Best Mountain Hunting Boots – Reviews & Buying Guide Of 2018

Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you are high in the mountains, looking all around you at the spectacular view one can only see when high up. And to top it all off, you have a rifle in your hands, pursuing sheep or mountain goats.

Mountain hunting is unique. The terrain is severe and makes the experience different from what you may be used to in regular hunting. It is a test of both your physical condition and your shooting ability.

And that’s why you need good quality and the best mountain hunting boots.

What are Mountain Hunting Boots?

Mountain hunting boots are just like other outdoor boots, except that they are built with mountain conditions in mind. They need to be durable, lightweight, and waterproof. Let me explain

The mountains have a rough and rugged terrain. In certain places, rocks jut out of the ground, and sometimes the ground itself is just a big slab of rock. Good mountain boots have high abrasion resistance and do not wear away quickly.

They should be lightweight to provide flexibility. You probably have a heavy pack on your back, and you are trudging up a steep ascent – heavy boots are the last thing you need.

They should be waterproof since you might be crossing creeks or streams. Plus, it might rain when you are wandering around in the mountains. Waterproof boots prevent water from leaking in.

Those are a few of the qualities to watch out for in mountain hunting boots. The rest I will point out in the reviews that follow.

1. Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme Ni Hunting Boot

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If you are looking for a boot that can handle rugged terrain, check out this 10-inch Kenetrek Mountain hunting boot for men. It is made from high quality, durable material that will withstand harsh environmental/topographical conditions.

The boot is made from a single piece vamp of 2.8mm top-grain leather. As such, it will be difficult for the vamp of the boot to puncture and will take a long time before wear and tear begin to catch up with it. Under the vamp is a stiff midsole made of nylon.

The midsoles are 7mm thick, a nice, cushiony support for your feet when you are struggling uphill and when you are striding down steep, rocky, mountain terrain. This thick layer of stiff nylon will absorb the shock that would have otherwise sunk into your feet; it makes your mountain climbing experience a bit easier to bear.

And beneath the midsoles are the lightweight K-talon outsoles, which are excellent for the steep mountain terrain because of their high traction. They will protect you from unnecessary falls. Where other shoes might slip, sending you crashing to the ground or tumbling down the ascent, these boots’ outsoles grip the ground firmly, giving you the traction you need to maintain stability.

But what you will love about these boots is how comfortable they are. Your feet will be snug and comfy even in warm temperatures because of the flexible, breathable, waterproof Windtex membrane. Also, at 3.9 pounds per pair, they are quite lightweight, which is a huge advantage. As you lug your stuff up and down the hill, you don’t need shoes that will weigh you down!

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2. Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400 Insulated Hunting Boot

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Once you break them in, you won’t want to take off these 10-inch Kenetrek mountain hunting boots. They are light (4.2 pounds) and comfy. However, they are not immediately comfortable. After giving them about 10 or 20 miles, you will have broken them in, and the stiff nylon midsole will grow accustomed to the shape of your feet. After that, you will be quite attached to the boots, preferring them for all your excursions on hilly terrains.

The boot is specially made to help you conquer rugged terrains, and is suitable for hikers, campers, hunters, and others who tackle challenging terrain. The outsoles are lightweight K-talons and give you enough traction to walk along the steep ascents and inclines securely.

The rubber soles will add a spring to your stride; plus they make the shoe light, so trudging up the hillside will not be a terrible chore.

The shoes are also quite durable. The mountains and hills are untamed regions, with rocks sticking out of the ground. If your shoes are not suited to such an environment, the roughness of the terrain will gradually eat away at them, and before you know it, they are worn down at lopsided angles.

The reinforced rubber sole guard protects them from abrasion so that you can walk on the rocky ground with freedom and enthusiasm.

And on the same note of abrasion resistance, the 2.8mm thick full-grain leather uppers consist of a single piece of vamp which has no seams along the tongue. This also makes the boot waterproof. Puddles after the rain won’t faze you; neither will any water bodies you might encounter during your hike.

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3. Smoky Mountain Waterproof Mens Hunter Boot

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One of the most important things you need in an outdoor shoe is good insulation. This will protect your feet when the weather gets cold. It’s important that you consider the outdoor activity you will be engaging in when you go looking for an outdoor boot.

The best insulation you can get for footwear is Thinsulate insulation. When a shoe's manufacturer says that it’s insulated, but you don't see a Thinsulate tag, it is most likely cheap foam insulation.

This Smoky Mountain hunting boot has Thinsulate insulation, 400 grams worth.

One of the benefits of Thinsulate insulation is that it breathes; also, it ensures that the temperature in the shoe is constant – or at least more constant than you can expect from cheap foam insulation.

