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!

 

[strider]

I've been looking around for awhile now for an overboot type product for Winter/cold weather when I make extended stops for photography. I don't need a full on overboot for hiking. It is just for standing around to go over existing boots. I figured an insulated gaiter might work and OR makes (or made) one that looks to have gone away unless you're in the market for an XS size. Was thinking about just adding insulation of some sort to my normal gaiters but wasn't really sure how I'd go about attaching it so it stayed in place. Anothere thought was a slip on tube of some sort that I could slide on before putting my boots on. Not entirely sure how to go about it.

Anybody who knows of a product or has done something similar? Appreciate any thoughts on the subject. Thanks in advance.

I have a couple pairs of OR Brooks Rangers overboots (M and L, I believe) laying around. Could send you a pair if interested. Not sure how warm they are as I've never worn them. I upgraded to the K2 Purple Haze and never went back to the ORs.

 

[DayTrip]

I have a couple pairs of OR Brooks Rangers overboots (M and L, I believe) laying around. Could send you a pair if interested. Not sure how warm they are as I've never worn them. I upgraded to the K2 Purple Haze and never went back to the ORs.

Appreciate that but I'm not sure a M or L will fit. Most of my boots are Size 11 so I'm guessing I'd need XL. I'm really hoping to find a gaiter type product to strap over my boots vs slipping my boots into another boot, adding and removing traction, etc. It's really just for picture taking stops so I'm trying to keep it as easy and quick as I can.

 

[dave.m]

I have thought to try this but as you mentioned traction would trash the foam and I'm almost always wearing at least spikes in Winter. The cheap rubber rain overboots I ordered fit my Winter boots pretty well so I'm going to try a foam insole in them and see what happens.

It’s still unclear to me what kind of boot options you’re working with or what kind of terrain you’re on. Knowing those would be very helpful in terms of providing better ideas.

Shooting in the dark a bit, but some random thoughts.

1) You may be asking too much from your system if you’re trying to do stop and go where stop means keeping traction devices on. Crampons and the like draw a lot of heat out the boots. I have and occasionally use an old pair of X-gaiters and they do help but not with heat loss through the soles. Perhaps traction devices with easier on/off features? Or insulated insoles?

2) Over the years, I’ve transitioned from hunting in lace up Norwegian welted hiking boots to insulated pull on rubber boots. Rubber boots still feel odd to me with their floppy slipper like fit, but I’ve gained a lot confidence in my ability to be able to log a lot of miles in them. For really cold days, I use a pair of Baffin Titans. Yes, they feel weird and wouldn’t be my pick for steep trails up high. But they’re great for cold stop and go.



Add a pair of microspikes and they could go a lot of places.

Can’t emphasize this enough. It took a few years for me to gain confidence in my ability to comfortably rack up miles in boots of this sort. It’s a very different feel.

3) Have you exhausted the options with modern Thinsulate winter hiking boots like those from Salomon and Keen? They may be less capable than your 3-season boots but perhaps more livable?

4) To keep your feet warmer during stop and go, you might consider wearing insulated side zip pants over tights or softshell pants. I’ve been known to hike with the zippers all the way open to the cuff while hiking. It looks foolish but when stopping, just pull the zips up and you’re sealed in.

Hope something here helps.

Would love to know what boots are working for you and the kind of terrain you’re talking about.

 

[DayTrip]

It’s still unclear to me what kind of boot options you’re working with or what kind of terrain you’re on. Knowing those would be very helpful in terms of providing better ideas.

Would love to know what boots are working for you and the kind of terrain you’re talking about.

I thought it was pretty clear what I was trying to do (to me at least). But I appreciate your curiosity. So to recap:

1) I'm wearing typical insulated Winter hiking boots like most people wear, currently Scarpa Ribelles. I have a very difficult time finding boots that fit my feet right (for all seasons) and have tried many brands and styles, including double boots, Baffin boots similar to what you suggested, etc. The Scarpa boots I currently use fit me well but only have modest insulation.

2) I'm all set with my layering system and do many of the things you mentioned already. When I am moving or for short stops I am warm. I know about VPL socks, avoid boots and socks that are too tight, wrinkles in the socks, eating a snack to keep metabolism going, etc, etc, etc.

3) The issue is EXTENDED STOPS to take pictures for sunrise, sunset and other scenarios. I often stop for 30-45 minutes for this purpose, sometimes much longer (My longest stop was 2 hours on a 0 deg F night). My feet are naturally cold and these stops are a killer for me depending on how cold it is and how long I stop. The rest of my body is fine. I have the gear to stand around in -10 deg F temps and be fine except for my feet.

