So what kind of boots do YOU use for winter backpacking?

[Sarcasm the elf]

No, I'm not looking for advice on what to buy, I'm just interested in what my fellow WB'ers are using.

So far I've found that I can use my midweight scarpa hiking boots comfortably to the mid-teens (Fahrenheit) as long as I have the right socks, both for hiking and for wearing while in camp. I also found that even though I loved wearing my old light weight Vasque boots for summer trips, relying on them in camp during overnights in sub-zero conditions led to minor frostbite and nerve damage to my toes.

For upcoming colder trips that I'm planning this January and February I'm thinking of taking along my Sorel Conquests, but I'm not sure how many miles I'll enjoy wearing them for with a pack on. Maybe this will be the winter that I finally buy down booties for camp.

Anyway, what have you all tried for cold trips, what's worked, what hasn't?

[STICK]

The year before last I used a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilators GTX XCR (or which ever order all those names go in...) Anyway, they did a great job.

Then I received a pair of Lowa Renegade GTX Mid boots (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Boots/Lowa%20Renegade%20GTX%20Mid%20Boots/Test%20Report%20by%20Chad%20G%20Poindexter/) which I used the next year. They too were great boots. They seen a good amount of snow and fared very well, keeping my feet warm and dry.

This year I am sporting a pair of Wolverine Fulcrum boots (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Boots/Wolverine%20Fulcrum%20Boots/Test%20Report%20by%20Chad%20G%20Poindexter/). Haven't done much serious hiking in them yet, but taking them out for a 30+ mile stroll next month along the AT. Hopefully they will get to sport my new microspikes I just picked up! Anyway, so far they are pretty great too.

Maybe I have just been lucky, but so far I have not really had any issues worth mentioning with my footwear. I know that some people have terrible luck trying to find boots that work for them but that just has not seemed like the case for me. Granted I have not tried but a few of the boots out there though...so only time (and more boots) will tell.

[TRAUMAhead]

Still using my trail runners (Inov-8 Roclite 295s (http://www.inov-8.com/New/UK/Product-View-Roclite-295.html?L=27)) and merino wool socks but I move to the desert instead of the mountains. My current pair of boots are Asolo Fugitives GTX in wide that I use for trail maintenance. The toebox is smaller than I like and the boot digs into my Achilles on steep uphill, so I'm still looking for the perfect boot. I'd just add a pair of thick SmartWool socks if I was to use them in winter conditions.

[BrianLe]

I too generally stick to trail runners, depending on context; what currently works for me are Asic Gel-Kahana 4's in 4E width. I'll add Neos overboots or use VB or goretex socks in different contexts. I've not found boots that don't hurt me in one way or another after a certain amount of walking.

Caveat: for relatively short distances (few miles, day hike) I'll use my Sorel (http://www.sorel.com/) clone boots; these fit fairly loose and large, but with thick wool socks I can wear these for a good while without doing harm to my feet. But for longer trips I like trail runners; depending on conditions I can carry the Neos overboots on my back and have a pretty light foot weight to be lifting step after step after step ...

[Old Hillwalker]

Sorels because they won't freeze solid overnight. The inner felts can be worn as slippers as long as the temps stay below freezing. If I am going to be climbing in conjuction to the hike and need my crampons I will wear my old Plastic Koflacs Ultras instead of the Sorels. The Koflacs are not as comfortable to hike in since they are so stiff. Up here in the Whites, a -20 down bag is absolutely de rigueur in high winter. Couple of years ago we had a guy die even in a -20 bag when it got below -30 while he was tenting in a blizzard. They found him after his vehicle was reported parked in the same spot a few days after the storm. They nearly didn't find his campsite until spring.

[Papa D]

Early this year (2011) - I think it was March, I hiked the state of Connecticut from Race Brook Falls, MA to just past the New York line. Snow was at times over 1' deep but averaged about 3", I suppose. I wore LaSportiva Trail shoes the whole way (with gaiters and yak-trax as needed) --there was a lot of post-holing" -- this trip and others like it have worked very well for me with just "shoes." There were times on this trek though that I did question whether or not I should have been wearing boots -- for anything deeper and more sustained mud and snow, I'd probably transition to my SCARPA boots which are all leather - made in Italy. These get used (more often than not) just walking around in the snow in western ski towns - not so much actual backpacking (at least for me). I guess the real deal is that the shoes (with proper socks) are so much lighter and more comfortable -- the boots are a little dryer and warmer but even they ultimately get wet in mixed conditions -- if this happens, you are dragging a heavy cold wet boot with every step -- the shoes on the other hand will dry (if you get some sun) during a lunch break. I do suggest several pair of extra socks - the dark smart wooks absorb more heat and dry quicker than the light colors.

