Leather

[swampthing]

I understand that there is NO SUCH THING as waterproof leather boots. But for good water resistance are you better off with:  
Thick 7-8oz leather, like Whites, Wesco, etc.. treated with obenauffs.
Or multiple layer leather like Russell Moccasins, treated with obenauffs?

[beaver#1]

im not sure,  i would like to hear this also

[lpcjon2]

I have used Sno Seal on leather boots and they were pretty water proof,Its not the leather thats waterproof it's the lining between the leather and your foot.Gortex is a common waterproof lining that is sewn into boots.Just get a pair of lacrosse rubber boots or neopreme they are great boots,18" with or without thinsulate up to 1800 or 1200 can't remember.Thats all I wear other than pac boots.

[FerretWYO]

Whites with obenaufs would be my choice. Or is my choice rather as that is what i use.

[Doug in MN]

I will venture to say the best is "PURE BEESWAX".

It takes a lot of effort to work it in but the effort will pay off.

You have to heat it to water consistency and apply several/many coats.

All of the rest Snoseal, Obenauffs etc use a suspension/transfer agent for the Beeswax. That agent tends to be a petroleum jelly/jell of some kind.

PETROLEUM BREAKS DOWN THE LEATHER.

I learned this from a man that has spent more time Guiding in Alaska than most of us have spent sleeping.

I have a pair of Lowa's that are 10 years old treated with pure Beeswax and they have never leaked. They have been used hard for all 10 years.

[Overspined]

my goretex danners last about 10 yrs each

[Roughcountry]

What Doug said.

[moebow]

I have two pair of White's boots.  They will last you for ever.  Mine have several years of hunting and living in Alaska and are still going strong.  I gave then a good treatment of Montana Pitchblend before each hunting season and never got wet feet unless I got in over the tops.  They're a little heavy but the trade is the extreme quality and foot/ankle support and traction.  Don't know and have never heard of Obenauffs.

[Spectre]

I use and swear by White's boots FOR WORK. They are too clunky and noisy for hunting IMO. I have always wanted to try out a pair of Russell mocs.

[Bowferd]

Hey Spectre, I've got 2 pair of Russell's and they are excellent. Very well made and water repellant but probably not resistant. The problem with boots is much like bows, you can't have just one.
No boot is going to be able to cover all the bases.
I also would like to own a pair of Russell's all leather triple vamp Stalkers, but with our weather they wouldn't work but a few months out of the year.
If treated properly I'd think they'd last a lifetime.

[Mike B]

I have 3 pair of Russell's,and they are hard to beat.Good quality,and last a long time.

[wisconsin wood butcher]

what is obenauffs ? i wear whites to work and have worn wescos and i was told if you use oil base or wax base stay with the one you start with. my feet stay dry for minor wetness .

[swampthing]

Obenauff LP is a preserver/treatment made from bee propils and beewax, contains no petrol. They also make a silicone product that is 16% silicon for maximum waterproofedness.
Question is though, which resists water better/longer? Thick leather or multi-layer leather.

[Smilingg]

Montana Pitch Blend is the way to go for hunters, by my lights:  http://www.mtpitchblend.com/home.html

I spend a lot of time in the swamps of VA and NC. I've been using it on a pair of L.L. Bean boots for 22 years. The leather is still in good shape. The leather has outlasted the Gore-Tex inner lining which has worn out,e.g. taped portions unravelling.

Backpackers swear by Sno-Seal but I've always heard that its scent will spook game.

Montana Pitch Blend definitely will not. I've watched deer cross my back-path many times. They notice the  pitch pine scent but are only mildly curious for a few seconds. It's as good a cover scent for your boots as I've found.

[Ragnarok Forge]

I used Snow Seal for a decade on backpacking boots and it does make them waterproof.  It also dramatically decreases the life of the boot.  The pertroeum in the Snow Seal causes cracking of the leather and failure of the boot.  Sounds like Beeswax or Montana Pitch Blend are the ticket.