Owner Review : Cabela's 10" Elk Hunter™ 600-Gram Boots, June 7th
2004

Personal biographical information
Name: Will Brubaker
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 11" (1.8 m)
Weight: 210 lbs (95.25 kg)
Email: angry at whoever dot com
Location: Jackson Hole, WY USA
Backpacking background:

I have been backpacking since my teenage years. Over the last 3
years I have become much more active. When the ski lifts close, I
immediately take to the trails. By late May, I am making an overnight
trip nearly every weekend and at least one extended outing (3-7
nights) every year. The vast majority of my hiking and backpacking is
done in the Teton Wilderness and Grand Teton National
Park in northwestern Wyoming. While weight is a concern, avoiding
misery is a greater concern. I let conditions dictate my style.
Typically, when warm, mild weather is expected, my pack weighs 32
pounds (14.52 kg).

Product information Cabela's 10" Elk Hunter™ 600-Gram Boots (25.4
cm, 21.16 oz)
Manufacturer: Danner (made by Danner but available exclusively
through Cabela's)
Year of manufacture: 2001
URL of top level manufacturer web site: http://www.cabelas.com
Listed weight: 5.0 lbs/pair (2.27 kg)
Weight as delivered: 5.0 lbs/pair (2.27 kg)
MSRP: $249.95 US


Field information:
Location or locations where the gear was tested:
Teton Wilderness area, northwestern Wyoming

Description of location (mountains, elevation, terrain, etc.):
Mountainous terrain, from 7000 feet (2134 m) to 10,000+ feet (3048
m) above sea level, often rugged and rocky. Much of the land is
forested with a smattering of bogs and meadows.

Typical weather conditions: Very pleasant temperatures all summer
long. Typically lows in the high 30's F (-1 C) and highs in the
mid 70's F (21.11 C) to sometimes low 80's (27 C) depending on
elevation. Extreme highs in the low 90's (32.2 C). In the summer
sunny skies can be expected with isolated afternoon thundershowers.
Quiet, calm nights. Winter brings much snow with over 300 inches
(7.62 m) falling above 9000 feet (2743 m). Winter temperatures can be
unpleasant at times but generally hover around 0 F (-17.77 C) to 30 F
(-1.1 C) degrees.

I spent seven years in the U.S. Army. I learned a few things and one
of them that sticks with me is that misery starts in the feet. I had
some experience with Danner boots while in the Army and was very
impressed. When I started looking for backpacking boots, I started
with Danner. I shopped around quite a bit, comparing features and fit
and finally settled on the Cabela's Elk Hunter by Danner. The
model I selected is insulated with 600 grams (21.16 oz) of Thinsulate
and GORE-TEX lined. Having dry feet is very important to me. I also
prefer a tall boot (these are 10" (25 cm)) with very stiff
support.

These boots have been with me on every backpacking outing since I
purchased them. I also wear them to the office quite frequently. The
fit and comfort are perfect for my feet. The soles are constructed
with the perfect proportion of stiffness and springiness, enough
cushion in the sole so that the weight of the boot seems to be far
less than it is. They have performed as advertised and have held up
very well for two plus years in varying conditions from hot & dry to
cold and wet and even in lots of snow. They have sustained only minor
scrapes in the time that I have had them. When I am backpacking I air
them out while I am in camp. Upon returning from an outing or when
necessary, I use water-based cleaner, waterproofing and conditioner in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. I use either
Dr. Scholl's or Odor-Eaters brand foot powder in generous amounts,
daily while hiking or backpacking and at least weekly otherwise to
prevent odors. The maintenance I have performed has kept the boots
looking nearly new.

My feet have remained completely dry while in these boots. I have
never had a problem with my feet being too hot in these boots even
though they are insulated and I wear mid-weight wool hiking socks year
round. My feet have very rarely been cold while in these boots.

On my most recent outing I went out way too early in the season, the
spring run-off was still running off in great abundance and it was
also raining. The trail was 6 inches (15.24 cm) – 8 inches
(20.34 cm) deep in water for over 1 mile (1.61 km). My feet remained
bone dry, warm and blister free. I have hiked as much as 15 miles
(24.15 km) in a day carrying a 32-pound (14.52 kg) pack. My feet were
not uncomfortable.

The bad news is that these boots required a break-in period of
approximately 3 weeks with 1 to 3 miles (1.61 km to 4.83 km) per day,
which seems like a lot to me. They are also heavy. I was willing to
sacrifice the weight for functionality and worked through the break-in
issue.

In summary, the boots are exceptionally comfortable, very waterproof,
and durable and have provided excellent support for my ankles in
rugged and rocky terrain. They also look good! If ever I need to
replace these boots I would do so with the exact same model without
question.