4) These stops are almost always at or above tree line, generally alpine meadows and similar terrain typical of the Presidentials or Franconia ridge.

5) I am very specifically NOT looking to swap one boot out for another one on site or add any type of overboot that would entail futzing around transferring traction from boot to boot and back. That is why I was looking for a gaiter recommendation, either as a product or home made solution if feasible. I'm looking for a temporary option to keep feet warm while taking pictures that goes in and out of the pack without disrupting my original system. Quick warmth and convenience are the goals. Slip it on top of everything. Take it off when I'm done.

And, yes, I get it. This is not a great situation for staying warm and toasty. Not at all. I'm not imagining a scenario that makes my feet feel warm and toasty like they're on a rock in front of a roaring campfire. I'm looking to keep my feet tolerably comfortable while I do what I do. I LOVE being above tree line at sunset, at night and at sunrise. Year round. So I am not looking for more practical or sensible options down low in the trees. I'm looking to manage the situations I enjoy being in.

My original thought prompting this post was to make a home made gaiter type product out of insulation. Somebody, I forget who, suggested getting a cheap pair of ski pants and cutting the legs off to fashion leg warmers of some sort. That is most in line with my original thought process in concept and budget. I realize this is a fairly specific situation and quite possibly there is no reasonable solution. But the people on this forum never cease to amaze me with their ideas and ingenuity so I'll always ask the question. I've learned a hell of a lot about products I didn't even realize existed until I asked my question here. So I always ask it.

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

I thought it was pretty clear what I was trying to do (to me at least). But I appreciate your curiosity. So to recap:

1) I'm wearing typical insulated Winter hiking boots like most people wear, currently Scarpa Ribelles. I have a very difficult time finding boots that fit my feet right (for all seasons) and have tried many brands and styles, including double boots, Baffin boots similar to what you suggested, etc. The Scarpa boots I currently use fit me well but only have modest insulation.

2) I'm all set with my layering system and do many of the things you mentioned already. When I am moving or for short stops I am warm. I know about VPL socks, avoid boots and socks that are too tight, wrinkles in the socks, eating a snack to keep metabolism going, etc, etc, etc.

3) The issue is EXTENDED STOPS to take pictures for sunrise, sunset and other scenarios. I often stop for 30-45 minutes for this purpose, sometimes much longer (My longest stop was 2 hours on a 0 deg F night). My feet are naturally cold and these stops are a killer for me depending on how cold it is and how long I stop. The rest of my body is fine. I have the gear to stand around in -10 deg F temps and be fine except for my feet.

4) These stops are almost always at or above tree line, generally alpine meadows and similar terrain typical of the Presidentials or Franconia ridge.

5) I am very specifically NOT looking to swap one boot out for another one on site or add any type of overboot that would entail futzing around transferring traction from boot to boot and back. That is why I was looking for a gaiter recommendation, either as a product or home made solution if feasible. I'm looking for a temporary option to keep feet warm while taking pictures that goes in and out of the pack without disrupting my original system. Quick warmth and convenience are the goals. Slip it on top of everything. Take it off when I'm done.

And, yes, I get it. This is not a great situation for staying warm and toasty. Not at all. I'm not imagining a scenario that makes my feet feel warm and toasty like they're on a rock in front of a roaring campfire. I'm looking to keep my feet tolerably comfortable while I do what I do. I LOVE being above tree line at sunset, at night and at sunrise. Year round. So I am not looking for more practical or sensible options down low in the trees. I'm looking to manage the situations I enjoy being in.

My original thought prompting this post was to make a home made gaiter type product out of insulation. Somebody, I forget who, suggested getting a cheap pair of ski pants and cutting the legs off to fashion leg warmers of some sort. That is most in line with my original thought process in concept and budget. I realize this is a fairly specific situation and quite possibly there is no reasonable solution. But the people on this forum never cease to amaze me with their ideas and ingenuity so I'll always ask the question. I've learned a hell of a lot about products I didn't even realize existed until I asked my question here. So I always ask it.

It just occurred to me that I have been in a similar situation on annual, one-day, x/c ski traverses of the Pemigewasset, Rte 302 to Rte 112. Inevitably in some years we would have some really slow skiers, who could not even keep up to share the trail breaking, and I usually volunteered to wait for the slow skiers to catch up. We used lightweight skis and boots, which provide only minimum warmth, even with knee-high, OR snow gaiters. So, I simply stood on my emergency, half-length, Ridgerest pad folded to be four layers thick, which made all the difference for keeping my feet warm. Or, I would just ski back and forth between the faster trail breakers and the slow skiers at the back, which obviously would not be an option for you.

