Boots for Mount Washington in Early February

Sorry in advance if this has been asked in some way, shape, or form before but I'm looking for some opinions of those that have been up Mount Washington this time of year and what boots they've done it in. Many sites recommend plastic double boots, others insulated leathers, but I have a pair of light three season boots ( scarpa.com/charmoz-pro-gtx ) and a pair of nice, heavy gaiters and I want to know if I'm looking at a chilly day or a day in which I lose 1-10 toes.

I'm open to the idea of renting doubles as I did the last time I summited, but I'm wondering if anyone thinks that I could get by without losing toes with my current set up. Chemical toe warmers are an option for the boots as well, but I try not to rely to heavily on them as they have never proven all the reliable.

Thanks for reading!

I'm not familiar with those particular boots but I regularly ice climb in NH in a pair of leather Scarpa Eigers and never have cold feet. Obviously there are variables like if you tend to have cold feet and the weather. I dislike plastic boots as they are tougher to hike in.

Depends on the conditions. If you get benighted with no shelter with 60mph winds and below zero temps you might lose some toes. If you do a day trip wearing good wool socks you'll be fine. The couple times I went, I used old double boots because they were all I had, but they were overkill for sure. The only reason I'd use double boots is if I was going on a multi day trip where I needed to dry the liners in a sleeping bag overnight.

I have the same boots and have done a couple winter hikes in the whites with them, i wouldn't recommend sitting in a 60mph wind when wearing them but from my experience, no you will not lose toes. Use a thicker sock, put the gaiters on and you should be good to go.

however I run warm, if you have issues keeping your feet warm i would look at a more insulated option.

You don't need double boots for Washington unless you are going on a ridiculously cold day. A pair of high quality insulated hiking boots will do fine. However, the boots you mention are only slightly insulated and don't leave you much room for error. If you plan to move very fast and limit the rest breaks, then you *might* be ok in them, but why risk it.

People get issues with their feet for a few reason: cold from sweat, poor circulation because their boots are too tight and/or they are not hydrated adequately. Drink to stay up on your liquids, make sure your boots fit, and use an anti-perspirant on your feet the night before and the morning of your trip. That will keep them bone dry and warm, regardless of your boot.

Another option for you instead of renting is to get some overboots from 40 Below. I'm thinking the Light Energy overboots would work well with your Scarpas. This isn't a cheap option, but they are a great product. Call Joel at 40 Below and tell him what you are looking to do, he'll help you out if you go this route.

Sean, I think that you'll be fine in those boots. As others have said, if it's real cold and you're standing around for a long time, your toes will go numb, but that's true for almost any boot. I've done the traverse a couple of times during the winter in relatively lightweight boots and not had any problems.

Thanks to everyone for their input!

Holding out hope the weather isn't too bitter cold and I can make it back without any problems. Our plan is always light and fast--no standing around getting cold. If the forecast looks bleak I can always rent a pair of double boots and not risk it.

You guys rock--so again, thank you!

If you were benighted in sub zero temps with 60 mile an hour winds, you'd be dead and not too worried about toes.

I have Phantom Guides and find them to be perfect. I'd never consider your boots, not even on a warmer winter day (things change in March). My feet sweat and run cold. The problem here, really, is contingency. You need a little margin for error and a 3 season boot doesn't afford that. If you sprain an ankle an have to hang out for a few hours, well, then you will loose a toe. Even in more benign conditions this time of year.

I always cringe when I see people up there in hiking boots, they're just plain inappropriate. Then again, good fortune seems to prevail most of the time.

Have fun and be safe.

Also, I'm into fast and light too.