Columbia OmniHeat Bugaboot Plus XTM

Last summer on a drive through Barry's Bay my bride and i stopped in at Mad Outfitters.

We weren't really looking for anything particular, just some odds and ends for camping, but my wife found a pair of these in size 14. And they had been marked down repeatedly to $84.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/col...alization=True

Based on the 600 gr synthulate, i was hesitant to purchase them as I only stand hunt, during the usually frigid 2nd week and pretty much sit still for 3-5 hours at a time. I had my doubts about their ability to keep me warm.

However, being an experienced bigfoot, i know never to pass up a deal on size 14 quality footwear and grabbed them. Also, i do have a pair of Columbia omniheat gloves that are incredible for keeping me warm without any bulk, and minimal activity.

Turns out these boots are one of my smartest hunting buys anywhere. Not once did my feet get even a little bit cold this season. My longest sit was 5.5 hours and it was +1 to -3 over the course of that hunt. I wore only a single pair of redhead synth-wool socks inside them.

I haven't really tested their waterproofing yet, but will do so in early turkey season and update this if i remember.

Similar to what I used last year(-15 to -10) over 5 hours while stand hunting, had non wool socks, and got a little cold in the toes towards the end. However I was on the ground and eventually had to move to grassy area(without snow/ice) to maintain comfort.

You should do ok with them in the cold and you got a good price.

Size 14! Yeah, I'd be buying anything on sale that fit too! Interesting, though, how footwear is one product that doesn't genrerally 'discriminate' on size?

Sitting on my stand I noticed a HUGE difference from sitting at 0C and sitting at -6C. It was a lot easier to sit still late afternoon than first thing in the morning and I was using my Sorel Caribous with layered socks. I need a new system (boots) for next year if I think I can sit for 3 or 4 hours when the temps are below freezing.

I have resorted to using Little Hotties chemical toe warmers that are peal and stick and attached to my sock. They are fairly flat and comfortable to wear. They last for the advertised time and then some. Goodbye cold feet. I buy the 30 pack for $15 at Costco so at .50 cents per outing whether it is hunting, fishing or skiing my feet are always toasty warm. Good product! I simply wear rubber boots with insulated felt that I bought from CTC on sale for $40.

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Originally Posted by Oddmott

My longest sit was 5.5 hours and it was +1 to -3 over the course of that hunt.

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...lol..the -3 cold test...lol...

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Originally Posted by impact

I have resorted to using Little Hotties chemical toe warmers that are peal and stick and attached to my sock.
Good product! I simply wear rubber boots with insulated felt that I bought from CTC on sale for $40.

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Yup..they work for me too...I wear a loose fitting boot and those pads under my foot during my ML hunts...have sat 6 hrs at -17...no problem. Still working when I come home. Great product.

Is that the insole type warmers I see in the stores? Thought about giving them a try.

these ones: http://www.basspro.com/HeatMax-HotHa...product/99731/

This what I use. The price listed is much cheaper at Costco. $15 for a pack of 30.

https://www.littlehottieswarmers.com...sivetoewarmers

Good score on the boots Oddmott. I like to use the toe warmers stuck to the top side of my socks so I am not walking on them. I just "acquired" a pair of Muck Woody Max boots and hope I don't need any extra warmers with them. I will try them on the ice this winter.:fish:...........Boog

Thanks MikePal. The one I saw are cut out like a regular shoe insert.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

...lol..the -3 cold test

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I can't really control the weather. It was about as cold as it usually gets for rifle season. As of right now that's all I hope not so its all I need boots for.

But I've had many other boots that did leave me cold in the exact same conditions before.

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Originally Posted by Oddmott

I can't really control the weather. It was about as cold as it usually gets for rifle season.

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Your right....it rarely gets cold enough to put frost on the ATV seats anymore....cold has become relative :)