These are the boots and socks I have been wearing when working in the woods and logging. I have tried Whites logging boots, Wesco, Carolina Boots, Hathorn boots, Redwing, Georgia Boots. I will talk about some of the results I have had with those boots and what I am wearing now.
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He walks through his long history with different logging boots and work socks, explains why he is still searching for the “best” combo, and gives a preliminary, cautious thumbs‑up to Camel City Mill wool socks while remaining unsure about his current White’s/Hathorn‑style boots.
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## Detailed outline
1. **Intro and why this video now**
- Before starting work for the day, he decides to film a quick video about the boots he wears in the woods.
- Says he has received many requests, especially after viewers noticed his new boots and guessed they were Wesco or White’s.
- Promises to reveal what the boots actually are, talk about socks, and share his latest “boot drama.”
2. **Early experience with higher‑end logging boots**
- Years ago he tried higher‑end logging boots like White’s and Wesco.
- Liked how well‑built they were but disliked how hot and heavy they felt, especially in summers that reach upper 90s or 100s.
- Tells a story of his grandfather picking up one boot and saying they were like “boat anchors strapped to your feet,” and agreeing they were indeed very heavy.
3. **Switch to Carolina logging boots**
- After that, he moved to Carolina loggers with Vibram‑style lug soles (he jokes about how to pronounce “Vibram”).
- Notes they were not built as well as the expensive boots, but they were cooler and lighter.
- Originally got about a year to a year and a half out of them and accepted that as the price for lighter, cooler boots.
4. **Quality or durability drop in Carolina boots**
- A few years ago, he stopped getting more than about six months out of the Carolinas.
- They would fail at the stitching or wear holes in the toe area.
- Wonders if the quality dropped or if he just became harder on boots, noting that he has always been rough on them regardless of care.
5. **Trying Hathorn boots (smokejumper‑style)**
- Next he switched to Hathorn boots, which he says were bought by White’s.
- Used a model similar to smokejumpers, commonly worn by wildland firefighters who do not want to spend 500–600 dollars on premium boots.
- Those boots cost roughly half of the top‑tier models.
6. **Durability results with Hathorn**
- The first pair of Hathorns did fairly well, lasting maybe a year to a year and a half.
- The second pair lasted less than a year, but the store had a one‑year warranty and exchanged them.
- He repeated that cycle several times (boots fail within a year, store exchanges) until the store finally said the last pair would be the final exchange.
7. **Move to White’s “Line Scout” style and failure**
- After the last Hathorns wore out, he bought a pair of White’s Line Scout boots about 10 months before filming.
- Around nine months in, the sole on one boot began peeling away from the upper.
- Returned them to a different store, which exchanged them for the boots he is wearing in the video.
8. **Current boots and uncertainty**
- The current boots look exactly like the Hathorns he had before, leading him to suspect they are essentially the same boot with the White’s name on them.
- Says they are not as heavy as the most expensive boots and probably not as hot.
- Hopes the first failing pair was just an anomaly but admits he does not have high expectations for long life.
9. **Why he delayed making a boot video**
- Explains he delayed this topic because he has not been very happy with the boots he has been getting.
- Considers that he might have to “bite the bullet” and buy some of the more expensive, very well‑built boots after all.
- Mentions possibly going to Nicks, JK, or a similar maker to see if they can build the boots he actually wants.
10. **What he wants in a future custom boot**
- Wants lighter‑weight but durable boots and is unsure if that combination is realistically achievable.
- Thinks he should probably get boots made with the rough side of the leather on the outside for durability.
- Notes that most manufacturers put the smooth side out because it looks better, while the rough inner side is actually more durable, and some builders now use rough‑out on at least the lower portion for tougher boots.
11. **Signs of wear on current boots**
- Points out that he has only been wearing the current boots a short time and they already have chunks and gouges in them.
- Uses that as another reason he is not fully optimistic about their long‑term durability.
12. **Sock history: Costco Kirkland merino wool**
- For socks, he has long used Costco’s Kirkland merino wool socks.
- Says they have been okay but wishes they were taller; they do not come up as high as he’d like with this type of boot.
- Appreciates that most of the time they do not slide down into his boots, something he finds extremely annoying.
13. **Performance of Kirkland socks**
- Finds them good in hot and cool weather, though perhaps not for very cold conditions where thicker socks are needed.
- Has been surprised by how well they perform in hot weather.
- Notes that his current pairs are wearing out but have lasted longer than any other socks he has owned.
14. **Change in Kirkland model and dissatisfaction**
- Wanted to replace them but discovered Costco no longer sells the same model.
- The new version seems thicker and hotter; he already finds them warm, and it is not even summer yet.
- Admits some of that perception might be because he is comparing worn‑down old socks to brand‑new ones, but he still thinks the new model is different and he is not sold on it.
15. **Experiments with Carhartt polyester and cotton socks**
- Tried some polyester Carhartt socks he had for years.
- One issue with polyester is slickness; on steep terrain it feels like his foot is sliding in the boot.
- Even in well‑fitting boots, slick socks make it feel like weight is pushing against the boot sidewall instead of the sole, whereas socks with friction keep weight where it should be.
- Also tried Carhartt cotton socks and did not like them at all.
