Boots: Rubber or Pack Style?

[Might_B_A_Pike]

Looking at getting new boots for ice fishing. What style do you like most, the traditional snow/pack boot, or something like a full rubber insulated boot?

Thanks in advance

[Wanderer]

That totally depends on the conditions for me. I keep both types available.

I mostly fish in extreme northern MN where the temps can be very cold and yet have to deal with slush. Full rubber is much nicer in slush but you'll be giving up that pac boot warmth. I also use mukluks when temps are cold but I don't expect much slush.

In warmer climes, full rubber with liners has been a good all purpose boot for me.

I DID close my eyes to the sticker shock and bought a pair of the Thermacell Pro Flex heated insoles. There was a $30 rebate to help swallow the pill. I'm looking forward to trying them in my full rubber boots this weekend, even though temps won't be bad.

[toughguy]

Pack boot for me. Most are waterproof or resistant up until the top so it's rare to run into water log issues. I prefer the warmth of the pack boots.

[dj2quick35]

Love my military mickey mouse boots. Think i got mine for $60.

[Scott O.]

Pack boots all the way. I use the Cabela's Switchback pack boot with 1600 grams of insulation. Warm and waterproof and flexible enough to walk around comfortably.

[dfeste]

I'm another that owns both types. I have a pair of the Muck Arctic Pros and think they are great until the temps drop below about 15 degrees. I just got a pair of the Baffin Titans and after the first couple of outings with them I'm impressed. They are bulky but not terribly heavy. All rubber boot with a great liner. Maybe the best of both worlds.

[lovebigbluegills]

I have nothing but good things to say about muck boots- I have the wetland ones.

Last january I went over the tops in 5 degree weather. The boots kept the water in my boots "lukewarm" for 3 hours and I felt there was no immediate need to build a fire to dry things out before I could get back to the pickup.

I've passed this on to a fair number of people and they've all had nothing but good things to say about them.

[JSK76]

I have the Predator Extreme pack boots, warmest boots I've ever worn hands down. This year I decided to get a pair of Baffin Titans because I hated the time it takes to lace the Predators up. I know it sound lazy, and it is, but me and my buddy's would start getting ready at the cabin and because they wear Mucks they would be out the door and staring there snowmobiles before I was done putting my boots on. Then there was the times I just needed to step out to use the out house or grab some firewood and found I would just slip my buddy's Mucks on rather then deal with my predators.

I actually timed how long it takes to put on each boot and pull my bibs over top. 40 seconds each boot for the Predators and 13 seconds each for the Titans. The Titans would only take a few seconds but they are so big at the top I struggle to get my bibs zipped over the top of them.

I just got the Titans yesterday so can't say how warm they will be but as far as a rubber boot I think they might come close to the Predators. One thing I will say about them is I always buy the next size up in a boot but with the Titans I wish I would have stuck with my size.

[gill man]

I have a set of 800 gram Irish Setter Rutmaster rubber boots. I like them for the early to mid bow season in northern WI, but beyond that, they seem to not breathe well and my feet get cold and clammy after sitting for a few hours. At the end of the day my socks, and jeans that are tucked into the boots are damp.

There might be better rubber boots out there, but my feeling is that even heavily insulated rubber boots might eventually cause your feet to get damp and eventually uncomfortable and cold. Might be ok if you stay pretty active to generate heat most of the day.

All that said, I just have experience with one set of rubber boots, but I prefer more of a pack, or even lightweight (for warmer and active days) leather/gortex typer hunting boot that breathes and is still waterproof for ice fishing.

[Nutz4Crappie]

I have a pair of 800 gram insulated Rocky pack boots that are more of a hiker type. They are lighter weight so easier to walk around in then heavy over insulated pack boots. I use wool socks to adjust to the outdoor temperature that day. Using a light weight wool sock when temps are around 30 and heavier socks as the temps drop. I have never had cold feet.

[Wanderer]

I DID close my eyes to the sticker shock and bought a pair of the Thermacell Pro Flex heated insoles. There was a $30 rebate to help swallow the pill. I'm looking forward to trying them in my full rubber boots this weekend, even though temps won't be bad.

Temps WERE cold enough this weekend on Winnie and I was very happy with how the insoles performed. I'd notice my feet starting getting cold in my rubber boots and just turn them on medium with the remote to get back to comfy again. If I noticed my feet getting warmer (but not sweating) I'd hit the remote for no heat and keep my feet from getting clammy.

Really nice.