Inexpensive but good winter boots (design, rated, Korean)

[chickadee]

Originally Posted by Submariner

Soon enough it will be snowshoes.

Then will come snowshoes over chest-high waders. Oh, how I hate snowshoeing carrying maple sap on my back, only to punch through into river water. Every spring though it happens. Scares the heck out of my every time.

Falling through the ice would be startling for anyone even if you expect it to happen, because you do not know when it will happen, and you have to instantly balance not only yourself but also the load on your back.

Would it be feasible for you to haul the maple sap on a sled that is similar to those used for hauling firewood, but fitted with a box to hold your sap container? The distribution of weight might help with this situation, although the thickness of the ice is a major factor. Maybe the ice would only crack instead of making a hole to plunge through?

Wondering if you have already tried doing that and it does not work well?

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by chickadee

Falling through the ice would be startling for anyone even if you expect it to happen, because you do not know when it will happen, and you have to instantly balance not only yourself but also the load on your back.

Would it be feasible for you to haul the maple sap on a sled that is similar to those used for hauling firewood, but fitted with a box to hold your sap container? The distribution of weight might help with this situation, although the thickness of the ice is a major factor. Maybe the ice would only crack instead of making a hole to plunge through?

Wondering if you have already tried doing that and it does not work well?

It would be much better if I had mature maples that were up on dry land. Instead my maples are down in the river flood plain. The river generally rises before winter and freezes over at that height.

The 'answer' promoted in trade-journals is to attach suction tubing to all the taps, and with a vacuum pump suck sap from the trees to a remote location up on dry land. I am not convinced this practice is safe for the tree.

What I have usually seen is by the end of sap flow every year, the ice is gone and I finish up in a kayak, before the river goes back down.

[maineborzoi]

Originally Posted by chickadee

Falling through the ice would be startling for anyone even if you expect it to happen, because you do not know when it will happen, and you have to instantly balance not only yourself but also the load on your back.

Would it be feasible for you to haul the maple sap on a sled that is similar to those used for hauling firewood, but fitted with a box to hold your sap container? The distribution of weight might help with this situation, although the thickness of the ice is a major factor. Maybe the ice would only crack instead of making a hole to plunge through?

Wondering if you have already tried doing that and it does not work well?

We use this for many uses during the winter. Good for wood, or ice fishing, to even walking to the store if need be. Very durable and does a great job !
Amazon.com : Viking Sport Sled, Black : Snow Sleds : Sports & Outdoors

[chickadee]

Originally Posted by Submariner

It would be much better if I had mature maples that were up on dry land. Instead my maples are down in the river flood plain. The river generally rises before winter and freezes over at that height. . . .

What I have usually seen is by the end of sap flow every year, the ice is gone and I finish up in a kayak, before the river goes back down.

Well, that is quite unique! I knew that you lived in a bog area, but am surprised that you have sugar maples that survive such wet, river floodplain conditions. I was imagining that your maple trees were on higher ground. Kudos to you for your persevering determination!

P.S.: I just realized that you must be tapping swamp maples, not sugar maples.

[6.7traveler]

Does anyone in Maine wear bunny boots? They are very popular here in Alaska and I love the pair I have. They are very warm even at -40. My feet are the only thing that isn't cold at times. Their main appeal is that the liner is encased in rubber so if you happen to get them wet you just pour out the water and your feet will warm right back up. Only draw back is they don't breathe well so you'll need to change of your socks occasionally. They can be had at military surplus stores and other places from $50-$100

I love the mucks too.

[maineborzoi]

Originally Posted by 6.7traveler

Does anyone in Maine wear bunny boots? They are very popular here in Alaska and I love the pair I have. They are very warm even at -40. My feet are the only thing that isn't cold at times. Their main appeal is that the liner is encased in rubber so if you happen to get them wet you just pour out the water and your feet will warm right back up. Only draw back is they don't breathe well so you'll need to change of your socks occasionally. They can be had at military surplus stores and other places from $50-$100

I love the mucks too.

They sound like they would be warm.
However- I am laughing because I can just see my dogs highly interested and chasing at my feet... *trips... "Stop that..quit now- go on... * ambushed and trips again....

[6.7traveler]

They are big and white and slightly awkward looking/feeling but they do the job!

[maineborzoi]

Originally Posted by 6.7traveler

They are big and white and slightly awkward looking/feeling but they do the job!

My husband told me that also as he was issued them when he was in the Air Force. He said it was rather unbelievable how warm they are.

/edit- found them http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/...ith-valve.html

[kevin5098]

Originally Posted by 6.7traveler

Does anyone in Maine wear bunny boots? They are very popular here in Alaska and I love the pair I have. They are very warm even at -40. My feet are the only thing that isn't cold at times. Their main appeal is that the liner is encased in rubber so if you happen to get them wet you just pour out the water and your feet will warm right back up. Only draw back is they don't breathe well so you'll need to change of your socks occasionally. They can be had at military surplus stores and other places from $50-$100

I love the mucks too.

I wear bunny boots and like them a lot. The black "Mickey Mouse" boots aren't bad either. Same idea as the white ones, but not rated for as low a temp as the bunny boots.

[Cuffler]

+++++1 Muck boots. Pull 'em on an off, no laces. They hug your calves and will keep your toes warm, something that's always plagued me. Now when I go upland bird hunting, I don't care what the terrain is. Those Muck boots keep my feet dry and warm in the worst weather. Worth every penny.

Rome