Here's the gear that I personally use and can stand behind: *Pack Boots* SOREL PACK BOOTS:amzn.to/3JdaRDE KAMIK RUBBER BOOT + REMOVABLE LINER: amzn.to/3mnp8Vf *Modern Pack Boot Hybrid:* BAFFIN CONTROL MAX (Removable Liner): amzn.to/3t8hm5g *Leather Fall/Winter/Spring Boot (Great choice for hunting)* IRISH SETTER LEATHER BOOTS: amzn.to/3F0J4Ux If you are'nt doing activity where you'll sweat and want a modern style big insulated boot, make sure you still get one with a REMOVABLE LINER. The ones I recommend are these Baffin Boots!: *Modern Heavy Duty Insulation + Removable Liner* BAFFIN EIGER - Removable Liner: amzn.to/3GnzcEn *Insoles and Socks* REFLECTIVE / WOOL COMBO INSOLES: amzn.to/3kNpp3k DARN TOUGH MERINO WOOL SOCKS:amzn.to/3kPk6jX THICK WOOL SOCKS: amzn.to/3Zpoq8v MERINO WOOL LINER SOCKS: amzn.to/3kPkwqx Please note, I linked these all from amazon, I get a small affiliate commission when you click the links. It keeps the channel unsponsored and completely transparent and honest!! Thank you!
Glad to hear you mention wool socks. As a 365 cyclist, I would recommend using some type of oil to coat your feet, getting in between the toes. Cheap, reliable and easily applied. Plus you can use on any exposed skin. Then, pantihose. One of the cheapest, thinnest and most versatile insulation materials I've ever found. Then, of course the wool socks. Consider making wool insoles for your 2 sizes larger boots. Easy to make from shrunken wool sweaters. Finally, consider a pair of boot gaiters from a shrunken wool sweater. Just cut the arms off the sweater and wear inverted, e.g. the wrist becomes the top ribbing around the calf and the armsceye becomes a bell that protects the gap at the top of the boot and covers the tongue and laces preventing rain and snow from entering those spaces. Not complicated, cheap, diy coziness for your feets.
Wow this is a fantastic addition. Thank you for adding all these - and I love how you can use the recycled old sweater to make most of them. You're a legend!
@@TheBearEssentials 🤗🤗🤗yeah, a bottle of oil (vitamin e, olive, baby, castor, glycerin or even vegetable) is a great & cheap skin insulator that every person facing prolonged exposure to the cold should always have in their arsenal. Ears, face, neck, hands, feet. Easy to reapply and shareable! Ask me how to make socks out of sweater sleeves!
@@Gidgetwaterbear000using a sweater in your own body size. cut sleeves off of shrunken wool sweater. Place a sleeve on a foot with the wrist band at the toes. Seam of sleeve should run up the front of shin. Sew a seam across the edge of band to create toe box of sock. I recommend using wool yarn and a big eye upholstery needle for hand sewing all seams. Next, starting at the top of the foot near the ankle, gather the loose portion of the sleeve to form fit the body of the sock to the contour of your shin with a line of pins. Sew a seam up the front of the shin using pins as a guide. Next, cut open the original sleeve seam. You can either completely remove the excess material or you can spread it open and sew it down to the front of your new sock using a running top stitch. I like the latter for the decorative aspect and padding. Cut off the top of the sleeve that is at the back of the sock to make it even all around or leave it in place if you like the extra coverage at the calf. This portion of sock creation will render a crew length sock. For a longer sock, say knee high, you will need to cut a rectangle of material from the body of the sweater that will allow the desired sock length. Use the waist band as the top opening of the sock. Follow the previous steps to form sock to the contour of the shin and calf with seam in the front and the attach the bottom opening of the new leg portion to the top opening of the sock. Sew together. You can treat the horizontal portion of the leg the same way as you did the front seam of the foot and ankle portion of the sock. You can wear the sock with the seams to the outside or turn the sock and wear them on the inside which will create a snugger fit. I like a knee high socks with the seams on the outside and the excess sleeve material flat felled and top stitched for aesthetic appearance. Good luck, I hope you try making at least one pair. They're the best socks I've ever owned! 🤗🤗🤗
Adding a tip here given to me by a technical fabric expert: keep you legs well insulated! We tend to not *feel* cold on our legs and because of that we don't really insulate them, but we actually lose quite a lot of heat through them, and cold legs will make your feet colder (the blood has to go through your cold legs to reach the feet). So even if you don't feel cold on your legs, make sure you have good insulation there, and that will help with cold feet.