 

[maineguy]

I thought it was pretty clear what I was trying to do (to me at least). But I appreciate your curiosity. So to recap:

1) I'm wearing typical insulated Winter hiking boots like most people wear, currently Scarpa Ribelles. I have a very difficult time finding boots that fit my feet right (for all seasons) and have tried many brands and styles, including double boots, Baffin boots similar to what you suggested, etc. The Scarpa boots I currently use fit me well but only have modest insulation.

2) I'm all set with my layering system and do many of the things you mentioned already. When I am moving or for short stops I am warm. I know about VPL socks, avoid boots and socks that are too tight, wrinkles in the socks, eating a snack to keep metabolism going, etc, etc, etc.

3) The issue is EXTENDED STOPS to take pictures for sunrise, sunset and other scenarios. I often stop for 30-45 minutes for this purpose, sometimes much longer (My longest stop was 2 hours on a 0 deg F night). My feet are naturally cold and these stops are a killer for me depending on how cold it is and how long I stop. The rest of my body is fine. I have the gear to stand around in -10 deg F temps and be fine except for my feet.

4) These stops are almost always at or above tree line, generally alpine meadows and similar terrain typical of the Presidentials or Franconia ridge.

5) I am very specifically NOT looking to swap one boot out for another one on site or add any type of overboot that would entail futzing around transferring traction from boot to boot and back. That is why I was looking for a gaiter recommendation, either as a product or home made solution if feasible. I'm looking for a temporary option to keep feet warm while taking pictures that goes in and out of the pack without disrupting my original system. Quick warmth and convenience are the goals. Slip it on top of everything. Take it off when I'm done.

And, yes, I get it. This is not a great situation for staying warm and toasty. Not at all. I'm not imagining a scenario that makes my feet feel warm and toasty like they're on a rock in front of a roaring campfire. I'm looking to keep my feet tolerably comfortable while I do what I do. I LOVE being above tree line at sunset, at night and at sunrise. Year round. So I am not looking for more practical or sensible options down low in the trees. I'm looking to manage the situations I enjoy being in.

My original thought prompting this post was to make a home made gaiter type product out of insulation. Somebody, I forget who, suggested getting a cheap pair of ski pants and cutting the legs off to fashion leg warmers of some sort. That is most in line with my original thought process in concept and budget. I realize this is a fairly specific situation and quite possibly there is no reasonable solution. But the people on this forum never cease to amaze me with their ideas and ingenuity so I'll always ask the question. I've learned a hell of a lot about products I didn't even realize existed until I asked my question here. So I always ask it.

Have you tried or considered electric socks?

 

[helmethiker]

2) Over the years, I’ve transitioned from hunting in lace up Norwegian welted hiking boots to insulated pull on rubber boots. Rubber boots still feel odd to me with their floppy slipper like fit, but I’ve gained a lot confidence in my ability to be able to log a lot of miles in them. For really cold days, I use a pair of Baffin Titans. Yes, they feel weird and wouldn’t be my pick for steep trails up high. But they’re great for cold stop and go.

View attachment 8086

Add a pair of microspikes and they could go a lot of places.

Can’t emphasize this enough. It took a few years for me to gain confidence in my ability to comfortably rack up miles in boots of this sort. It’s a very different feel.

Can you express what was not confidence-inspiring initially? My intuition with my rubber boots is that my feet will hurt either during or after any long walks, although they do work fine for several hours of standing and walking outside around the house.

 

[DayTrip]

It just occurred to me that I have been in a similar situation on annual, one-day, x/c ski traverses of the Pemigewasset, Rte 302 to Rte 112. Inevitably in some years we would have some really slow skiers, who could not even keep up to share the trail breaking, and I usually volunteered to wait for the slow skiers to catch up. We used lightweight skis and boots, which provide only minimum warmth, even with knee-high, OR snow gaiters. So, I simply stood on my emergency, half-length, Ridgerest pad folded to be four layers thick, which made all the difference for keeping my feet warm. Or, I would just ski back and forth between the faster trail breakers and the slow skiers at the back, which obviously would not be an option for you.

Someone mentioned the benefits of a standing pad here and I am considering that. The issue would be what traction does to it. So it would have to be very cheap and easily replaced or protected in some way. Foam wouldn't last very long....

 

[DayTrip]

Have you tried or considered electric socks?

I haven't, largely because of cost (which probably isn't that high anymore - its been awhile since I researched) but also because of the possibility of a battery failure or malfunction making them useless, having to carry spares or a charger, etc. Probably something I'll need to reconsider because there aren't many options looking useful right now except buying pre-made $200 gaiters like the ones mentioned here in previous posts.

