What Makes Exped Camp Booty Stand Out?
The Exped Camp Booty, manufactured by Exped, aims to provide exceptional warmth and comfort for your feet after a long day outdoors. This simple yet effective piece of gear promises to be a haven for tired feet, whether you’re winter mountaineering, hunting in the cold, skiing the slopes, or backpacking in cooler weather. Key features include a 4mm EVA insole, a grippy outsole, and recycled synthetic insulation, all designed to keep your feet warm and comfortable.
After years of guiding backcountry trips, I’ve constantly struggled to find suitable camp footwear that’s both warm and packable. Too often, bulky insulated boots take up precious pack space, and flimsy socks offer inadequate protection from the cold ground. The promise of warmth, comfort, and packability in the Exped Camp Booty immediately piqued my interest.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Exped Camp Booty was one of understated quality. They were surprisingly lightweight yet felt substantial, constructed from what seemed to be durable materials. The simple design, with its integrated elastic ankle strap, suggested easy on-off functionality, a critical feature when transitioning from rigorous activity to restful downtime.
Compared to other camp booties I’ve used, such as the Therm-a-Rest Down Booties (focused on extreme warmth but less durable) or the Wigwam At Home Booties (more slipper-like, less outdoor-ready), the Exped Camp Booty seemed to strike a balance. I chose the Exped Camp Booty due to its blend of insulation, durability, and packability, features vital for demanding backcountry environments.
I was excited to put these to the test, hoping they would become a staple in my cold-weather gear kit. I was eager to see if they lived up to their promise of providing warmth and comfort without sacrificing practicality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Exped Camp Booty to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Exped Camp Booty was a late-season elk hunt in the Colorado Rockies. I wore them inside my tent after taking off my hunting boots each evening. The temperature dipped into the low 20s Fahrenheit during the night, providing a solid test of their insulation.
The Exped Camp Booty performed admirably. Even on the frozen ground inside my tent, my feet stayed noticeably warmer than with just socks. The elastic ankle strap proved effective at sealing out drafts.
There was a slight adjustment period needed to get used to the barefoot-like walking experience the EVA insole provides. However, this was quickly overcome. I did notice that walking on particularly uneven surfaces while wearing the booties required extra care to avoid ankle strain.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use on various backcountry trips, the Exped Camp Booty has held up remarkably well. I’ve used them while winter camping in the snow and during chilly evenings after fly fishing trips. They continue to provide consistent warmth and comfort.
While there are a few minor signs of wear, such as slight compression of the insole, there are no tears or significant damage to the polyester fabric or TPU outsole. The durable, high-grip outer sole has proven to be more robust than expected, showing minimal wear despite use on rocky terrain around the campsite. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, usually only requiring a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.
Compared to previous camp footwear I’ve used, the Exped Camp Booty offers a superior blend of warmth, durability, and packability. They outperform lighter, less durable options and are significantly more packable than heavier, insulated boots. These have exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Exped Camp Booty
Specifications
- The Exped Camp Booty is manufactured by Exped, a company known for its high-quality outdoor gear.
- The Shoe Height is Mid, offering a good balance of ankle coverage and ease of use.
- The Fabric/Material is Polyester, chosen for its durability and quick-drying properties.
- The insole is made of 4 mm thick EVA, providing cushioning and insulation from the ground.
- The outer sole is made of environmentally friendly TPU for grip and durability.
- The insulation is 100% recycled quick-drying synthetic, ensuring warmth even when damp.
- An integrated elastic ankle strap keeps warm air in and prevents snow or dirt from entering.
- There is an attachment loop for easy storage and transport.
These specifications are critical for the performance of the Exped Camp Booty. The polyester fabric and synthetic insulation ensure quick drying, essential in wet conditions. The TPU outsole provides reliable traction on various surfaces.
Performance & Functionality
The Exped Camp Booty excels at its primary function: keeping feet warm and comfortable in cold environments. The insulation and EVA insole work together to trap heat and provide a barrier against the cold ground. The integrated elastic ankle strap is effective at sealing out drafts.
The main strength of the Exped Camp Booty is its combination of warmth, packability, and durability. A minor area for improvement would be slightly thicker insulation on the sole for use on extremely cold surfaces. Overall, it largely meets and often exceeds expectations, especially considering its weight and pack size.
Design & Ergonomics
The Exped Camp Booty features a simple, functional design. The materials feel durable and well-made. The lightweight construction makes them easy to pack and carry, while the mid-height design offers adequate ankle coverage without being restrictive.
The Exped Camp Booty is user-friendly with minimal learning curve. Putting them on and taking them off is quick and easy, even with cold or wet hands. The elastic ankle strap ensures a snug fit without being too tight or uncomfortable.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on several weeks of use in various conditions, the Exped Camp Booty appears to be built to last. The polyester fabric and TPU outsole show minimal signs of wear, even after exposure to rocky terrain and wet conditions. With proper care, these should last for several seasons of regular use.
Maintenance is relatively simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. For more thorough cleaning, they can be hand-washed with mild soap and water, then air-dried.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Exped Camp Booty comes with minimal accessories. The attachment loop provides a convenient way to clip them to a backpack or hang them for drying. There are no readily available customization options.
Due to their simple design, the Exped Camp Booty is unlikely to be compatible with many aftermarket accessories. Insoles could potentially be replaced for personalized arch support. Socks, of course, can be paired for even greater thermal performance and comfort.
Pros and Cons of Exped Camp Booty
Pros
- Excellent Warmth-to-Weight Ratio: Provides significant warmth for its lightweight and packable design.
- Durable TPU Outsole: Offers reliable traction and protection for short walks around the campsite.
- Quick-Drying Synthetic Insulation: Maintains warmth even when damp, making it ideal for wet conditions.
- Easy to Use and Maintain: Simple design allows for easy on-off functionality and quick cleaning.
- Compact and Packable: Takes up minimal space in a backpack, perfect for backcountry adventures.
Cons
- The sole insulation could be thicker for extremely cold surfaces.
- Limited ankle support for uneven terrain.
Who Should Buy Exped Camp Booty?
The Exped Camp Booty is perfect for: backpackers, campers, hunters, skiers, and anyone who spends time outdoors in cold conditions and wants lightweight, packable warmth for their feet. They are especially valuable for those who prioritize weight and space savings without sacrificing comfort.
Those who should skip this product are individuals needing substantial ankle support or primarily seeking indoor slippers. If you anticipate significant walking on rough or uneven terrain around camp, you may prefer sturdier footwear.
A must-have accessory is a good pair of warm socks to enhance the booties’ thermal performance and wick away moisture.
Conclusion on Exped Camp Booty
The Exped Camp Booty is a well-designed and effective piece of gear that delivers on its promise of warmth, comfort, and packability. While they may not be suitable for extended hiking or rugged terrain, they excel as camp footwear, providing a welcome respite for tired feet after a long day outdoors. The price of $51.96-64.95 is justified by the product’s quality, durability, and performance.
I would personally recommend the Exped Camp Booty to anyone looking for lightweight, packable warmth for their feet in cold weather conditions. If you value comfort, convenience, and space savings, the Exped Camp Booty is an excellent investment. Treat your feet and experience the difference!