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As an avid backpacker, I know firsthand how important it is to have the right gear for a successful trip. Cold feet are not selective. The chilly weather will make your feet cold, whether you’re young or old. The one item that I never leave home without is my trusty pair of down booties for camping. These cozy and comfortable booties have kept my feet warm on many chilly nights in the great outdoors, and I wouldn’t go camping without them.
In this post, I’ll share why down booties are a must-have item for any camping trip, and offer some tips for choosing the best pair for your needs. So if you’re planning a camping trip soon, read on to learn more about these essential pieces of gear.
3 Comfy Down Booties for Camping
Hiking and camping are my favorite pastime activities, so I always am prepared with all the essentials, including a reliable pair of down booties.
This Geez never goes backpacking without his. Especially, shall we say as a “person of age”, having warm feet makes all the difference in a good night’s sleep on the trail.
Having cold feet does not happen during the winter season alone. It happens all year round and may depend on a person’s blood circulation.
People who always have cold feet benefit from owning insulated booties that provide warmth, comfort, and good traction.
Here is a list of my top picks for a pair of insulated booties perfect for cold-weather camping.
Best Overall: Feathered Friends Down Booties
Product Highlights
- 800+ fill power goose down, ethically-sourced
- Weather-resistant Pertex® Endurance® shell fabric
Hand down the best overall pick for down booties for camping comes from Feathered Friends. The brand offers reliable and high-quality down products, such as this pair of booties.
The outer shell has Pertex® Endurance® fabric. Pertex gives these camp booties lightweight waterproof protection, while Endurance has been specifically designed to weather any storm.
The combination of both provides the outer shell with much-needed protection that allows you to wear the boots outside the tent and around camp.
Take note, however, that these boots are not made for hiking. Do not substitute your hiking boots with a pair of down booties.
It has drawcords at the ankle and cuff to seal in warmth while securing the booty on your feet. Putting it on and off is very convenient too.
You don’t need to wrestle with complex lock mechanisms to remove the boot as you go in the tent or sleeping bag.
Pros:
- Extremely warm
- Waterproof soles
- Removable foam insoles
Cons:
- Not designed for extensive use/harsh conditions, not for hiking and walking
Best for Sleeping: Moose Jaw Exped Down Sock
Best for Off Trail: Sierra Designs Down Bootie
Product Highlights
- 800 Fill DriDown
- 100% recycled polyester taffeta shell
Sierra Designs down booties are the best choice for off-trail camping. It also works in the backcountry and mountain terrains. This pull-on footwear has a cinch cord cuff that helps seal in warmth. Its 800-fill power DriDown gives incredible insulation for your foot.
The silicone grip gives good traction, while the PE foam midsole provides comfort after a long day of hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities. And it also has an Oxford cloth sidewall for added durability.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly option
- Excellent insulation
- Tricot lining
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish
- Unisex
Cons:
- Soles not waterproof
Buying Guide for Down Booties
Buying trustworthy down booties can be challenging, given how the market has been saturated with many brands. In choosing the right camp shoe for you, check these considerations:
Size
You don’t get sizing in numbers for most down booties. The size chart will show you sizes from XS to XL and up. Most brands provide a size chart with their corresponding number sizes. So, always check the chart and choose the size for you.
Fill
The fill is an essential aspect of all-down booties. The boots’ insulation factor depends on what kind and how much fill is inside.
There are two common types of fill used for down booties: synthetic alternative and goose down.
Goose down is much lighter and more compressible. It is also warmer than synthetic insulation.
On the other hand, synthetic insulation is more affordable and keeps its warmth and insulating properties even when wet. Down fill tends to lose its insulation power when met with damp conditions.
Sole Grip
Most down booties come with a non-slip grip for added traction. This sole feature is handy in rough conditions and terrains. It is also good to check what type of material the sole has.
Rubber materials are more durable than foam ones. A boot with a rubber outsole is mostly waterproof. However, foam soles are better for structure and comfort.
Resistant to Elements
Some down booties are not meant to withstand elements like water and wind. But, with recent technological advances, many manufacturers have risen to the challenge of coating their down booties with water-repellent coating.
Water-repelling properties are very useful if you use the booties in snow, rain, and other wet conditions.
Materials Used
Always check the materials used. Many manufacturers are already using recycled materials for eco-friendly booties. Nylon and polyester are also top choices for shells because of their lightweight and breathable properties.
Weight and Packability
Consider the weight and packability of down booties if you are a constant traveler. Having light-down booties for camping that can be compressed for easy packing can save you a lot of space in your bag.
Washability
Down booties get dirty quickly, especially when you use them while roaming around the camp. The materials of down booties determine whether they are washable or not.
Most down booties marketed today are washable, so washability concerns may not be a problem. The only thing you need to check before buying is the method of washing used. Some can be machine washed, while others are meant for hand washing or spot cleaning.
FAQs
Is a camp bootie better than a camping slipper?
The style of your camp shoe will depend on your personal preference. As far as warmth is concerned, a camp bootie that covers the calf is better than a typical ankle-length slip-on camp slipper.
Slip-on slippers are more convenient, but camp booties give more protection from the elements. Consider your needs first before deciding which one to get between the two.
Can I substitute my hiking boots with down booties for camping?
No, you cannot. Down booties are not hiking boots. Hiking boots are built for better strength that can withstand rough conditions and extreme terrains.
Down booties, on the other hand, are meant for use in the tent, hut, home, or sleeping bag. Some down booties can be used outside too, but only to roam around the camp area for a short time.
Can I wear socks with down booties?
Loose-fitting sock liners can be worn with down booties to prevent the inside lining from accumulating sweat and dirt.
But, most down booties are worn as is – without socks. It isn’t recommended to wear thick socks like wool as it can hinder circulation, which results in cold feet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, down booties are a great investment for anyone who values comfort, warmth, and durability. They offer a cozy and snug fit that is perfect for cold weather, and their lightweight design makes them easy to wear and pack. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or simply lounging at home, down booties are a versatile and practical choice that will keep your feet warm and comfortable.
