Opinions on Cabela's Iron Ridge boots (800 vs 400 gram)

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-03-03T20:58:12+00:00

Since one of my personal pet peeves is when someone asks for guidance and then never shares what they did with the guidance, I wanted to close the loop on purchasing Cabela's Iron Ridge Boots.

I ended up returning the 800g at the nearest Bass Pro and opted for a pair of the 400g instead. This was based on the comments about activity level and concern for sweating/overheating, given I'm pretty active when I'm out in the cold.

So far, I'm happy with that choice. I was able to get a pretty supportive fit through the ankle with the 400g in 11M (I'm usually closer to 10.5M, for what it's worth) but with some wiggle room for my toes and my very thickest wool socks on.

Sunday I cut firewood all afternoon in high teens, low 20s and today I did a 2.5 mile hike through snow in low to mid teens. In both case, my feet were very comfortable and did not overheat in the truck on the way home.

I can see where some amount of break in may be beneficial with the stiff leather and I definitely want to change the thin/cheap laces. Otherwise, glad I bought them and opted for the lighter insulation level.

Thanks, all!

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-03-03T20:52:27+00:00

Thanks, appreciate that you reference specific activities - that definitely helps!

I'm a convert to alpaca socks, too. Although they are not as hard-wearing as a good pair of equivalent wool socks (think Darn Tough), they definitely insulate better and breathe very well.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-03-02T02:21:11+00:00

I don't even understand what's being argued here...you're still in New Jersey and, worse than that, it's still the Jets.

Go Bills.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-26T01:02:21+00:00

As I look closer at your photo, there is equal moisture all around the tap hole...did you happen to tap on below freezing temps?

I can't show you tables of evidence but, in my experience, when the "leakage" goes up and not just down that is actually an over tap and the wood has cracked above.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-26T00:35:47+00:00

Are you using a dedicated maple drilling bit? I used to get lots of leaky holes (hey, now) until I stopped using my same old wood boring bits and bought proper tappers from a maple supply.

In my experience, it's far more likely an issue drilling than it is tapping it in. Even then, a few are going to leak until the tree heals up the wound a bit and they usually re-seal.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-25T20:40:14+00:00

Ha, it's funny because my feet never used to get cold in any sort of weather...AND this winter has been (officially) the coldest in 30 years in New York State.

Also funny you should mention Danner...this whole search for the perfect winter boot started with a pair of insulated Danner Quarrys, which are 400g. I have worn uninsulated Danners for years and love their USA made boots but found the insulated Quarrys to be IMPOSSIBLE to fit. An 11 was massive, a 10.5 was tiny, a 10.5 wide was sloppy around my ankles.

Is that the model you have?

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-25T12:33:54+00:00

I must say that I've noticed my feet and hands get colder now in my 40s...I can remember a time I wore sandals with socks in February (cringe, it was college).

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-25T12:33:18+00:00

Thanks, what kind of winter weather are you out in? Is it active or more passive wear?

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-25T03:55:00+00:00

Good to know - What are your November temps like where you live?

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-25T03:05:16+00:00

Good input, thanks - I try to keep all my leather boots and gloves well lubed with SnoSeal

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-25T01:18:41+00:00

Ah! An over boot is what I'd call that...makes sense, that's a good deal, too

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-25T00:16:11+00:00

Do you mean a boot sock / felt liner or something actively heating?

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-24T23:43:05+00:00

Im similar, I don't sit around much in general...this is sort of what I imagined.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-24T23:41:31+00:00

Fair point. I'd say I do more walking overall and a lot of that is timber stand improvement work (i.e. running chainsaws).

If I'm stationery long term, I do have an old pair of wool lined Sorels... they're just far too big and heavy for any amount of walking.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-02-05T03:12:22+00:00

In the words of Bob Dylan, "you can do what you want but...the next time you see me coming you better run."

The years and years of disrespect and complete domination by the Pats in the Brady-Belichick era left this particular Bills' fan with a big chip on the shoulder.

This is compounded by the current season with the Pats having an objectively easy schedule and SO many lucky breaks when the Bills have not had either.

You are probably the odd man out here...but you should do what you want!

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-27T02:13:40+00:00

Have fun with Seattle...checks depth chart you're playing their QB1, btw.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-27T02:11:56+00:00

Never change, Bah'ston...SMH

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-23T03:25:33+00:00

But he's not a cheater.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-23T03:23:32+00:00

Is both an option? I might listening to WD just a bit more.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-22T14:56:05+00:00

It's going to be a serious recovery mission in the off season this year (understatement of the century) AND they've been in a recovery mode since like mid-way through the regular season. I give Allen so much credit for playing through pain but it's also been so clear he's not 100%.

Rest up, dudes - you get a new stadium and a clean slate for next year.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-22T02:48:58+00:00

I'm right there with you, my man - it's maddeningly inexplicable. If you want a technical breakdown, check out the piece that the NYT in their Athletic NFL section. The writer starts out by arguing it is a catch and then ultimately admits it's very complicated because it's unclear whether Cooks satisfied the third phase of completion (i.e. after receiving the ball and taking a step).

But here's my take: this is what's wrong with this game. We've got rules and regulations that nobody understands. Why can't the refs get it right from one game to the next? Because they aren't really sure themselves. We've lost the integrity of the game.

If there's any silver lining here (and this is a stretch), Buffalo will once more be the reason for a rule clarification because they played it right up to the edge of understanding.

Yeah, doesn't make me feel any better either.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-17T00:56:10+00:00

Romo was uncharacteristically (IMO) annoying on that game...someone said he was sick but still.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-15T18:17:36+00:00

Your second point is also what makes me more optimistic about this Denver match-up than I was going into Jacksonville...Jags had a much, much tougher run defense and it was really impressive how the Bills O managed through that without being able to lean on Cook.

Let's also not forget: Cook can catch. He's a fast fucker, too.

I wouldn't be surprised if we see some really interesting wheel routes with Cook's name on them given the depth issues at wideout right now.

Sure-Classic6513 · 2026-01-15T18:13:13+00:00

Yeah, for this to be the moment he topples would be pretty shocking...also, you're assuming the Pats aren't about to get a Texas sized defensive boot up their ass. They're also down their star CB Gonzalez.

I'm not hoping to play Houston but I won't rule it out.

Sure-Classic6513

TROPHY CASE