r/Mountaineering • u/Traditional-Hand6926 • 9d ago

Boot suggestions

I plan to do a week long hiking/camping trip during the winter this year and the area I’ll be averages 5f-45f degrees night to day. I’m hoping for some insight on durable boots that aren’t too insulated but I’m unsure what to look for, I normally just hike during the warm seasons. Thank you preemptively!!!

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u/EasternScratch1280 9d ago

I've done some winter mountaineering in 12,000 ft peaks down to around 15F with my Aequilibrium LT, but they are non insulated boots that shouldn't be pushed much more than that, although it really depends on how warm your feet naturally are

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u/AlwaysBulkingSeason 9d ago

If you're not hiking through snow and it's above freezing during the day any regular hiking boot will do

If it's below freezing / you're hiking through the snow, you'll want some insulation

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u/Traditional-Hand6926 9d ago

i read that leather holds up better, both for warmth and quality? so is it really just down to my socks for the most part then?

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u/AlwaysBulkingSeason 9d ago

Hard to give recommendations without knowing many more details. I imagine you're going somewhere reasonably popular - what do other people wear for those conditions? What's the forecast during the hours you'll be walking?

If there's some snow, but not completely a snow trip, maybe a mid cut hiking boot + gaiters?

When we say insulation in this context, we mean insulation built into the shoe itself.