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I was wondering if anybody out there has experience with adding 40 below overboots to their single boots to boost their warmth in colder winter conditions. I have a pair of Trango Extremes which are great down to about 0 and then my feet start getting chilled. Just wondering if anybody had a rough estimate of what kind of temperature range can be gained.

In this situation I would be wearing Vapor barrier socks to stop any moisture getting into the boot insulation, and then using the overboots to stop water from getting into the exterior of the boot, hopefully keeping the boots completely dry. This situation would be used for multi day trips for winter mountaineering and ice.

Also, if anybody has any experience with technical climbing in overboots that would be nice to hear.
Thanks,
Travis

You'll extend the comfort zone of your boots a good bit with overboots. Down side is attachment of your crampons. VBL is a good choice as you have seen the issues of over nights with a single boot.

Check out the crampon fit and what kind of attachment will be required with the overboot and then decide.

Dane,
Thanks for your response. Yeah I guess I will have to drive up and see the guys at 40 below and bring along my boots. Hopefully I can do this in combination with another trip up rainier this summer.

Travis

P.S. I really enjoy reading your blog!

Travis, technical climbing, especially mixed climbing with full overboots sucks, trust me. A better alternative is insulated gaiters which leave the sole of the boot exposed. Insulated is the word. I think Larry Arthur at Mountain Tools is the only one who sell them but there could be others. Cheers, Alois.

Alois,
I already have a pair of the supergaiters that you are talking about, the old climb high insulated ones. I guess my idea now is to maybe get some of the shorty penguin overboots that 40 below sells to boost overall warmth. Maybe I can use them for slogging up to the climb, belay and for coming down and then just use the supergaiters for the technical stuff. It would not be fun to have to pop crampons on and off at each belay but maybe it can be don while keeping the ankle webbing attached.

Travis