I’m guilty of this- 4 layers including a big down coat up top and then a single pair of jeans on my legs 🤣 I used to be a postman too so I’d even wear shorts if if it didn’t become a conversation piece with everyone you walk past (I hate talking to strangers about the weather 😂)
If your feet are cold, check your fit. If your boot is too tight and you’ve stuffed it with socks, it doesn’t matter how good your gear is, you will freeze. Lack of circulation in your foot and air for insulation around it is the number one reason for cold feet in arctic conditions.
Only ever experienced central European conditions but couldn't agree more. Wide toe box is invaluable to us who get cold feet easily. I generally find I have warmer feet in autumn barefoot shoes than I ever had in my fleece lined winter boots, that were too narrow for my toes.
damnman, that is really spot on! Tip from a medic friend with lots of nols and other outdoor experience. If you are in the field for many days at a time, allocate one pair of socks that you *never ever* remove from your tent. You put them on before bed, and remove them in the morning. The goal is your dry night socks (wool is best) remove the moisture from your feet and keep your feet from developing trench foot, you want to get your feet dry at night. You want those socks staying dry. I usually plan to change socks twice a day in the field, although I don’t usually use liner socks, and should probably start. That makes a lot of sense.
This is awesome. For us desert hikers, cotton socks may not be a good idea, but cotton shirts and bandanas can be a life saver for the exact same reason you never wear them in the cold. Just remember that deserts get cold overnight so bring a synthetic back up.
Good tips, I just want to add that I have a pair of synthetic socks from a reputable company (I own other products from them and they range from OK to awesome), and the synthetic socks have been unsuitable for outdoor activities for me. They keep my feet wet-cold when it's just slightly cool outside, and wet-hot in the heat. I wear cotton or bamboo socks in warm weather and wool socks around or below freezing.
Great addition. I'm personally not a fan of synthetic socks myself. I prefer wool liners / outers for many reasons, one of which is they can be dried by the fire and if an ember lands on them it wont destroy them. Also they retain insulation when wet. I have heard people like synthetic as a base layer, but far less that like synthetic as their sock base layer.
A ski boot expert told me recently never to double sock as it cuts off circulation in your feet which is one mistake Ive been making way too long, made a huge difference on those extra cold days
@@horrudu4081 ya sorry this is probs confusing. Double or even triple socks CAN work. The important factor is tightness. If you have massive boots that can fit 3 socks and you can easily move your toes you’ll be warm. (Given that the outermost sock isn’t super tight) But chances are you don’t have that as that setup is likely too bulky and will need boot sizes 2+ bigger. So under normal circumstances, 2 thick socks are too tight for most people. Too snug in the boot. It cuts off blood flow and doesn’t give enough space for insulation. If you use a thin liner sock + a thick wool overtop that’s generally the best strategy! Hope this made sense.
@@TheBearEssentials I can't speak to the double socks cutting circulation bit, but I used to march in a band. Carying a brass instrument in even a fare bit above freezing weather can pull heat away from your hands stupid fast. I had a pair of gloves that were way way too tight, looking back. My hands were freezing at like 40 or so F. I got them so cold they could barely move. Counterintuitively, removing the overly tight gloves, setting my heat sink of an instrument down, and flapping my hands around like a mad man got them warmer. Even with my brass heat sink in my hands and no gloves, the hands never got that cold again that practice. I got less tight gloves, and my hands still got cold (brass just makes you cold) they never got that bad again, even in below freezing and snow.
In the 1960s I spent three years in the USAF at Minot AFB, North Dakota. I worked on B-52s out on the flight line, where temperatures in winter routinely reached 20-30 below zero. Often I was on top of the aircraft or up in a cherry-picker accessing the tail section. We were issued white, Type II “bunny boots,” insulated and pressurized rubber boots that were lightweight and comfortable. I had to walk a mile and a quarter one night at 1 a.m. The ambient temperature was 38- below, and I was perfectly protected from the elements. These boots were simple, needed NO extra insulation nor outlandishly heavy sock material. If we had access to this “technology” 60 years ago, why isn’t it in use today? I tend to believe it’s more a matter of style and marketing rather than utility. Form must follow function, sir.
