25 Looking for a good portage boot recommendation (Read 16747 times)
Mooseboy
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Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Mar 15th, 2017 at 3:34pm
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I'm in the market for a new pair of boots for long canoe trips with serious portaging.  I'd be wearing them all day, so I'm looking for something that drains well and and provides good ankle support and traction for those rough portages.  Does anyone have any experience with the Chota Quetico Trekker?  Other recommendations?  Thanks!
  
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Old Salt
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #1 - Mar 15th, 2017 at 4:29pm
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Welcome aboard to QJ! We just enjoyed a great time in Madison last weekend! I hope you will join us next year. Wink

To answer your question, I like the NRS Storm boot. It is everything you are looking for. What size do you want? Cool
  
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PhantomJug
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #2 - Mar 15th, 2017 at 4:39pm
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What is serious portagingHuh  After 30 years and over 500 nights in Quetico, the best thing I've worn on my feet are an old pair of comfortable sneakers (do we still use that term?).  But then again, maybe I'm not doing serious portaging?
  
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jp
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #3 - Mar 15th, 2017 at 8:01pm
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I tried Chotas when they first came out and the traction on wet rocks was poor. Several slips and near misses. I "retired" them and would not buy again unless the sole material/traction has greatly improved.
  
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portage dog
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #4 - Mar 15th, 2017 at 9:41pm
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Welcome Mooseboy...now I have this picture of Bullwinkle running around my head.  I own and have used all the boots below as noted on Quetico trips of 10 days. 

NRS - According to the NRS site the Storm Boot is discontinued/no longer available. I have no experience with them.  I do have the NRC Velocity, which is on closeout from NRS for $82.50.  The NRS rep at Canoecopia told me they are making some updates to the boot (could be same with the Storm?).  He noted my comments on it.  My experience was that it fit well, super comfortable and light, drains great, great traction, lugged and siped sole.  Downsides - open cell neoprene takes FOREVER to dry and the toe cap could have been sturdier.  Looking forward to the updates.

Chota - Have an OLD pair of Trekkers.  I thought they were very good, very sturdy, drain well.  They have replaced the sole with a lugged grippier one - saw it at 'Copia too.  They run large and I added Superfeet insoles - the ones that come with tend to float around.  Also look at the new Hybrid Hightop Rubber Soled Boot - bought a pair a 'Copia and looking to see how well they work - have the same new sole.  They should drain like water from a bucket with all that mesh.  Rep said the mesh held up extremely well in testing and field trials. 

Astral - I used the Rassler last summer on two trips.  Ultra light, super drainage, fastest drying shoe I ever had, very comfortable, SUPER sticky soles. Downsides - semi-low ankle height, no screens let in muck/sand, sole is a bit thin.  The Astral rep at 'Copia said they are making some updates including a composite shank, mesh, and adding a sole like the TR-1's.  Overall good, but a bit lightweight.  I'd wait for the updated version.

Sorel Woodbine Surplus Boot - Discontinued, but still available new from some places.  All canvas with leather rand, high top lace ups, no drain ports, but the canvas doesn't need them.  Sturdy, lightweight, ran a bit small. Decent grip. Should be able to get a deal on them.  No major complaints.

Still looking for that ultimate boot.  Good luck and post additional questions.

pd

  
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Ranger
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #5 - Mar 16th, 2017 at 1:45am
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I wear some Teva shoes made of a mesh stretchy material. Those with some Smart Wool socks are all I need. Easy to wash and rinse out in camp, and dry by the morning.
  
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Magicpaddler
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #6 - Mar 16th, 2017 at 3:19am
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shoe review at
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TomT
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #7 - Mar 16th, 2017 at 12:21pm
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This is the shoe that Pine Knot wore.  Maybe he'll chime in for a review. Baffin Swamp Buggy
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It gets high marks for a creative name.  Grin
  
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chaga
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #8 - Mar 16th, 2017 at 12:52pm
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I like my Chota Trekkers. I have been using them for 16 years and only had to replace them once. I actually wear one pair for portaging and another pair around camp.
  
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Magicpaddler
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Re: Looking for a good portage boot recommendation
Reply #9 - Mar 16th, 2017 at 1:02pm
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THE SHOES I LIKE SO WELL ARE THE
KEEN MEN'S VOYAGEUR MID

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