Hunting Checklist For Your Feet

When planning your next hunting trip, one of the first things you need to do is start a gear checklist. We build them, check them repeatedly, and usually still miss something. The top of the gear list almost always starts the same - your weapon of choice, clothing, binoculars, license, etc. One thing that we want to ensure does not get missed on the list is your feet! If you aren't taking care of your feet, the best gear list in the world won't help you get to your game. 

No one wants to be hobbling around the trail with blistered, sore feet, or worse yet, stuck back at camp eating tag soup due to a foot issue. Adding simple steps to your checklist can make all the difference for a successful hunting trip. 

Before The Hunt

Long before you place the first item in your hunting pack, you need to inspect your boots. Are they serviceable? Were they tossed in the closet with a pound of last year's mud on them? Do they need replaced after many years of carrying you on the trails? If your boots are needing to be replaced, it's vital to pick the right boot for your upcoming trip. Start by asking yourself a few questions: where am I going, what terrain will I encounter, and what is the range of expected weather that time of the year? Meindl boots are built for specific purposes and all types of terrain. Pick the boot that is going to give you the most support for the terrain in that region. When in doubt, it's always better to have too much boot than not enough.

Once you have the best boot in hand and have determined the size and fit are perfect it's time to properly break in your new hunting boots. Don't skip this step, it is important, you don't want your first steps in your new boots to be on the first day of the season. Give yourself and your new boots the time they need for a proper break-in process. If your new boots don't feel right in the house, they won't be comfortable in the field. Visit our blog to see our guidance on how to properly break in your new Meindl hunting boots. 

If you have had your boots for a while or maybe they have been sitting in storage for years (something we do not recommend, boots are made to be worn) it's time to get them ready for the hunt. For boots that have been in storage, give them a visual inspection. Is the lace frayed? Is the sole worn down too much to provide the traction needed? Make sure to take a test hike and check the integrity of that boot. The last thing you want is failure at the top of the mountain. 

When you have determined the boots are fit for travel, it is time to treat and condition the leather. Start by cleaning your boots with warm water and a soft brush. A mild soap can help get some of the stubborn areas cleaned up. The next step is a quick spray down using our Meindl Wet Proof Spray. Once the Wet Proof spray is dry, the final step is a healthy layer of our Meindl Sport Wax. Proper maintenance allows the leather to withstand the elements, improve breathability and extend the life of the boots. If you have any questions on how to properly care for your boots from beginning to end we got you covered. Note that we have our boot care products specifically designed for use on our boot. We do not recommend the use of "off brand" care products. 

Packing For The Hunt

Socks, Socks, Socks, the importance can't be stressed enough! No matter what or where you are hunting, socks are the link between you and your boots. Socks play a key role in keeping your feet comfortable and blister-free throughout the trip. When looking for a quality pair of socks you should start with three key factors - cushioning and protection from friction, moisture wicking, and temperature regulation. Trust us, your cotton gym socks will not cut it when going to the top of the mountain. A high percentage merino wool sock is the best and most popular sock out there and what our boots highly recommend. The merino wool helps naturally regulate your temperature to help reduce sweating and allow for quick drying if/when they do get wet. 

Just as those old reliable gym socks won't cut it when chasing that dream bull, bringing one pair of good socks is not advised. When breaking in your boots before the hunt, you should always wear a fresh pair of dry socks, that same strategy applies when you are out on the trail. While our Meindl Merino Wool Socks help prevent blisters and wick moisture, there is nothing that will stop your feet from sweating. Once that happens it can create friction and cause hotspots on your feet. Keeping a couple fresh pairs in your pack, will allow you to rotate pairs and always have a dry sock on. In addition, it allows your wet pairs to dry naturally while you continue to hunt. This is why we recommend having several pairs on your trip-and why we always offer a discount when you buy our socks 3 pairs at a time.

A lot that can happen when you are out on your hunt and while you can't prevent everything from happening, packing a few extra items for your hunting boots can be key to making your trip go that much smoother. 

• Insoles - Having an extra set of insoles is important for you hunt. If the inside of your boots get wet from a sweaty day on the trail or a step in a creek that was deeper than you thought, insoles are going to take a bit to dry out. By having that extra set available it allows you to change those insoles out and keep on hunting comfortably with the inside of your boots dry. 
• Laces - We know Murphy's Law means unexpected things just seem to happen when out in the field. For example, having a lace get cut on a sharp rock on the side of the mountain. Having extra laces on hand allows you to replace a broken lace quickly and easily knowing they'll fit the same as the originals. Best part is replacement laces don't add much weight or space to your pack and can be stuffed just about anywhere - and having an extra 12' of lace sure comes in handy when you forget the paradors back at camp. 
• Leukotape or Moleskin - Even if you break in your boots properly and change those socks regularly there is still a chance for hotspots. The pre-season training doesn't always prepare your feet for the variety of terrain you'll encounter, and hotspots can happen. By bringing some leukotape or moleskin it can allow to address any hotspots immediately before they become a bigger issue and sideline you from your hunt. 
• Absorbent Paper (Paper Towels) - If the inside of your boots do get wet, having a stash of absorbent paper available will really help you get those boots dried out properly and much quicker than air drying. The paper absorbs moisture from the inside in the most efficient manner possible, just be sure to change it out frequently to help expedite the process. And as a reminder do not dry your boots over the fire - it is the safest way to shorten the life of your boots. 

There is a lot to get excited about and plan for as you prepare for that next hunt, and it's easy to see why boots and footsore often get overlooked. Pack these few extra items for your trip to reduce the chances for problems with your feet or your boots - you will be sure to thank us later. 

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