Similar situation but work related. I live in the South and it rarely gets really cold down here but when I first went to work we had some really cold spells. I worked in a shipyard where I had to stand on metal all day and the metal was extremely cold. The ground was much warmer then standing on the cold steel. We tried all kinds of ways to keep our feet warm and one way was to put on a pair of socks then a plastic bag over it covered by another sock... I tried that and like you said my feet sweated and then exposed to the super cold metal the sweat would freeze around my feet! I found 2 things that helped me, first, wool socks as you mentioned really helped keep my feet warmer and then I found a sawed off piece of scaffold board that I claimed and guarded with my life for as long as I could that I would use when I had the opportunity to stand in one place while doing my job. The 4 inch thick board acted like an insulator to keep my feet off the deck allowing them a chance to warm up. I know this really has nothing to do with what you are talking about but cold feet is no joke. I was an electrician and had the chance to work dong hook up where I had to stand in one place throughout the day, and standing there with frozen feet was absolutely miserable and not being able to walk around to stimulate circulation... But discovering wool socks was the best thing that happened to me, before then I had only worn cotton socks. I wish I had known about them from the beginning!
So much good advice in one video, I’ve always stuck with leather boots, too large with thick wool socks, with spares to swap, I made insoles from tinfoil topped with wool blanket top layer. Tested to the limit in Germany during the winter excercises, occasionally we would be out for 3-4 weeks in freezing weather, snow and rain. Dry sock rotation is key
Here are a few tips I have learned through the years. 1) Dont let your boots freeze over night. Putting feet in frozen boots is a recipe for frost bite. Feet are not made to defrost boots. Keep those boots under your bag and keep them from freezing. A couple of hot water bottles can work to keep them warm over night and they will also drive some moisture out. 2) Vapor barriers work wonders. Liner sock, Vapor barrier, insulating sock, vapor barrier, boot. It is a hassle but the moisture is kept in the liner sock. the insulating sock stays dry. The liner socks also dry out faster than a thick insulating sock. Wool is great, but there are other materials that make great insulating socks. Just stay away from cotton. Make sure your foot system fits. If the boots are too small and tight, you are doing yourself no favors as you are hindering the flow of warm blood to your feet. Socks that are too small hinders blood flow too. I have seen frostbite because boot laces are too tight. 3) Keep the body core warm. If your core is freezing, your feet wont stand a chance. 4) when you are "standing around" on the snow, a small piece of closed cell foam to stand on makes a huge difference. 5) Dont ignore cold feet. Do something about them sooner than later. You need your feet to carry you home. While at camp make sure you get them dry and warm, air them out. Keeping them in wet socks leads to a colder foot, ie frostbite, and even what is called trench foot.
Yes!!! I did the same!! So you can use it to keep your feet dry if you don’t have waterproof boots OR Use them as a wetsuit type to keep the moisture inside the ghetto goretex… then that moisture won’t wet your actual boot for camping overnight and the boot freezing.
@@TheBearEssentials Growing up in poverty gave me lots of transferable survival skills. And all I had to do was pay (sorry, invest?) with my mental health. 🤣👍
All your advice is really useful. Old soldiers who have served in cold climates usually give good advice for foot care. They recommend wearing leather boots in before going out in the field.
Great tips on keeping your feet dry and warm. One of the best winter boots I have found for keeping my feet both dry and warm is the Russian Wool Valenki boots. I use the Neos over boot for to keep the water out when I need it, but can be removed and the Valenki can be set next to the fire to dry out, and being they are 100% wool, next to a nice warm fire they dry out fairly quickly. Using a base layer merino wool sock and a thicker wool boot sock in them is the perfect combo. Breathable mukluks are a good choice too. I have those also and have multiple wool liners to rotate them. I am an older guy and keeping my feet dry and warm are a must when enjoying the outdoors and those two options are the best I have found. I do have the thinsulate hiking boots that I have used to hike to camp and to set up camp. The mukluks are light enough that I can pack those and change into them once I am ready to kick back at camp.
i wear a very thin wool toe sock, followed by a vapour barrier, then my thick wool sock the thin wool sock is meant to prevent abrasion since the moisture that's locked in will cause wrinkly skin and really bad friction very fast. plus it removes that annoying feeling of a plastic stuck to your skin since this thin wool toe sock is lightweight and dries faster (since its thin), it cuts down a lot of weight in cold weather. i have a similar setup for hand, lower body and upper body
Awesome knowledge! I'm from the south and this hasn't been much of a problem yet... but we're moving to the far north very soon and was up there last year and went out in very cold ... even with boots rated for the temp my feet were still cold! And as you know that greatly limiting... so I'm gonna follow your advice! Thanks!
