Homemade Insulated Gaiters Or Overboots

[skiguy]

I'm in full agreement with @skiguy. A super-gaiter such as the Mtn. Tools is the way to go. The Wiggly's don't cover your toes. and the Neos are a lot of bulk and weight.

Other things that can help:
Toe warmers: Buy them in bulk, and open the packs ~10-15 minutes before putting them on and your feet in your boots. Since they require air for the chemical reaction and there is limited air in your boots, they aren't as effective as handwarmers in a mitten or pocket, but they will help. Vapor barriers. I use Phil Werner's oven bags hack. Look into heated socks or footbeds.

You might try DryGuy Bootgloves or a cheap Amazon knock-off. They're designed for alpine ski boots, but probably help with hiking boots, too, if the fit works.

Keep the rest of your body warm. Throw on a good, hooded, down jacket, e.g. the Feathered Friends Volant or Helios jacket. Throw on a pair of full-side-zip insulated pants, e.g. the Mountain Hardwear Compressor pant.

Feed the engine: Eat carbs and fats, e.g. GORP. Keep yourself hydrated. Bring a thermos of Vermont-Maple-syrup-sweetened tea (low glycemic index) or hot cocoa.

I was going to suggest Mickey/bunny boots, but holy cow!, the price has skyrocketed.

Great info. On a side note I have used Vapor Barrier socks for years. Although rather than the bread or oven bagged technique I have always gone with a brand name sock. Chounaird was the go to VB sock for me until they went out of print. RAB makes a decent one now. I’ve always used these because they are actually ergonomically shaped. Bread bags are cheap but they are shaped to store bread not keep feet warm. I basically had problems with bread bags because they would slip and slosh around and sometimes even creep down my leg creating discomfort. The RABS are made of pack nylon not plastic. Therefore creating more of a non slip surface. Also again shaped like a sock. But also has an elastic gripping ring at ankle level. Those factors combined create a non slip/ stay in place environment. Also especially on multi day efforts they don’t get all Manley like plastic bags do. Another trick is to use a mild roll on antiperspirant directly applied to your foot-skin and or some baby powder to cut down on the perspiration level. Less moisture equals warmer feet and dryer boot lining.

https://rab.equipment/us/vb-socks?srsltid=AfmBOoqX8C3H1xG7VX1XYksVx8MeQbB3TK79N3Yqgd2m4hCZLKG2KMAP

 

[TEO]

The RABS are made of pack nylon not plastic. Therefore creating more of a non slip surface. Also again shaped like a sock. But also has an elastic gripping ring at ankle level. Those factors combined create a non slip/ stay in place environment. Also especially on multi day efforts they don’t get all Manley like plastic bags do. Another trick is to use a mild roll on antiperspirant directly applied to your foot-skin and or some baby powder to cut down on the perspiration level. Less moisture equals warmer feet and dryer boot lining.

https://rab.equipment/us/vb-socks?srsltid=AfmBOoqX8C3H1xG7VX1XYksVx8MeQbB3TK79N3Yqgd2m4hCZLKG2KMAP

Are these high enough to work with AT boots or plastic tele boots? Asking for a friend.

 

[skiguy]

Are these high enough to work with AT boots or plastic tele boots? Asking for a friend.

I cannot answer that question. I have only used them with hiking and mountaineering boots. My inclination is they would be too short as they don’t go over the calf of my legs but stop just below that point. These look quite higher and might work but pricey. https://point6.com/products/cold-we...MInOTjyOrXigMVG0r_AR3wui5FEAQYAiABEgI_6fD_BwE

 

[DayTrip]

Great info. On a side note I have used Vapor Barrier socks for years. Although rather than the bread or oven bagged technique I have always gone with a brand name sock. Chounaird was the go to VB sock for me until they went out of print. RAB makes a decent one now. I’ve always used these because they are actually ergonomically shaped. Bread bags are cheap but they are shaped to store bread not keep feet warm. I basically had problems with bread bags because they would slip and slosh around and sometimes even creep down my leg creating discomfort. The RABS are made of pack nylon not plastic. Therefore creating more of a non slip surface. Also again shaped like a sock. But also has an elastic gripping ring at ankle level. Those factors combined create a non slip/ stay in place environment. Also especially on multi day efforts they don’t get all Manley like plastic bags do. Another trick is to use a mild roll on antiperspirant directly applied to your foot-skin and or some baby powder to cut down on the perspiration level. Less moisture equals warmer feet and dryer boot lining.

https://rab.equipment/us/vb-socks?srsltid=AfmBOoqX8C3H1xG7VX1XYksVx8MeQbB3TK79N3Yqgd2m4hCZLKG2KMAP

This is actually my current VB sock. My feet don't sweat in them. I find they help. Apparently my feet are just ice cubes....

 

[DayTrip]

FWIW my inexpensive rubber over boots from Amazon were a bust. They went on well over my boots and the zipper moved quite well (was 2 deg F the day I tested) but after 10-15 minutes of standing around I could not tell the difference between the covered and the uncovered foot. I really thought that by being solid rubber they would trap more heat. They were pretty clunky to carry around too. On to the next idea....

Have you looked at cycling over booties? Get the largest size available to do over a winter boot. You can tuck a couple of hand warmers in between them and you boot to boost heat if needed. Various types made, rock bros are very inexpensive on Amazon. May even be able to slide in a thin piece of closed cell foam at the toes.

I have. I just can't imagine them being large enough to go over a mountain boot. Cycling shoes are so much smaller. The design is what I had in mind though.

 

[DayTrip]

Keep the rest of your body warm. Throw on a good, hooded, down jacket, e.g. the Feathered Friends Volant or Helios jacket. Throw on a pair of full-side-zip insulated pants, e.g. the Mountain Hardwear Compressor pant.

Feed the engine: Eat carbs and fats, e.g. GORP. Keep yourself hydrated. Bring a thermos of Vermont-Maple-syrup-sweetened tea (low glycemic index) or hot cocoa.

I do all these things. My feet just get cold easy.

 

[helmethiker]

Have you looked at cycling over booties? Get the largest size available to do over a winter boot. You can tuck a couple of hand warmers in between them and you boot to boost heat if needed. Various types made, rock bros are very inexpensive on Amazon. May even be able to slide in a thin piece of closed cell foam at the toes.

I wear size 46 cycling shoes and I have trouble getting cycling overboots to fit over those. Where are you finding cycling overboots that would fit over a hiking boot?

 

[focusonbalance]

I wear size 46 cycling shoes and I have trouble getting cycling overboots to fit over those. Where are you finding cycling overboots that would fit over a hiking boot?

Sorry, i wasn’t thinking I have small feet, I’m a women’s size 8.5/men’s size 7…. Easy to get an over boot for even my winter boots, Salomon toundras. I do also have the new OR X- gaiters, I bought last year really cheap! And not an XS, had full size options then on sale. Good luck!