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Single boots for 1-2 night winter trips in Sierra?

Original Post
Ari Guderian · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2017 · Points: 0

I'm sorry to post yet another "how does i boot" thread, but after reading through previous threads I'm still not sure..

I want to start doing some general mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada during winter months and not-winter-but-still-very-snowy months. I'll be taking an intro course in a few weeks. A lot of routes I am interested in doing would be overnights, but only 1-2, maaaaaybe 3 nights, not longer. Camp would be in a tent, not bivying on a ledge or anything like that

My feet don't get cold easily, and as far as I can tell well insulated single boots (perhaps with a supergaiter) would be plenty warm enough as far as temperature goes, but what I'm less clear on is how much of an issue having non-removable liners would be.

If I am only out for 1-2 nights, is the moisture buildup in single boots more or less manageable? Can I just keep the boots from freezing by keeping them in my bag? Will I end up with soaking wet boots by the 2nd or 3rd day or just kind of damp? is the concern about moisture mainly from internal perspiration, or from external moisture inevitably getting in? My feeling is that if I wear a reasonably weather sealed boot with a gaiter, and use flotation on the approach, the inside of the boot should stay reasonably free of external moisture (?). And if so, is the moisture buildup from foot sweat really that big of a deal after just 1 or 2 nights?  My feet don't sweat much, and I can use antiperspirant..

Will (warm) single boots be OK for this kind of trip or will I be kicking myself for not bringing double boots? Its just that all of the double boots I have tried feel way more awkward and less comfortable than the better single boots I've tried, so I'd prefer the latter if it's a reasonable thing to do.

Kevin Mcbride · · Canmore AB · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 505

A beefy single like the nepal or mont blanc should suffice, although I've been using the acrux ar the last year and a half and I'm really impressed with it, its weighs as much as some single boots but has a removable liner. As for the single vs double argument, you can survive with a single if you are really good at moisture management, with a vapour barrier and a good gaiter you should be alright. Doubles are nice though.

Jon Rhoderick · · OR · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 966

Vapor barrier one or two nights

Ari Guderian · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2017 · Points: 0

OK, I'm gonna give it a shot with singles + VBL and see how it goes. Thanks!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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