Footwear

[Gas Giant (Andrew)]

As the latest warm snap has been replaced by some cooler weather in my region, thoughts of beautiful clear winter skies have invaded my psyche; as well as practical questions regarding clothing for observing in cold conditions. Where I observe on new and last quarter moon weekends, the temperature often approaches and sometimes does get below zero Celsius. My biggest problem has been keeping my feet warm in such conditions. I've tried large boots - albeit not designed for snow conditions - and two sets of thick socks in decent sports shoes; but still the cold gets through.

Without spending a large amount of money for specialist snow gear, what have you found works well?

[vash (Ashley)]

ugg boots and good socks.

[Terry B]

Originally Posted by Gas Giant

As the latest warm snap has been replaced by some cooler weather in my region, thoughts of beautiful clear winter skies have invaded my psyche; as well as practical questions regarding clothing for observing in cold conditions. Where I observe on new and last quarter moon weekends, the temperature often approaches and sometimes does get below zero Celsius. My biggest problem has been keeping my feet warm in such conditions. I've tried large boots - albeit not designed for snow conditions - and two sets of thick socks in decent sports shoes; but still the cold gets through.

Without spending a large amount of money for specialist snow gear, what have you found works well?

Ug boots and wooly socks work for me down to about -5C here in Armidale. I usually wear old ski pants, 2-3 jumpers, beanie and gloves.
Brrrrrrrr

[Matty P (Matt)]

I too get cold feet when the temperatures drop below zero. I find that wearing a couple of layers of thick socks help to keep my feet warm. I also have tried wearing long socks and found that to work.

I have also found that runners are not very good at keeping the warmth in because they are designed to circulate the air to keep your feet cool in during exercise (I could be wrong).

So I use my trusty 'ol ugg boots.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

MMmmmmm toasty
http://www.gtbastrowise.com.au/astroorder.html

[wavelandscott (Scott)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

MMmmmmm toasty
http://www.gtbastrowise.com.au/astroorder.html

You beat me to the punch...I have a pair of these freezer boots and they really do the trick.

[xstream (John)]

Yes! Go the freezer boots.

[Ric]

Ugg boot and wooly sox are my choice, I can get down to -5 and my toes are toasty warm.

Cheers

[erick (Eric)]

A pair of Explorer socks and leather boots, regularly coated with the leather conditioning gunk that prevents water penetrating.

But I obviously don't notice the cold on my toes. After sub-zero nights last year, I noticed that I'd be half-way home in the car and I'll suddenly notice my toes were hurting a little as they thawed out! No evidence of frost-bite yet! As long as my chest, the top of my head and the back of my neck are warm, I'm fine!

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Another vote for Ugg boots here!
Not only warm but soft and comfortable too.

I haven't tried the freezer boots yet because I like recycling sheep.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Sorrel boots - can't be beat. A bit expensive here though.

Second choice - go the freezer boots (same as apres ski).

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/i/8...d-For-Men.html

[MrB (Simon)]

Doesn't get that cold here, but in Sweden I wore my Mack boots with three pairs of thick socks in -12 temps, worked well but I was walking around, sitting-still might be another story.

Does anyone make electric socks? Might be worth searching.
EDIT: yep, there's battery operated 'leccy socks! link

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Last winter, Aldi were selling snow boots for only $30. With insulated soles and lined with Polar Fleece they are toasty warm and water proof.

[gman (Grant)]

When the weather gets cold I put on my Sorrels.
Not like those posted in this thread.
They are typically for the snow.
They have like a gum boot shoe sewn to leather that goes about 10 inches up your leg.
They have an inner made of looks like compressed wool.
Have to get the dubbing out every other year and ensure they remain water proof.
Very warm, comfortable and best of all, bought them a few years ago from Aussie Disposals for $120.
Highly recommended

[Gargoyle_Steve (Steve)]

Further to my previous post above concerning recycled sheep - sad to say that my beloved uggies have suffered a possibly terminal split in the sheepskin uppers, threatening to spread right across my toes. They are therefore not going to be so warm and dry for observing on dewed grass in future..


(Mind you, the entire rear seam of one of my uggies has been held intact with Supa Cheap speedtape for a long time, and as much as I provide a bit of sartorial elegance, not to mention amusement, on the observing field this way ... it might be time to let them go and move on to comfy new boots!)

With that thought in mind I have this very night ordered a new pair of Husky freezer boots from a very Wise old Owl, with luck they will arrive just in time to take them away to the Barambah camp with me next Friday morning!



(I'll still get a new pair of Ugg boots down the track, maybe the "Formal" black ones for weddings, funerals, etc but for use on wet grass and so on I'll stick to using the freezer boots from now on.)