure they don't scorch the material. Fill the boots with them.

Sole patch
While your boots are cooking, start on the insoles. Press them between spare clothing or dried grasses and squeeze them to express water. Keep them in the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight.

Fire drill
If you can't resist the temptation to prop boots and insoles by the fire, go easy and don't get too close. Fire-baked leather will crack, and synthetic material can melt. Insoles can harden in the heat without visual warning.
 
Those are great ideas...thanks
This is my first western hunt. Alot different than a whitetail hunt on the back 40, there you go home and use the boot drier. I guess I didn't think of those ideas, getting alittle concerned about dealing with the weather and clothing
 
I change socks often and as stated, try to dry the boots when ever you can. I always like to pull the insoles at night, seems to help the most if you can get those dry. Also, modern waterproof membranes are great at expelling moisture in dry climates. As Danner told me once, DO NOT use wax based treatments on your Gore-Tex leather boots. What happens is the wax will penetrate the leather and clog the membrane, which then blocks it's ability to breathe. Keep the boots conditioned with the right stuff, then the boot stays dry, then it can wick moisture from the inside, thus keeping your feet drier.
 
turkeyfever said:
Pull the insoles out and stuff crinkled up newspaper inside your boots. Moisture inside your boots will draw into the newspaper.
Click to expand...

In the army we carry about 12 pairs of socks with us and change them regularly. Use regular foot powder (not gold bonds), carry lots of socks, when at the camp remove the soles, stuff with newspaper, and if your boots are flexible enough turn the sides down like your trying to turn them inside out. That will work. I've had boots soaking wet before and they dried out overnight easily just doing those things. Good socks are a game changer.
 
I think these are all good ideas, but temperature at night may be around 10 degrees, that's why I am concerned, I just don't see them air drying. I'm considering some kind of pack boot with a removable liner that I could dry. Problem with this is when it gets warm during the day...I'm told ot can get into the 60s they might really be to warm. Sorry for all the crazy questions, but I am getting very concerned about this. My feet get cold easily so not sure what to do
 
valleysnyper said:
I think these are all good ideas, but temperature at night may be around 10 degrees, that's why I am concerned, I just don't see them air drying. I'm considering some kind of pack boot with a removable liner that I could dry. Problem with this is when it gets warm during the day...I'm told ot can get into the 60s they might really be to warm. Sorry for all the crazy questions, but I am getting very concerned about this. My feet get cold easily so not sure what to do
Click to expand...

I wouldn't use those liners. They don't breath and can cause your feet to sweat more. Those are more for crossing creeks and stuff. Increase in sweat causes your boots to become heavier, and can make your feet slide around causing some serious blisters. I use fox and Rocky Mountain socks. They are $12 a pair but work great. My feet don't sweat as much and they are super comfortable. Unfortunately, there is not a one stop shop for feet care. Constant battle on ruck marches and long movements. Soldiers just bring lots of socks, good foot powder, and let air out. That's the only real recipe for success.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
One other question while I have your attention. Does anyone recommend schnee or hoffman packs will your feet move around like in sores and cause blisters ? I was thinking of using 1000 gr leather hunting boots, but am now thinking if the leather gets wet in the snow. I'm screwed. I know I can use the search function, doesn't work so good on my phone. And seems like when I can get to work it's mostly info from a few years ago
 
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