i am looking for a light weight early season boot that will not brake the bank, under $150 or so. leaning towars a LL Bean style rubber/leather type. i do a lot of walking around ledges, hills and swamps so i need them to be light weight. i have heavy rubber insulated for late fall. any ideas?

I've been wearing LL Beans for many many years and find them very comfortable. I have my old pair on right now! I prefer at least the 10" ones or taller with speed lace hooks.    Pat

I agree with Pat B. they are a good early season boot.they are a good boot all around. If you are on allot of rocky terain, you might want to add an insole. You can feel rocks and such under your feet. This might not be a bad thing if your stalking critters, but i figured i would mention it. i have had a pair for 10-12 years and had them re-soled(sp) twice with no issues. take care of the leather and they will last.

I wear Colombia knee high, ankle fit rubber boots...They were 100$ and work fantastic!

I really like the Full Draw Boot from Cabelas. It is a great lightweight waterproof boot. The uninulated version is $89.

I've had great sucess with Red Ball ankle fit rubber boats with the air-bob sole. They can be a little warm early on but well worth it when it comes to leaving scent behind. I wore the rubber bottoms for years and watched dear turn inside out when they cut my trail. A lot more close-ups with a full rubber boot.

I wear'em full season til the temp drops to the teens.

For early season, I like a simple wrestling shoe. There super light give me just enough ankle support and the soles are as soft as moccasins so I can feel everything under my feet as I slip around.

LL Bean.  Light, super quiet, and comfortable under just about any condition.  I wear mine year-round, even in the coldest weather, by adding high quality wool socks.  I would avoid the air-bob sole.  Way louder and nowhere near the feel. Do like Pat says and go 10" or higher.  Best boot value going.

The Mukluk Sport Boot from Arrow Moccasins and ask him not to line it if you want it for the early season.

I use the double soled lace boot during the fall.

I wear vibram five fingers for backpacking and during most of sept. for elk, and running all year.  You won't find a lighter, quieter more durable shoe.

 http://vibramfivefingers.com/barefooting/barefoot_running.cfm

Well Brother, You know I'm a rubber boot guy!!!!!

You could by a pair of light insulated RedBalls (like 200 gram insulation)

Or you could get a pair of uninsulated knee high "barn boots"

Or get a pair of neopreen&rubber "muck boots".....I have been wearing a pair of MadDog neopreen&rubber boots that I got at Gander Mountain, for going on 4 years now.You've probly seen them,(in the "three legged boot dance" picture)they've been up to your place a couple times. VERY light,and COMFORTABLE!!!!!  

Elkbreath
Are you kidding or are you serious?
Those are definatly cool looking shoes, which I will be adding to my collection.

But they dont strike me as backpacking, hunting shoes.

could you elaborate a little

thanks

i am definitly leaning towards the LL Bean, not just trying to deciede on the 8 inch or the 10 inch insulated or non insulated?

I've had both LL Bean and Schnee's and I'd give the nod to Schnee's.  Their uninsulated guide or outfitter model is an awesome early season boot.  

I have the 16" model with the airbob tread and wear my pants tucked in to keep ticks crawling on the outside and cut down on pant leg noise and moisture.

Trap

Schnee are head and shoulders above Bean boots, plus, you get air bob soles with Schnee. The tread on Bean boots can get very slippery, and IMO don't offer great traction. If cost is a factor in your decision, then whatever will fit your budget Ken. I love my Danner Pronghorns...great boot, lightweight,great traction and slightly more money than your wanting to spend.