[kayak karl]

i,ve been wearing thesehttp://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/fw11/shoes/men/trailhead/pyrenees/black

[Tinker]

I wear trail runners with Sealskin socks for long trips when the snow isn't too deep. If the snow is deep and the trip is relatively short, like an overnighter in the Whites, I'll wear these http://www.campmor.com/n-e-o-s-the-explorer-overshoes-1.shtml?source=CI&srccode=cii_5784816&cpncode=18-105431435-2
over the trail runners.

[Tipi Walter]

Here are some of the boots I used for winter backpacking---the good, the bad, and the ugly.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/2/0/b/70155/Boots-Vasque-Sundowner-II.jpg
The first is a pair of fancy Vasque Sundowners which split apart on top with a rip within the first year and needing duct tape. Overpriced and over-rated and not even a decent winter boot.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/1/e/f/70127/Boots-Chipewa.jpg
Then there's the pair of "Minus 40 Below Chippewa Boots" which I used for a year of serious winter backpacking. The sole ripped off within the year by using them to move snow away to make tentsites.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/1/f/d/70141/Boot-Sorel-Caribou.jpg
Then of course there are these Sorel Caribou rubber boots with the felt insert and the crepe (i.e.crap) soles. I lived in this babies for a straight two winters of near constant backpacking. They don't breath and so I developed a nasty toe infection plus the crepe soles offered no traction. And backpacking in these was a slow, clumsy and arduous proposition. Clunky.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/2/0/4/70148/Boots-Cheap-Sears.jpg
Then I used regular old green Sears "hunting" boots which fell apart on a trip into Slickrock about 7 years ago and the steel shank fell out in my hands. Pretty comfy though.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/2/1/2/70162/Boots-Limmer-Lightweight.jpg
Then of course there was the miserable experience I had with a pair of Limmer midweights. Poor quality overall---believe it or don't. And for winter backpacking, well, when they get invariably wet which they will they become a torture device---the Leather Toe Trap.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/1/f/6/70134/Ascent.jpg
Back in the early '80s my go-to favorite winter boot were these Nike Ascents/Approaches shown here. Very comfy and light.

http://www.trailspace.com/assets/7/0/6/18182/TRIP-107-217.jpg
What do I use now?? Good old Asolo 520's in goretex and size 10 wide. The wide really helps when they freeze solid. And they're the most comfy boot I've ever worn.

[Lyle]

Same thing I use in summer. While hiking, the feet are a great furnace and keep me toasty warm. If snowshoeing, I use a pair of light weight boots, with normal wool socks.

For camp, good down booties are a blessing and much lighter (and way more comfortable) than changing out to heavy hiking boots.

[hnryclay]

Asolo 520, or 535 with Gore tex gaiters in the snow. It is not the snow that gets you its the melt, and these boots are as waterproof as any I have ever owned. The trail acts like a trench and you could be walking in 3-4 inches of ice cold slush. These will keep your feet dry, and warm.

[d.o.c]

i use my trail runners with bread bags on my feet :)

[wornoutboots]

Keen Targhee II shoe version

[DLANOIE]

I used trail runners for years. Last year I picked up a pair of LLB Cresta GTX 10.5 wide. I have swapped the first pair due to a defect in workmanship and the new ones are great. They keep my feet dry and warm on any winter day hike. I havent used them on an overnight yet so I cant comment on that aspect. Comfy right out of the box too.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Asolo FSN 95 GTX

[Mr. Clean]

For hiking in the snow/snowshoeing, I use Solomon B-52 boots. They are great with snowshoes. If conditions get too bad here in the Whites and in Maine, I stay home rather than wear plastic boots or Sorels.

[ljcsov]

I just got some New Balance boots a few months ago. They are actually geared to for snowshoeing with a waterproof exterior, D-link for your gaiters, and a bit of Primaloft Ecco one insulation. They are super warm with just thing wool socks and are also surprisingly light. Also, the new balance width is nice, extra wide. I am looking forward to testing them in harsher conditions.