Seeland "Snow King" Pac boots

[Wayland]

Looking at my kit and how it performed last Winter, I think the major weak point is the boots.

Up to now I have been using Neoprene Muckboots over thick and thin layered wool socks, but it is usually the soles that let the system down and there is just no room for an extra insole.

I've been looking at Pac Boots but their availability is fairly limited over here, the main brand that seems to be available is Seeland and I've been looking at their Snow Kings.



http://no.scottcountry.com/products_detail.asp?productID=3228

Does anyone have any experience of these boots?

I'm particularly interested in whether the felt sole is removable or whether there is room to add an insole that is.

 

[decorum]

No experience of that boot, but I've had a pair of the boots below since early 2002.

EDIT: Skee-Tex Field Boot.

(And a few details from the makers - I bought local)


They're a bit 'clompy' for proper hikes, but near perfect for walks - if that makes sense .
More importantly, I'll happily replace them when I need to.


Mine has a plastic insert/insole rather than a felt one. It's a basic flat plate - removal without replacement/exchange would make mine more than slightly uncomfortable.

I found that I had to go up a size to get a proper fit. It might be provident to try before you buy.

I'm quite happy to bung them in the car for you to try on at the next Meet.

 

[Wayland]

I wouldn't mind a look at those Phil, I hadn't found them on any of my searches.

 

[decorum]

I wouldn't mind a look at those Phil, I hadn't found them on any of my searches.

I'll lob them in the boot - though a reminder in the days immediately prior to the time would be appreciated


For info: Depending on 'brand' I vary between size 10 and 11.5 - my walking boots are 11.5. These are a 12 - and snug enough to not require wearing socks; which tended to ride down in the liner anyway

EDIT: The liners make a half way decent 'sit around' slipper - obviously they won't take the wear of walking and they aren't waterproof

 

[IanM]

And I like Lundhags.

 

[Chris the Cat]

Wayland, I have used Good pac boots in the Arctic on two occasions, getting down to -22.
They worked well but if you are yomping there is always the problem of the sweat which can not escape the rubber, lower half of the boot from freezing when you stop. ( not a problem if you are going inside, tent or cabin , and can dry your liners, socks, or insoles.
Now, however, after talking with Norwegian mountain troops at Bardafoss airport, I use unlined ( or leather lined ) leather boots, two sizes larger than my usual size with two pairs of Ulfrotte Woolpower arctic socks and a double layer felt insole I made myself by putting a 50p wool jumper in a very hot wash, drawing around my feet on some carboard and cutting out two of each template as my liner,
Works a treat!
Let me know how you get on.
My best.
Chris.

 

[maddave]

Have a look at Lundhags Gary. Those pack boots are gonna be WAY too warm for the uk in my opinion. I had a pair of Sorels which were just too much.. (great fer dogsledding though)

http://www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk/ecom_product_list.html?catid=184&gclid=CK-umNe246MCFYr92AodYkup9w

 

[Wayland]

I should have put more info I suppose.

These are for when I am out taking pictures in winter conditions.

This activity is characterised by long periods of time standing around, often in snow and moving relatively short distances.

Currently I use Muckboots with good success down to about -8°c but below that, as we had last year, my feet get significantly cold.

I am also looking to have these available and broken in for Arctic Scandinavian Winter work in the next couple of years.

These boots will make up a third solution for very cold conditions only. I don't intend to do a great deal of yomping in them, I already have that covered.

 

[Wayland]

So nobody has used these boots then.

I'm not sure whether that tells me anything or not.

I'll let you know how I get on with them if I get some.

 

[LOSTVIKINGA]

I have used these and other pac boots over the years in minus20 and colder and they have served me well. The musher by seeland is rated at minus 80 c and are realativly inexpensive

 

[Wayland]

Thanks for the feedback.

I've since bought a pair of Baffin boots and I'm beefing them up with upgraded liners.