As long as you keep active when outside, the 400 grams of insulation you get from this boot are enough.

This hunting boot is ideal for all kinds of weather or terrain conditions. Should it rain and you have to step into the pools of water, or if you have to wade through a stream at some point, the boot will not be harmed; neither will it let water into the boot. It has a waterproof membrane that keeps out the water to keep your feet dry.

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4. Rainbow Finch Outdoor Durable Double-deck Hunting Gaiters

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When you go mountain hunting or climbing, you are likely to encounter all kinds of weather. That’s why you need to be highly prepared. These Rainbow Finch outdoor gaiters will go well with any of the other boots I have reviewed in this article. They are built to withstand all kinds of weather and to protect your feet.

The gaiters are remarkably prolific and versatile in the roles they perform. They are fit for hunting, climbing, and hiking. They will take you through rain and mud and pools of water and even protect you when you are trudging through snow.

They have a compact design which makes it rather easy for you to put them on and take them off. And then you are off in search of adventure in the mountains and woods with excellent protection for your boots, trousers, and feet.

The gaiters are waterproof and will come in handy when you have to cross a stream or walk through puddles of rainwater. They will keep out the mud and water, giving you a sense of freedom even when the weather is bad and the terrain muddy. They protect your trousers and boots from the rain and the mud.

Plus, they also serve as windbreakers. You put on the gaiters around your ankles, and they protect your legs from wind chill and light rain.

These leg cover wraps have a waterproof zipper which you can zip up to get room for your legs to breath. When the sun is out, and the air is all sultry or scorching, you will be thankful for the relief this gives. And when you close the zipper, you have a pocket.

They are made from high quality, durable, double layer, breathable nylon fabric. The double layer is what keeps you warm during the winter. They go well with hunting boots, hiking boots, and even ski boots. And they will prevent the entry of dirt, snow, and rocks into your shoes.

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5. Kenetrek Women's Mountain Extreme Insulated Hunting Boot

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Hunting and hiking are all-American activities that transcend gender. As such, there are many women hikers and hunters among us, and they need good, durable mountain boots too. This Kenetrek hunting boot was made in response to the demand for mountain hunting boots in women’s sizes.

The boots don’t have that much of a difference with men’s boots. The design is lightly trimmer and the heel narrower so as to properly fit most women’s feet. You can expect excellent support, fit, and comfort with a pair of these Kenetrek boots.

The boots will keep your feet warm during the winter or on cold nights in the outdoors. The 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation will see to that.

At 3.2 pounds per pair, they are lightweight and won’t weigh you down when you are trudging up a mountain slope. You will be nimble and flexible and able to act quickly, especially if you have spotted game.

And you don’t have to worry that the rough terrain will wear them down. These Kenetrek boots are built to take punishment. They thrive in the road less traveled. Kenetrek subjects its products to rigorous tests to ensure that they give you high-quality performance.

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Mountain Hunting Gear: Things to Know

There is a specific set of gear you should remember to carry when you go mountain hunting, and I am going to name a few of these and tell you why they are important.

1. Boot gaiters – We have already reviewed one of these in the article, so you have a pretty good idea what a boot gaiter is, and what role it plays. Some people refuse to wear gaiters because they think they make them look funny, but they are worth it. Trust me. You don’t want your trouser legs getting all muddy, and having rocks and dirt enter your boots.

Boot gaiters will also protect your legs from wind chill and light rain. Good gaiters will serve you in all kinds of weather, from rainy to snowy.

2. Trekking pole – When you are hunting in the mountains, you will encounter creeks, rivers, and daunting rock slides, all which you have to cross. The trekking pole makes crossing much them much easier. It also makes your down-going an easier task as it minimizes the load your knees have to bear when you are carrying a heavy pack on your back.

3. Spotting scope – When hunting game in the mountains, optics are crucial, especially if you are hunting mountain goats and sheep.

4. Rain gear – There is no worse feeling than finding yourself caught in the rain all alone in the wild up in the mountain. Carry waterproof rain gear to protect yourself in the event of rainfall. You don’t want to go back home with pneumonia. Besides, with good rain gear, you will be less inclined to quit the hunt.

These are just a few things that will make your mountain hunting experience a bit easier. Everyone has a personal gear list which has all the things they feel they have to carry. It could be a first aid kit, an extra pair of cotton socks, sealed matchboxes, a glassing pad, or binocular chest pouch. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your preferences.

Final Verdict

What do you like most about mountain hunting? For me, it’s the combination of freedom because I’m so high and excitement because I’m hunting.

Anyway, whatever your reason may be, you will need a good pair of mountain hunting boots. Check out the ones I have just reviewed – at least one of them must have piqued your interest.