NEOS (New England Over Shoes) have several models of light weight 500 Denier Cordura nylon overshoes with a snow shoe compatible heel and a Vibram sole. They make both insulated or uninsulated versions. The overshoes add 20F to everyday footwear and the insulated models add 40F. NEOS are 100% waterproof which means that they don’t breathe very well. They have a Velcro closure secured by a strap and a quick release buckle. They are very adaptable – you can wear them over a variety of footwear: boots, sneakers, felt liners, down booties or even Crocs.
They are easy to put on as they open up to huge proportions. Due to the ease of getting on and off they make excellent camp footwear. There is nothing easier to get on and off for a quick trip out of the tent late at night.
Suitable models are the Voyager (11″), Adventurer (15″) and Trekker (20″). I have both the NEOS Voyager’s (un-insulated, 2lbs, 11″ high) and NEOS Trekker models.
I have used them like mukluks, snowshoeing with felt liners inside. Once I wore the Trekkers over my hiking shoes for a series of stream crossings during a late spring hike in which the snow wasn’t deep enough to require snowshoes.
These overshoes are great for snowshoeing. The molded ridges on the heels keep your feet secure in the bindings. However, in deep snow the 11″ height of the Voyager permits snow to leak in over the top. The taller Trekker model doesn’t allow snow to enter, but they get humid as the waterproof gaiter extends to upper calf level. I haven’t tried adjusting the height of the Trekkers while en route, but theoretically the tops can be rolled down and re-cinched. The Trekkers are easy to pack as they roll up into a small bundle.
The boots are light, warm and comfortable….as the man says “Did I mention they are light?”
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January 3rd, 2016 | Tags: footwear, NEOS, Overshoes, shoes | Category: Winter Camping Gear
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