Author Topic: Drying your boots  (Read 941 times)

Offline deathbydanish

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Drying your boots
« on: December 03, 2007, 08:03:24 PM »
If you went to this weekend's game then you probably came in contact with the mud/moist sand and the running creek. I just cleaned the crud off my boots and wanted to dry them quickly.

All I found was this (click on Boot Dryer). I'm trying it right now, but it seems like there's got to be a more by the book way to do it.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by deathbydanish »
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Offline Nil8r

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« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2007, 09:20:27 PM »
I've been using this method for a few years now and it works great. I'd love to hear some other ideas though!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by Nil8r »

Offline Farslayer

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« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2007, 09:38:19 PM »
I just wad up newspaper and shove it in the boots, did it as a kid in Michigan.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by Farslayer »
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Offline VanillaGuerrilla

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« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2007, 11:05:49 PM »
The newspaper method works well, especially when your boots fit just right. It keeps the leather from shrinking.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by VanillaGuerrilla »
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Offline azsarge

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« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2007, 12:42:16 AM »
Something that works well in the field are desiccant pouches.

You can buy them online for less than $5 each for some good sized pouches.  I use Desi-Pak.

In the field, when you're sleeping or anytime you can be without your boots on your feet, throw a pouch down in the boot so it lays flat on the insole, draw up the laces tight, fold over the top edge and tie them so they're almost airtight.

The pouches absorb water from the air so you want the boot closed to keep the pouch from absorbing from anything but the wet boot.

Drying boots too quickly can cause them to shrink, crack, become brittle, or even melt the sole depending on what type of rubber it's made of.

Raith told me about this a few years ago, but I didn't try it until we were in the field once at Ft. Hood.  We use DesiPaks for the TADS PNVS bucket, so I snagged a few before we left for this purpose.  My boots were perfect when I woke up every morning!

TIP:  Be sure to store them in a ziploc bag when not in use.  If they soak up alot of moisture, put them on a cookie sheet and bake them at 150 until they feel light again.  A microwave can be used in a pinch, but doesn't work as well.

This will keeps your boots dry on the inside, where it matters, is reusable, and is portable enough to throw in a ruck for field use.

edit: here you go: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/LOW602-1828-1395.html
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by azsarge »

Offline SilverLogic

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« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2007, 11:15:19 AM »
Get the issued  Vibram's gortex boots.

Like me on Sunday I was just trekking through the water with no problem :)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by SilverLogic »
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Offline deathbydanish

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« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2007, 03:52:29 PM »
Ok I'll tag this thread and give these suggestions a try.

The problem with the toss'em in the dryer method is that only certain parts of the boot dry. The heels and back were nice and dry, but the toes and sides were still wet.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by deathbydanish »
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