 

[WuzzyMarmot]

There are some cool overboots linked here. I prefer the old school gaitors.

 

[dave.m]

I thought it was pretty clear what I was trying to do (to me at least). But I appreciate your curiosity. So to recap:

1) I'm wearing typical insulated Winter hiking boots like most people wear, currently Scarpa Ribelles. I have a very difficult time finding boots that fit my feet right (for all seasons) and have tried many brands and styles, including double boots, Baffin boots similar to what you suggested, etc. The Scarpa boots I currently use fit me well but only have modest insulation.

2) I'm all set with my layering system and do many of the things you mentioned already. When I am moving or for short stops I am warm. I know about VPL socks, avoid boots and socks that are too tight, wrinkles in the socks, eating a snack to keep metabolism going, etc, etc, etc.

3) The issue is EXTENDED STOPS to take pictures for sunrise, sunset and other scenarios. I often stop for 30-45 minutes for this purpose, sometimes much longer (My longest stop was 2 hours on a 0 deg F night). My feet are naturally cold and these stops are a killer for me depending on how cold it is and how long I stop. The rest of my body is fine. I have the gear to stand around in -10 deg F temps and be fine except for my feet.

4) These stops are almost always at or above tree line, generally alpine meadows and similar terrain typical of the Presidentials or Franconia ridge.

5) I am very specifically NOT looking to swap one boot out for another one on site or add any type of overboot that would entail futzing around transferring traction from boot to boot and back. That is why I was looking for a gaiter recommendation, either as a product or home made solution if feasible. I'm looking for a temporary option to keep feet warm while taking pictures that goes in and out of the pack without disrupting my original system. Quick warmth and convenience are the goals. Slip it on top of everything. Take it off when I'm done.

And, yes, I get it. This is not a great situation for staying warm and toasty. Not at all. I'm not imagining a scenario that makes my feet feel warm and toasty like they're on a rock in front of a roaring campfire. I'm looking to keep my feet tolerably comfortable while I do what I do. I LOVE being above tree line at sunset, at night and at sunrise. Year round. So I am not looking for more practical or sensible options down low in the trees. I'm looking to manage the situations I enjoy being in.

My original thought prompting this post was to make a home made gaiter type product out of insulation. Somebody, I forget who, suggested getting a cheap pair of ski pants and cutting the legs off to fashion leg warmers of some sort. That is most in line with my original thought process in concept and budget. I realize this is a fairly specific situation and quite possibly there is no reasonable solution. But the people on this forum never cease to amaze me with their ideas and ingenuity so I'll always ask the question. I've learned a hell of a lot about products I didn't even realize existed until I asked my question here. So I always ask it.

Knowing your boots and terrain really helps. Thanks.

Here are my vintage OR X-gaiters.



Originally, the bungee went around the toes but they would never stay in place. So, I took out the front bungee, coated the inside hem with SeamGrip and just took to cementing them to my boots with ShoeGoo. The ShoeGoo holds well enough but peels off both the boots and SeamGrip decently. If I had the coin, I’d love to replace them with rubber randed insulated gaiters but I use these so little. In any event, they behave sort of like rubber randed gaiters once they’ve been ShoeGooed in place.

If I had to do this on a tight budget, I’d get some inexpensive over boots for stand hunter like these.
https://www.arcticshieldoutdoor.com...oducts/boot-insulators?variant=45894779896053

They are also on Amazon.

Then, I would cut out the front and heel area so the front and heel of the soles are exposed and leaving a bridge of fabric under the arch. Then I would seal the inner surface with SeamGrip and the ShoeGoo them on your boots. The high rand on those Scarpa would hold and release Shoe Goo easily.

If you are really committed to keeping your crampons on, I would get some closed cell foam and the thinnest plywood I could find and glue em together. The plywood might make the foam last longer.

Longer term, I’d be looking at newer flexible crampons with chinch strap closures. Easier on and off.

 

[dave.m]

Can you express what was not confidence-inspiring initially? My intuition with my rubber boots is that my feet will hurt either during or after any long walks, although they do work fine for several hours of standing and walking outside around the house.

For me it was the lack of rigid and secure attachment to the soles. With old school leather boots, there is a secure ski boot like quality to the fit. Side edging in snow or loose soil is easy and confidence inspiring.

In my rubber boots, the fit is sloppy and I notice it trying to side edge. When I’m hunting (bushwhacking with a gun) I really notice this when going up or down a bank - often around brooks.

The other disconcerting thing is the lack of heel hold. But honestly, with a decent footbed in them, my feet feel great after a long day.

Again, this is bushwhacking in the 1500 - 3000 ft range, not scrambling up steep, rocky and icy trails.