Hi Steve:

First would like to say a quick thanks for taking all the time to answer
my questions in such detail about paddle length and footwear. Really
appreciate it.

I've "done" the Allagash twice, and can't recall a trip of any sort
that I've enjoyed more. But, this was several years ago, and am hoping
I can do the St John without any problems; a bit older now.

One thing I learned on the two previous trips how important the right
equipment is, hence my questions re footwear.

The Allagash trips were in the middle of
the summer, and footwear in the canoe wasn't much of a concern.

Looked at the Chota boots, and the NRS offering, per our suggestions.

Am uncertain over the neoprene descriptions, whether it's allows for a
wet or dry boot (porous, or not) ?

a. When they say neoprene uppers (or lowers), is the neoprene in this case
waterproof ?

I'm confused on this point, as I guess I keep getting back to a skin divers
neoprene, which is of course totally porous, and relies on body heat to warm
the thin water layer that ends up
next to the skin.

b. My No. 1 Question: Which makes more sense for me in a cold water
environment:
boots that are totally waterproof (with I presume wool sock underneath), or
the skin divers
wet neoprene approach ?

c. The Chota boot descr. says: "The lower boot is constructed with 3mm
waterproof closed cell neoprene, lined with fleece for added comfort and
warmth"

Is this a wet or dry boot ?

d. The NRS Paddle Wetshoe: is this a wet or dry boot ?
(can't tell from their description)

Much thanks again for all the help.

Best regards,
Bob Rose
--------------------
My other question concerns what to use for footwear. In the early spring
in
Maine, the water will undoubtedly be "quite" cold, and of course the
bottom
of the canoe will be wet. Probably way too cold to be comfortable in
Teva's
or tong type open sandles.

Chota mukluks or NRS River boots. The more expensive ones have stiffer
soles.

"Robert11" wrote in message
...
. . .
b. My No. 1 Question: Which makes more sense for me in a cold water
environment:
boots that are totally waterproof (with I presume wool sock underneath),
or the skin divers wet neoprene approach ?

The answer is that there is no answer.

If I have (rare) certainty that I'm not going to swim or step into a hole
while managing or tracking the boat, I'll wear rubber boots and wool socks.
As a practical matter this usually only happens on day trips in the sun.

I use NRS wet boots (with thickness to match the season and latitude) the
rest of the time and deal with the discomfort. I haven't tried zoomy
products like GoreTex socks, but I don't have high hopes for them. Having
comfortable, insulated rubber camp boots helps a lot.

I've found that when I swim, I like to have as few distractions as possible,
and rubber boots filled with water can be avoided at the outset. Besides,
once they're wet, rubber boots become a consuming days-long task to dry.

Hth,
Fred Klingener

"Fred Klingener" wrote in message
...
"Robert11" wrote in message
...
. . .
b. My No. 1 Question: Which makes more sense for me in a cold water
environment:
boots that are totally waterproof (with I presume wool sock underneath),
or the skin divers wet neoprene approach ?

The answer is that there is no answer.

If I have (rare) certainty that I'm not going to swim or step into a hole
while managing or tracking the boat, I'll wear rubber boots and wool
socks.
As a practical matter this usually only happens on day trips in the sun.

I use NRS wet boots (with thickness to match the season and latitude) the
rest of the time and deal with the discomfort. I haven't tried zoomy
products like GoreTex socks, but I don't have high hopes for them. Having
comfortable, insulated rubber camp boots helps a lot.


....stuff deleted

Having cold feet isn't a life or death issue, for the most part, though it
is a comfort issue. I've found that I can walk barefoot (uncomfortably, I
might add) into water that has floating ice in it. Given my druthers, I'd
wear my diving booties in such conditions. I've used booties for kayaking,
but on a multi-day trip, this leads to rather negative foot conditions (at
least in my case). I don't like the rubber boots, though many seem to prefer
them. Neoprene socks are ok since they are more easily removed and dry
quicker than booties, but the same foot issues remain. Wool or polypro socks
under some type of shoe (cloth deck shoes, for example) are more
comfortable, for me, than most other options.

Rick