I've been using plain newsprint (plain newpapers) for insulation in my shoes, butt, chest, as blankets sleeping on the park bench, er, in Nature under the stars. Once they get damp, I throw them away and insert fresh pages - I know, yesterday's news.
I live roughly 65 degrees norh latitude, so low temperature is a reality for me, I use uninsulated leather boots and wool socks, several pairs that I switche during the day so I always have dry ones.
Once bought a pair of lovely lightweight half boots at a supermarket in France. Never understood why they were so warm and waterproof, put them in the washing machine after the season. Had them for years until the lining gave out and decided to cut them open and guess what I found? Between the layers I found a Chinese supermarket plastic bag cut to fit it. Explained everything😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
For a guy who claims to know everything about keeping feet warm should be educated in vapor barrier management. The key in ultra cold weather is to never let your boot insulation get wet in the first place. Put a vapor barrier on top of your thick wool socks. Let the socks absorb the foot sweat keeping the insulation dry. Change out your socks 2 to 3 times a day and you are golden. The military figured this out a long time ago with the Mickey Mouse boot. Letting your insulation layer get wet is dumb af and can get you into trouble if you can’t dry it out over a few days outside. This same concept goes for sleeping bags as well.
Hello! What model do you present as pack boot that you love so much? They look very nice, and i am interrested in because my feet are allways cold, and having some removable liner is a very good ideea. Thank you, very educational video sir!
Another problem is bad circulation; I suffer with cold feet in the house with slippers on! I broke both ankles (twice) rock climbing in my youth and it did not bother me too much but now over 60 I am finding that my feet tend to be colder most of the time. Especially at night with socks and slippers on my feet slowly fall much colder and then I find that I am wrapping them in a throw rug in order to warm them up again. I used to put plastic bags over my feet, then socks and finally wellington boots when younger and my feet never got cold playing the in the snow. Now I have to be very careful when walking the dogs in winter, as my feet turn cold on the return journey. As a pensioner I would love a pair of bunny boots but here in the UK they cost in excess of £250! From the US. Those are the best winter boots ever made by the US military and if I could afford a pair I would have them.
*Some other great YT Pages to follow if you liked this video:* Another Awesome Channel - _@mylifeoutdoors_ *His Video on Cold Weather Layering!* th-cam.com/video/-Ogv5_xT6S4/w-d-xo.html AND _@RoseAnvil_ *He Cuts 5 Winter Boots in Half to show how good they are!* th-cam.com/video/JNcLk6snuw0/w-d-xo.html
I find primaloft to work better than thinsulate. I don’t hike much but I do linework in Maryland, we see all types of weather, epic summers, disgusting humidity, epic winters where it’s ridiculously cold for no reason, high humidity with moist cold air cuts right thru anything you can wear. I’ve tried multiple pairs of boots and have found just unlined sturdy leather boots with different weighted wool socks work great for spring, summer, and fall here. Winter, medium to heavy wool socks, a waterproof lined boot, goretex is ok but sympatec and dri-lex seems more breathable to me, thinsulate is good in its heavier weights like 600 to 1200 grams, but primaloft seems to be better for active wear. When it’s epically cold and wet a felt lined pac boot or pull on rubber boot works really good but you sacrifice mobility. Panty hose actually work really well for severe cold weather, I only do pantyhose when it’s really really cold and wet. Being outside makes you experiment with different stuff but long story short wool socks are key, and I only wear waterproof lined boots in the late fall/winter. Felt or wool linings on your snow boots seem better than thinsulate in my opinion. Do what works for you though! Only way to know is to try different stuff! Good info in this video as well thanks for posting!
I live in the UK and often hike in Scotland in winter where it can get very cold and very wet. I found the advice in this video an excellent resource; clear and very informative. Well done and thank you. Phil
Excellent info (3rd video I've watched) ... I'm an Aussie, but I definitely still remember cold toes from when I was 4-6 years old in Calgary. These tips are great for cold weather situations.
