Boots: The One Piece of Gear You Can’t Afford to Screw Up

When people ask me what the most important piece of gear is for backcountry hunting, they usually expect me to say something like a spotting scope or rifle.

But the truth is — if your boots suck, none of the rest of it matters.
You won’t make it to the ridge. You won’t pack anything out. And you’ll hate every step of the trip.

Boots I Trust (and Why)

Kenetrek Mountain Extremes

• Softer sole = better traction on wet logs and technical terrain
• ¾ shank for more flex — great on long-distance treks
• Solid ankle support, but more forgiving on the feet after 10,000+ steps
• I go through a pair almost every year — but I live in mine. Most clients will get years out of them

Scarpa Grand Dru

• Full shank = ultra-stiff, serious support
• Incredible for packouts with 100+ lbs — especially goats or moose quarters
• Harder sole is a bit slicker on logs, but unbeatable under load
• These wear like military boots and last forever

Pro Tip

Never show up with boots fresh out of the box.
Break them in like your hunt depends on it — because it does.

What Not to Do: Client Boot Fails

I’ve had guys show up in:

• Muck boots — great for bogs, not for mountain stalks
• Discount hikers from “Hikers Village” — one pair lost its entire sole halfway through a goat hunt
• Worn-down boots they “thought would be fine” — they weren’t

Worst case?
A goat hunter tried crossing a frozen chute in Muck boots. Halfway across, he lost traction and slid in slow motion toward the abyss. I couldn’t reach him. He couldn’t stop. Somehow, by luck or grit, he skidded to a halt and managed to climb out.

I was frozen watching it happen. No backup plan, no second chance.

Don’t be that guy.

Waterproofing That Actually Works

There are lots of boot waxes and sprays out there — but nothing works better than Sno-Seal, a beeswax-based compound I swear by. It’s totally waterproof, doesn’t affect traction, and keeps your leather in great shape.

Here’s how I apply it:

• Use latex gloves and really work it into the seams and stitching — especially in the nooks and crannies
• Don’t worry about getting it on the laces. It actually protects them too
• After application, warm your boots in the oven on low with tinfoil underneath to let the wax soak in deep
• (Just make sure your significant other isn’t home… seriously.)
• Or, leave them in direct sunlight for the same effect

A good coat of Sno-Seal before the season will save your feet — and extend the life of your boots.

Other Must-Haves

• Aftermarket insoles — Ditch the stock ones and upgrade to something built for hiking and your feet
• Gaiters — Absolute game-changer. They keep your feet dry when the underbrush is soaked with morning dew. Without them, your pants wick moisture into your socks, and your boots turn into sponges

Final Word

Buy once, cry once.

Boots are one of the only pieces of gear where going cheap can cost you the hunt — or worse. Get something that fits your feet like they were built for you, break them in, waterproof them properly, and trust them like you trust your rifle.

— Ryan Berard
Owner & Head Guide, Sawtooth Outfitters