16. **Interest in Smartwool and contact from Camel City Mill**
- As his Kirkland socks wear out, he wanted to try Smartwool, having heard good things.
- Around that time, Camel City Mill contacted him via his channel, asking if he would try a pair of their socks.
- Initially misunderstood, thinking they made socks for camels and emailed back joking that he did not own a camel and that their business model might be flawed because camels do not wear socks.
17. **Clarifying Camel City Mill and liking their story**
- They clarified that Camel City Mill is just the company name, not a literal camel product line.
- After that, he looked more into the company and liked their story.
- Says he prefers products with a good story over those sourced from anonymous “sweat shops” making cheap goods, and he gets many offers to promote such products but does not want to recommend junk.
18. **Manufacturing details and warranty of Camel City Mill socks**
- Describes how Camel City Mill uses older‑style looms that both treat and spin the fiber, creating a very durable yarn.
- Notes they offer a 10‑year guarantee on the socks, showing their confidence.
- Emphasizes they are made in America from wool grown by sheep raised in America (joking that the sheep are not citizens but they live in the U.S.).
19. **Early impressions of Camel City Mill socks**
- Says he had high hopes and has tried them several times.
- Often forgets to “pay attention” to the socks while working, which might be a good sign because he does not notice any problems.
- Has only one pair, so laundry cycles limit how often he can test them; so far, so good, but it is not enough experience for a full endorsement.
20. **Fit and behavior of the socks**
- Likes that they are tall enough to extend above his boots.
- Appreciates that they do not slide down into the boots.
- Provides a link in the description and notes they are not paying him to say this, but he does get a commission if purchases go through his link.
21. **Disclosure and value perspective**
- Acknowledges he has an incentive to promote the socks but promises to say so if he ends up not liking them.
- Points out that these are not cheap socks, but questions whether it makes sense to cheap out on socks when spending 500–600 dollars on boots.
- Emphasizes that socks are the part that actually touches your feet, so pairing cheap socks with expensive boots is questionable.
22. **Brief mention of steel‑toe boots and cork boots**
- Says he could go into why he does not like steel‑toe boots but is unsure if he wants to open that can of worms.
- Notes he does not wear steel toes.
- Mentions that many “real” loggers or timber fallers wear cork boots with metal spikes for traction, whereas he still prefers regular Vibram‑type lug soles.
- Jokes about calling the lug pattern the “star and bar” pattern and pretending he coined the term.
23. **Wrap‑up and transition back to work**
- Concludes that he has said enough about footwear for now.
- Says that now the snow has mostly melted, he can get back to work and start making more videos again.
- Ends with a casual sign‑off (“Guess that’s it, see you soon”).
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## Critical take‑aways
- Well‑built, high‑end logging boots can be very durable but often run **hot** and **heavy**, which is a major drawback for work in summer heat.
- Mid‑priced boots like Carolina loggers and Hathorn smokejumper‑style boots offered lighter, cooler options, but in his experience their durability has become inconsistent and sometimes poor (often failing within a year).
- He has repeatedly experienced premature failures (stitching, toe wear, soles separating) even when rotating through different brands and models.
- He is still searching for an ideal boot that is both lighter weight and durable, and is considering going to custom makers like Nicks or JK for rough‑out, durable builds.
- Rough‑out leather (rough side out) is generally more durable than smooth‑out, and some manufacturers are now using it on at least the lower portion of the boot for longevity.
- Sock choice dramatically affects comfort and performance; slick polyester socks can cause feet to feel like they slide inside boots on steep slopes, while socks with more friction help keep weight on the boot sole instead of the sidewall.
- Costco Kirkland merino wool socks have been a strong performer for him (good in hot and cool weather, long‑lasting), but the newer version feels hotter and less appealing.
- Camel City Mill socks have a compelling story (American‑made, durable yarn, 10‑year guarantee), fit well above his boots, and do not slide down, but he has only limited experience with them so far and is not ready to make a definitive “best ever” claim.
- It may be unwise to invest heavily in premium boots and then skimp on socks, given that socks are the direct interface with your feet.
- He avoids steel‑toe boots and notes that many loggers prefer cork boots for traction, while he sticks with regular Vibram‑style lug soles.
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## Action items
- If you work in hot climates, prioritize boot models that balance durability with lower weight and better heat management instead of focusing only on build quality or brand prestige.
- Pay attention to how long your boots actually last in service (stitching, toe wear, sole separation) and be prepared to change brands or models if you consistently get less than a year out of them.
- Consider exploring custom or semi‑custom boot makers (e.g., Nicks, JK, White’s custom options) and ask specifically for rough‑out leather configurations aimed at durability and possibly lighter builds.
- Evaluate your socks as seriously as your boots: avoid very slick polyester socks for steep, uneven terrain and look for wool or wool‑blend socks that provide friction, height above the boot top, and resistance to sliding down.
- If you liked older models of a sock (such as Kirkland merino), compare any revised versions critically for thickness and heat retention before fully committing.
- If you try Camel City Mill or similar premium socks, track how they perform over time—comfort, lack of sliding, durability—and decide whether the higher price is justified relative to the cost of your boots and the demands of your work.
- Decide consciously whether steel‑toe or cork‑style boots make sense for your conditions, factoring in traction needs, safety requirements, and personal comfort preferences.
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