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Sitka set out to reinvent the rubber boot we all love so much. It seems as though they have done that and more! Don't skip straight to our thoughts, be sure to read Sitka's purpose with this footwear.
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With most all deer seasons closed across the US, and even though Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow, most of us are yearning for an early spring and the start of turkey season!
In fact, it's actually two products: The Back40 Boot and the VentLite GTX Boot.
Adrian was able to attend a special event at the Charlotte, NC Sitka store a couple of weeks ago right before they made the announcement and snagged us one pair of each. She was able to get the VentLite GTX in her size and grabbed me a size 10 in the Back40 Boot.
Sitka does such a great job of describing their purpose behind making the Back40 boot that I am going to let them say it. According to the Sitka website, they created this boot because "waterproof rubber boots have been a staple in deer stands, duck blinds, and farm trucks for decades. From planting a food plot to hunting over it, rubber boots reliably get the job done, but historically, their accolades end there."
They go on to say that "a trusted workhorse like this was due for an upgrade, and we set out to build our own version that ratcheted up the levels of comfort, performance, and durability to unseen heights. Sculpted around your foot and brimming with underfoot support and stability, the Back40 Boot reimagines how a rubber boot feels after a full day’s work or consecutive days in a tree or blind."
The VentLite GTX boot was created with the thoughts that "GORE-TEX has long been the leader in waterproof breathability. Tall boots have long been the antitheses. Swampy and clunky have defined the industry standard, and we’ve used the pinnacle of waterproof materials to flip that on its head."
Sitka says their "revolutionary construction does away with rubber and neoprene uppers, and instead is engineered with breathable GORE-TEX laminates that are guaranteed to keep you dry. Lightweight field-proven toughness is complemented by total comfort thanks to insulation that actively works to regulate your temperature in all conditions. Every angle of these boots redefines the status quo—cementing the VentLite GTX as a revolution in footwear."
So far, the Back40 is really living up to what Sitka advertises. I've worn them around the house and in the yard to get a gauge on comfort. When first slipping my foot into the boot, it was easy to tell these are different. I would describe them as "cushiony and form fitting." They really seem to hug my foot and provide a great footbed of support, including more arch support than my previous pair of rubber hunting boots.
I usually wear anything from a size 9.5 to 10.5 depending on the shoe and mainly how wide it is. These are a size 10 and seem to fit just as I would want. Sitka somehow has found the perfect combination of length and width for my foot.
Next stop, the trap line. Now keep in mind, the advertised temperature range for these boots is -20 °F to 40 °F. Of course, the first day out checking traps and the temperatures soared into the high 50's and low 60's that afternoon. I have my traps set out in a circle around the property, and I generally walk the whole line for exercise and just because I enjoy being out there.
This day was no different, and I thoroughly enjoyed my walkabout - even more because of how comfortable these new boots are. The only negative is that it didn't take long for my feet and lower legs to start sweating. Remember, the temperatures were quite a bit higher than the advertised range for these boots, and I would definitely agree with that range so far.
I doubt that Sitka would advertise this could be done with the Back40, but I was able to roll down the top halfway which gave me quite a bit extra air flow. That made a huge difference and actually let my pants legs and socks dry out a bit.
Of course, I was going to wear them the next day also, and thankfully, temperatures didn't go too high but still got into the lower 50's. I was even more impressed with them this day because, even though it was warmer than the advertised range, I wasn't sweating like I was the day before. In fact, the boots never got rolled down this time!
Overall, I was worried about how tight the boots would be on my calves. My first time slipping into these boots, my right one felt like it might be too tight. But, I knew the jury would still be out until I started checking traps. Somehow, Sitka has made a fabric with just the right amount of stretch for the upper portion. While it does feel tighter on my right calf, it wasn't too tight. At least one layer easily slid into the boot and didn't ride up to my knee like I had anticipated.
As crazy as it sounds, I'd like a few more nights of cold weather and the opportunity to coyote hunt in these boots. They will most likely not be my turkey season boots as I know they'd be too warm. But, maybe I can talk Adrian into getting me a pair like hers!!
I've only had the opportunity to wear my boots around the house and our yard so far, so I don't yet have any useful information on how well they regulate temperatures and air flow. I'm hoping to have the chance to try them during turkey season as they are supposed to be suited for a wide range of temperatures. So, stay tuned for that update.
If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, I'll be updating with Shorts as the season goes on.
As far as how they fit, these boots are 18" tall. I'm not a tall person (5'4"), so they come all the way up to my knees. I'm hoping this won't be an issue in the real world. They are also just a bit snug around my calves when trying to shove a couple of layers in there. A thin pant is no problem, but we'll see when I have tall socks, a base layer, and thicker pants.
I will say that one of my favorite things about the VentLite GTX boot is that most of the boot is a GoreTex cloth material, so the boot has flex around the ankle. Several people have commented that these flex points will eventually crack and leak, but since it's not actually rubber, I'm hoping that won't be the case. I like the flex because walking around, especially on uneven ground, is much more comfortable. I'm thinking climbing into a stand will be much easier, too.
Finally, I have pretty wide feet and usually wear a women's 9 or men's 7.5. These boots in an men's 8/women's 9 fit very well, and I have plenty of room for my wide feet.
I'm excited to get out there in a hunting situation and see how they do!
It goes without saying, we both are excited to put these boots to work. Like Adrian mentioned, subscribe to the channel so you don't miss any updates. While Sitka did provide us with these boots, don't worry, you will always get our honest opinion with the pros and cons for any products we review!
Of course, our standard "It Depends" applies here as we're looking at two different boots. One is meant to redefine the rubber boot, especially the insulated rubber boots. And the other is lightweight and designed to regulate your temperature in a wide range of activity. Two different boots for two different purposes.
We promise to keep wearing, testing, and updating you on how the Sitka boots are performing.
As always, thanks for watching and for reading! Take the time to subscribe to our newsletter if you haven't. That's an easy way to keep up with additions to our website and the different videos that come out each week.
Robbie has enjoyed the outdoors since he can remember. His earliest memories include hours upon hours of squirrel hunting and learning how to enjoy all aspects of hunting season in God's wonderful outdoors. Now he is always working hard and testing gear in the field to give you the best review and most thorough information he possibly can.
All opinions are ours. Some items we receive for free, borrow, or purchase at a discount, but this never impacts our opinions or freedom to report them.
Also, most product links you see are affiliate links - meaning that we may earn a small commission if you click it and make a purchase. (We greatly appreciate your support in doing this!!!)
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