Lowa shoe report

I mentioned in the gear section that I’d brought a pair of these as a lightweight alternative to the good old Meindl island pros.
https://lowa.co.nz/products/copy-of-...31627251122291

My only criticism of my meindls is the weight when they are wet. That aside I’ve worn out 4 pairs and had one re-soled. I was recommended these Lowa’s by shoe clinic as a lightweight alternative that would still support me carrying a load.

The dog and I headed off yesterday with the intention of being away 2 nights. We were exploring a new area on doc land. It was a reasonable walk in to where we camped. 13.5 kms with some up and down and river travel. We hunted down 4 kms south of camp last night. Ruby got a scalding as the first two deer we saw got growled at , Barked at and chased back into the scrub.
That out of the way I spied another 3 deer in the fading light. We stalked into about 60 yds and I dropped the hind. 2 other deer previously unseen were heading for cover at warp speed. Then I noticed the fawn standing there not knowing what to do. That got a bullet too. Doing my bit for the department of conservation and animal numbers I guess.
Attachment 159920
Once we’d dealt with the hind we found the fawn. It had such a neat skin I took it for my boy and will get it tanned.
Attachment 159921
So with a load on board the sleeping bag was a welcome sight at midnight. I didn’t weigh my pack when I got home today but I’d say around 35 kgs. It took four hours out. I didn’t feel unstable once.I should have taken my boots as I got a few blisters. I stupidly just took them out of the box and went hunting without breaking them in. They are a stiff shoe but very comfortable. 27 km round trip from car to camp plus the hunt. $350 well spent. Would t take them Tahr hunting but fine for most short trips. And they dry quickly.
Attachment 159922

Good hunt,enjoy yr veni.Those shoes could be a few inchs higher for wet grass maybe.Be light to walk in tho.

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Originally Posted by Trout

Good hunt,enjoy yr veni.Those shoes could be a few inchs higher for wet grass maybe.Be light to walk in tho.

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Yeah they are a heap lighter than the old meindls when wet. They are goretex do waterproof in grass etc with gaiters. The big plus for me is they don’t take as long to dry and don’t weigh a ton when wet.
Yes I’ve given most of the venison away. The freezers overflowing and I’ve got two heifers to kill end of March

Light weight shoes are all the go for long distance hikers.

Interesting to see a Marine navigation savvy Lab! Showing the correct lights for paddling in the briny:thumbsup:

Nice one! I’ve got a bit of a wobbly left ankle so like them to be tied in when in the hills but they look like a cool option alright. I’m just moving onto my second pair of island pros. I too would say my only criticism is the weight, awesome boots.

I must admit that I have used a decent pair of leather boots for the last decade or so...not because I have to, but mainly because thats what i was told that you needed. But I would love to know the amount of years I spent hunting in a pair of Bullers!....Never had an issue with them, and I carried more then than I do now!

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Originally Posted by Kudu

I must admit that I have used a decent pair of leather boots for the last decade or so...not because I have to, but mainly because thats what i was told that you needed. But I would love to know the amount of years I spent hunting in a pair of Bullers!....Never had an issue with them, and I carried more then than I do now!

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Take a look here
Most of these guys likewise (myself included)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/75480509686/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kudu

I must admit that I have used a decent pair of leather boots for the last decade or so...not because I have to, but mainly because thats what i was told that you needed. But I would love to know the amount of years I spent hunting in a pair of Bullers!....Never had an issue with them, and I carried more then than I do now!

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Yeah as a young fella bullers we’re all I ever used in the north island.