Hi-Tec Low Temps

Trout Creek is a small Montana town at the southern tip of the Kootenai National Forest. It’s a stone’s throw from Idaho and a hop, skip, and a jump from Canada. Its relatively low elevation provides a wet climate that still sees freezing temperatures throughout the winter, which is why it was the perfect place to test out my new Hi-Tec Jackson Hole 400 boots and Black Jack Parka.

The Walk About:

My gear’s first task was the walk about - general use in snowy, wet conditions. The temperatures hovered around 30-degrees Fahrenheit while the sun rested behind thick clouds. I laced up my Jackson Hole boots over a pair of thin, wool-blend socks. The combination allowed me to be comfortable inside the house and hopefully, warm once I ventured out.

The Black Jack Parka’s 3K/3K Dri-Tec shell is waterproof and seam sealed, so I wasn’t worried about the wet snow that covered the ground. Its 100-gram Mycro-Tec insulation, however, gives the coat a thin feel, so my main concern was how it would handle the cold mountain temperatures.

Jackson Hole 400

The Boots: I trekked through the snow for several hours, stopping long enough for my body heat to stabilize and to give the Montana air a chance to penetrate my gear. Although the leather part of the Jackson Hole’s upper appeared wet, my feet stayed warm and dry. The 400-gram Thinsulate performed as advertised while the Thermo-Dri waterproof construction kept the moisture out.

What I noticed even more than the waterproofing was the comfort of the CMEVA midsole and siped rubber outsole. Unlike my old pair of Danners, I could feel substantial rebound and cushion in the CMEVA. I don’t know what a lengthy trial would deduce, but in the short term, I was very pleased with the boot’s comfort and responsiveness.

Black Jack Parka

The Parka: The Black Jack Parka provided a similar result. The Dri-Tec nylon shell blocked the wind gusts and repelled the water and snow that fell from the trees. While the coat has a thin feel, the Mycro-Tec insulation combined with a cotton sweater kept me plenty warm. And if I chose to forgo the layers, and the lightweight, waterproof construction should also perform well in the warmer, wetter climate of Portland, Oregon.

Day one’s results were good. While I didn’t push the product to the limits, I was pleased with how it performed in normal weather conditions. But I wanted to see more.

Ice Fishing:

My gear’s second task took me to a frozen inlet on the Clark Fork Reservoir for a day of hooking perch, trout, and pike. I knew ice fishing would create a unique challenge for the product since it involves packing gear into a location and then sitting for the rest of the day, exposed to the elements.

My boots handled the ice, water, and snow with ease.

The Boots: I wore a thicker wool blend sock to combat standing on a sheet of ice all day. I was a little worried that the thick socks would be too snug in the boot since the thin wool socks fit so well. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised. My feet were comfortable all day. The wicking properties of the wool combined with the Comfort-Tec sockliner kept my feet from feeling clammy during my hike into the lake while the insulation kept the warmth in as the hours ticked by.

4" - 6" of wet snow fell while we were on the lake.

The Parka: I wore a light cotton sweater under the Black Jack Parka so I wouldn’t overheat on the trip down to the lake. The parka had plenty of insulation to keep me warm while I trudged through the snow. After setting up and drilling some holes in the ice, I added a fleece layer under the parka to keep the cold out while I fished. The Black Jack Parka’s midweight design is light enough so layering isn’t cumbersome but warm enough to stand on its own in mild conditions.

After a couple of hours on the frozen lake, a wet, heavy snow began to fall. My Hi-Tec boots and parka didn’t disappoint, staying dry during the extended flurries. I have no doubts that Hi-Tec makes a product that can stand up to whatever the average outdoorsman can throw its way. It's a brand on rise and deserves a second look by anyone in the market for new gear.