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Hey dakka, I need some help finding boots and other outdoorsy and cold weather gear. So next year I'm going off to college to NAU. But I'm gonna need some gear, and I'm mainly looking at boots. So what boots would you guys recommend for my needs? I'm gonna be wearing them to class in the winter when it's snowing out and also out hiking, and fishing and stuff. So they'll be going through water, dirt, and snow. Keep in mind I'm also a size 14. And then is there any other outdoor gear you guys recommend? Thanks

Go to Cabelas or Bass and try a few pairs on. Only way you're going to know which ones work for you.

Both stores should carry large sizes, as well, as hunters come in all sizes.

I have these



There are a ton of more expensive ones out there that are probably better, but I like them.

My Rocky Blizzardstalkers are five seasons old now and still going strong. Other than silicon spray here and there and new laces I haven't babied them. (Winter months at work while running plows, snow blowers, cleaning 6' snow drifts from 40' rooftops, etc.)

As I was issued Rocky branded boots once before(in the Army) for winter use, I knew they would last. And boy are they! (I wear 14's as well).

Oh I like those, Rusty. May have to try a pair on!

Thanks for the input guys!

Besides Corcorans Jump boots I always stuck with Altama's

I still wear my last pair of Altama's and pretty much have two deployments on this pair and another three on another pair. Both been retreaded once already

For general clothing never underestimate layers - layers works wonders and keeps you warm, plus means that if you start to overheat you can take one or two off and regulate your temperature that way - if you've got one big thick coat on that is great, but if you get too hot you can only take it off and lose a huge block of warmth all at once. (and if you've worked and got sweaty - suddenly taking your top off whilst out in the cold will get you chilled fast).

Also look into thermal underwear - esp if you're sitting and not doing much for ages. It's another layer and can make a big difference.

If you look into gortex remember its only any good if you're wearing all gortex. If you've got only one layer in the material then its not going to be able to breath because its doing the breathing, but then another non-gortex layer isn't so its defeated.

For wet weather try and avoid the super cheap roll-up-tiny waterproofs - they work, but if they are not breathable and well made you'll just end up sweating like crazy inside them - at which point you can end up just as wet as if you'd left them off. Also always remember; waterproof jackets are next to useless if you're not wearing waterproof trousers as well; because the jacket will just send all the water teaming down; typically right over your thighs (which is an ideal way to suddenly find the money in your pocket got soaked through).

If you want it all in one then a coat with long sides and tail is the only way - since then the water should be falling past your legs; at worst landing on your shoes.


Walking boots can be great; although I find that whilst online research is good; its only as good as what you can find locally and actually try on (If you do order online be prepared to have to send it back and try another size).

They're workboots but I wear Hytest. With wool socks usually keep my feet warm enough during the winter working outside all day in the mud and the slush. If you're doing a lot of moving around don't use wool though- they just get soaked and make the cold worse. Pretty much all socks do in my experience.