nctry_Ben wrote on Feb 16^th, 2011 at 10:04pm:

Ben -

Actually, I have Chota Mukluks (Nunavut II ... OD Green foot box, Tan Upper).  I love these boots for cold weather (e.g., May) travel.  But they are so warm, that down here I only get to wear them in the winter.  My paddling partner had the black version and tried for a couple of years to find them to replace his set that got a puncture.  He finally gave up on finding them.

I also have the Salomon Tecamphib's ... I'm a bit surprised they stay on in knee-deep or better muck.  

I also have the OTB Abyss (OD Green) and the OTB Odhin (OD Green).  I pick lighter color footwear for warmer weather use.  I've worn the Odhin (the high-top equivalent to the Abyss) on a both a WCPP and Quetico (shortest one was 10 days).  They did very well ... but they do let water in (as well as out).  So, if you step in a puddle on the portage trail, the bottom of your foot will get wet.  Then its a matter of how well your sock sheds water as to how wet your foot will be.

BTW:  I'll soon be listing for sale the Abyss boots (size 11, never worn) on the "for sale" thread soon.  They came in before the Odhin's and I managed to loose the receipt before I shipped them back.  NRS (current owner of the OTB line) currently has then listed for $125 and Rutabaga has them on sale for $75.  (I was thinking $60 plus shipping.)

dd

ADDENDUM:  Just so I don't get any more PM's ... the Abyss boots are spoken for.

DD, bring 'em to Copia, and you can probably sell them there, after you post them.

mastertangler wrote on Feb 16^th, 2011 at 7:25pm:


I'm on my third pair of chota mukluks and this will be my last pair.  Chota seems obsessed with fiddling with a good thing, and they've gone downhill with each new model.  The current model has the world's crappiest cinches at the top of the gaiter.  I replaced them with some thick shock cord and crimps and at least now the gaiters stay up. 

I'm thinking about using my Muck boot for my spring trip.  This is the same boot I use for pheasant hunting.  I bit heavy, but I think it'll work for Spring and Fall.  Also has much better support and sole than the chotas.

prouboy

"so many have the OTB Abyss and I wonder how they compare to Chota Q Trekkers. Looks like the OTB drain much better and the sole looks like it might have better grip on terrain."

Yup;
The OTB boots do drain much better and dry fairly quickly - I never was able to really dry out the Q-trekkers - the leather upper just stayed slimy (and stunk);  the sole on the Q-trekkers is a poor design in my opinion - poor traction in the mud, as compared to the 1/4" lugs on the OTB Abyss boots I have which really grip.  I have several different water shoes similar to the Techamphibians someone posted a pic of, a couple of different pairs of "wading boots", one pair of 2 pairs of the Abyss boots, and one pair of the Q-trekkers (which I have referred to in the past as a 39 dollar pair of shoes with a 100 dollar price tag due to very poor construction on the pair I have) - of all those boots, the Q-treekers are the least likely to ever see Quetico.  I know some people who have 20 year old Q-trekkers and swear by them, but mine (@ 2005) were junk.
So far, I'm very pleased with teh OTB boots.  I do occasionally use the Q-trekkers on local river trips where there are no portages, and I can keep my feet dry - they do OK as hikers in the desert terrain here.

I wish I could convince my son to wear shoes.  Even when there is still a little snow and ice he's running around barefoot.  Climbing rocks, running through the woods, paddling a canoe; always barefoot.

Sometimes we get to town only to find out he has no shoes along so we have to go buy a cheap pair at Joynes so he can go into the store with us!

My Tevas or Chacos are my summertime favorite and an old pair of tennis shoes or a thick pair of socks work around camp.