When I was up in the Quetico last summer I saw some people with ruber knee boots. If you don't know what I'm talking about, copy and paste the following link into your browser to see what I'm talking about.

http://image.basspro-shops.com/images/images2/700-000/700-682.jpg

Anyways,I was wondering what people's opinions of and or experieces with these boots and portageing. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Didn't look at the bass pro shop thing but if you are talking about knee high neopreme look at my reply to joecanoe about wading shoes. The trekkers also make great shoes for my waders. Jeff

You don't want to spend any amount of time portaging in these, your feet will look like ground beef. They may be useful on short trips one or two portages, but you won't find me in the back country with out a QUALITY pair of hikers

Every single pair of my rubber knee boots started their life as a pair of chest waders for duck hunting. I never knew they actually made them for sportsmen. The only ones I saw that weren't cutoffs were for dairy farmers. Man, I am such a rube sometimes.

That said, I wouldn't take a pair to the bwca. They are heavy and would be tough to walk in for any distance.

My experience is that you will get your feet wet no matter what you do, the trick is to choose something that is comfortable during portaging that will dry out quickly.

The boots pictured are high quality and nice fitting, I wear them just about any time I'm walking in the woods (miles) or stream canoeing.
My first bwca trip is coming up the second week of June and I was planning on taking them.

How far up your leg to you "always" get wet?

Thanks for any info,
Dan

I wear those exact boots all the time. Good form fitting, snug ankles. I can walk miles over all types of terrain with no problem. I would suggest trying on different sizes with heavy socks to get the exact fit.

I would like to know how far up the leg you could expect to get wet. I have just about talked myself out of taking them. Second week of June water Temps would be nice to know also.

Any help deeply appreciated,
Thanks,
Dan

I have gone hip deep when going through low water in rivers and out of shallow accesses. Don't ever think you won't get wet. The rocks get very slick and you could end up going waist deep. filling the boots with water would suck and your feet would be wet anyway. Quality hikers are the most comfortable for long portaging.

I have a pair of Chotas but only for the spring and fall cooler weather and water-I think they would be too hot for the summer and you will get wet feet regardless-if not from the water, then form the sweat-so I would prefer being comfortable and supported in warmer weather. I use the Chotas for the cold water and when it is cooler. My spring trip it got up to mid 70's almost every day and I really noticed the heat in the Chotas. My feet stayed warm and reasonably dry, but I could not wait to get them off at camp. In summer I wear hikers and do not mind getting my feet a little wet.

I'm with bogwalkermn. The Chota's are excellent for cooler weather but they aren't any good on warmer days. Check out the new LaCrosse boots too. I think they'd make good cold weather portage boots and the weight isn't too bad either. Plenty of ankle support as well. Happy trails.