Footwear for Wildlife Filming

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Fox on November 18, 2010 at 15:59

Hi Ryan,
Walking boots are great for...walking/hiking, but you need to combine them with gaitors when walking through wet undergrowth and long grass, and of course they are useless in more than a few inches of water.
My neoprene wellies (Muckboot) are very warm and comfortable, so good for long periods in cold, wet conditions, but I find them far too sweaty for walking.
For me the ultimate boots are the goretex-lined leather country boots. They slip on like a glove, are very comfortable for walking and are fully waterproof. I have a pair of Dubarry (Wexford) boots:
http://www.dubarryboots.com/product/25
The only downside is the price. However, I use them daily, all year round, for photography, fishing, dog walking and they wear very well, so I really get my money's worth. I understand that the Toggi versions are OK (and much cheaper), but I tried on a pair and found them far less comfortable.
Patrick

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Permalink Reply by Marcus on November 18, 2010 at 17:55

Hi Ryan

I guess it depends on what you are filming and where.

For general walking and flexibility and waterproofing, then a good combination is walking boots that will take a pair of goretex Berghaus yeti gaiters, which gives waterproofing a good deal higher up your leg than boots, but has the advantages of walking boots over wellies.

If you are up to your waist in a river, then maybe fishermans waders....


Personally for walking boots I often find a good deal on good standard goretex walking boots at Gaynor Sports in Ambleside. I have more than one pair of boots for different situations, eg lighter fabrix goretex boots for spring-autumn, but more solid leather goretex boots with a stiffer sole suitable for crampons in winter.

I dont think there is one answer...

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Permalink Reply by pete seaman on November 19, 2010 at 10:19

for me walking boots with gaiters are the most comfortable if walking about all day but if standing in water and muddy conditions a pair of cheap wellies serves o.k. and take no looking after.

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Permalink Reply by Marcus on November 19, 2010 at 13:37

By the way Ryan, I have a pair of Berghaus goretex boots similar to those you mention from Cotswald, but they were a lot cheaper from Gaynor Sport in Ambleside, as they were doing a pile em high sell em cheap on a berghaus goretex boot when I bought them.
£100 at Cotswald Camping vs a similar Berghaus boot for £49.99 at Gaynor Sport

Looking at their website now, they seem to have a similar offer on:

http://www.gaynors.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=0101013...

Although, have a look at each boot for specifics of what you need, neither may be compaitble with yeti gaiters and/or crampons, or both may be, I havent checked

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Permalink Reply by Marcus on November 19, 2010 at 13:55

With regard to boots and crampons, in case people havent come across it, you need to check the boot rating to check what the walking boots are suitable for.

Boots are rated from B0 to B3, you will see this on the shop website, or ask in the shop, or speak to the manufacturer. Before using (if you have bought online and couldnt check the box at time of purchase), it can be an idea to check the product information in the box to make sure the boot is rated for your needs, as of course they wont take them back if you have already used them outside. Re boot ratings, they show the sole stiffness and also the support the upper provides. Stiffer soles mean you dont feel rocks so much through the boot when walking on rough ground, but also it means the sole will flex less, so it depends on what you will use the boot for which rating you want.

Crampons are rated from C1 to C3. C1 crampons are typically flexible with basic straps, C2 are typically articulated and clip on at the heel, C3 are rigid and clip on at the heel and toe.

B0 boots are normally too flexible to be used with crampons at all.
B1 boots can only be used with C1 crampons
B2 boots can be used with C1 or C2 crampons
B3 boots can be used with C1, C2 or C3 crampons.

Ice climbing needs rigidity, so youd probably be looking at B3 boots with C3 crampons, and down from there, B2 boots with C2 crampons are probably OK for most winter hill walking, but take advice from the shop / manufacturer and tell them the sort of use you want to put them to, and they will be able to give you specific advice.

regards,

Marcus

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Permalink Reply by James Amos on November 20, 2010 at 10:19

I've tried quite a few boots. If it's not too wet I use some good leather walking boots with wool socks or if it's wet you can't beat wellies and a couple of pairs of decent walking socks. There's good reason why good old wellies have been going for so long!

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Edwards on November 21, 2010 at 22:01

Thanks everyone for your replies, really helpful :)

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