Boots
Warm, dry, and comfortable feet are important and can be the key to either enjoying yourself out of doors or having a miserable time. In the fall, spring, and summer months a good set of leather or synthetic style hiking boots will do the trick. They don't have to be expensive Gortex boots---just find a decent waterproof hiking boot and it will be sufficient, as long as it fits comfortably. The non-waterproof kind can be "fixed"--spray on enough Rain-X or Silicone and they will do just fine.
For winter camping in the north country, it's another story! Insulated, arctic style boots are mandatory when the temperatures drop below freezing. The scoutmaster's favorite boot is the military surplus "Bunny Boot." Still a lot of the guys prefer the Canadian style Sorrel style boot, with the thick, 1/2" wool felt liners. Bunny Boots have one advantage; you can't get them wet, no matter how hard you sweat your feet, since they are rubber inside and out. The counter is that your feet can turn into prunes unless you change your socks regularly---the boots don't absorb any sweat at all. One neat trick with Bunny Boots is to fill them with warm water, wait a minute, then poor out the warm water, and dry them out. Next, put your stocking feet in and ahhhhhhhh......................
We have managed to secure a significant discount for the scouts in Troop 230 and we now have the opportunity to purchase top of the line Bunny Boots for a great price. These boots are rated to -20F for the black ones, and even colder for the white ones. In your scoutmaster's opinion, these are the finest winter boots made, barring none, and work extremely well for scouts. Brian McNair is an importer of Bunny Boots, and your scoutmaster has worked with him in the past to get the best deals possible. Mr McNair has two Eagle Scout sons of his own, so he understands the scouting program. To get a deal, all you have to do is call him up, mention that you are a scout in Troop 230, and tell him your boot size. As of Sept 2005, for brand new extra narrow black boots in sizes 6, 7, 8, and 9 he will sell them to scouts for $19. (For scouts, the extra narrow sizes often work well). For extra narrow black boots in sizes 12 and 13 he will sell them for just $29. And his brand new regular Beta boots (the white ones) sell normally for $79, but he will discount that for scouts to $69. The kicker is the size---and they run big so you really have to try them on. He has lots of 'seconds' that are still new, but have been in storage and contain blemishes. These can be had for less, and he will give you a deal because you are a scout. It all depends on your size, and the best way is to give him a call and see what he has. He knows more about Bunny boots than just about anyone, and he can explain the difference between the different models and colors and what he has in stock. His inventory will drop as the weather gets colder and he sells more boots, so if you want a pair give him a call! Your scoutmaster's only guide is to just make sure they aren't too tight. For growing guys, trying to get by with last years boots often doesn't work very well. Your winter boots need to be loose enough to allow good circulation when worn with a thick weight winter wool sock. Remember, you aren't going to backpack in them.
To reach Mr McNair, call him at 907 357-BOOT.
Regardless of which boot for winter camping you select, make sure they are big enough to give you some room. A tight boot cuts of the blood flow, and you will get cold feet FAST! Frostbite can happen quickly with tight fitting boots, so don't stretch last years models into another winter if you've been growing like a weed! Tennis shoes are worthless in the winter--and dangerous too. Leave them at home on winter campouts!