I learned in Basic Training that the socks are the key to foot care and wool is king, leather boots are best summer or winter. I followed this rule and it always worked and only when I couldn't change or dry socks did I ever have a problem.
Great information. I carry two waterproof shock resistant rechargeable hand warmers. I can throw them into my sleeping bag, socks boots or just warm my hands and with a solar panel I have an indefinite source of heat.
Wow, the stuff you teach us is blowing my mind! Brilliant is an understatement for some of these things. I like the why behind things. So I love that you explain some of these reasons that these things work.
I use steel toe boots for work. If you have winter boots then you can only wear them at winter as you'll be far to hot a sweaty in them during the summer. So i use normal boots and have winter socks. As i used to go snow boarding in my younger years i wear snowboarding or ski socks for the winter months. There good at wat they do and they just work. Then normall socks with the same boots for summer time. You can also get water proof socks these days however i haven't tried these yet but we are getting more and more flooding so it might not be long untill i try a pair.
Under armor Gortex all season hiking boots best boot I’ve ever worn. My feet stay warm one pair of wool socks never had issues I work construction out in the elements all day into the night. As long as u can keep your feet dry. Never had an issue. Paid $110 I’ve had them 4 years now still water proof gortex is an investment I say!!!
too poor and don’t know anyone to go hiking in the woods my life is extremely boring compared to yours, but i will say i hate that my feet are always cold when it’s not hot out. in winter it’s worst and i always have to have snow boots on or keep them on a heater at home.
Yes straight to the point 👍 we’ll explained , you have to deal with the moisture, there is no way around, boots, sleep bag or sleeping system with Bivy bag doesn’t matter, you need a plan and experiences to deal with, thanks for sharing 👍
Fun fact, i live in Russia, and it's cold in winter time. So you think winter boots are best, but i always freezes in them. But for 4 years i using summer shoes, and didn't freeze anymore. Even though i am sweating like a pig then working)😂
I'm no longer fond of winter camping - remember being close to freezing to death over 60 years ago. Plastic bags are uncomfortable, but I've worn them many times over a light synthetic stocking, with heavier wool pairs on the outside, but plastic bags develop holes. Kamiks used to be great when they were made in Canada. Boots with removeable felt liners and extra felt sole are the only way to go unless you are just out on a day hike. The big thing that's missing in your picture are some nylon gaiters to keep the snow out of the tops. Cheers from Northern Ontario.
Back in the 60's I worked up in the arctic and the best boots for me were WW11 surplus...Bunny Boots and Felt Boots. Wool liners are ok, but they must be dried everyday.
Great tips. Thanks v much. Few yrs ago i discovered marino wool.for base layrs instead of man made fibers. (B O) from manmade had me stinkin after just few hrs even just after shower bfore goin out
Strange that no one pointed this... Putting your wet socks into sleeping bag is the worst thing you can do. The moisture will evaporate and make sleeping bag wet, the last thing you want is wet sleeping bag. Never take you wet clothes, bag or equipment inside your tent! Keep it in the vestibule. Just think about it.
Specialized "high tech" boots are overpriced garbage. Any rubber high boot with removable liner beats them 9 times out of 10 and cost a fraction of the price. Rubber boots are far more durable too.
There is so much repetition in the first minutes of this video, wasting my time, that I stopped watching, although the subject interested me. Please consider telling things just once, as YT allows those who cannot pick up your message immediately, to stop and rewatch sections of your video they did not understand.
Also, make sure your head and torso is covered and layered. A lot of people forget that a large percentage of your energy is to help keep your brain and core organs functioning properly. So your extremities like arms/ hands & legs/feet are the first things to be given up. So in addition to wool socks, make sure you have a warm hat on and several layers of clothing for your core and your legs.
Ngl I wear cotton socks and here in the recent weeks of sub freezing temps i have been wearing three pairs to keep my feet warm. I have the boot that has the ribber on the bottom and the leather upper. They don't have removable liners though. My toes get really cold just standing still bit when I'm working they stay warm. Its just that when i stop and my blood has cooled down i start to get cold again.
I have found that ever since i broke in my square toe justins, a good pair of wool socks is all i need when im working in the snow or cold environment, I actually never really feel my feet get cold and that is mostly in part to, the wool insulates and wicks the moisture away from my foot and since my boot is about half a size bigger, it breathes so much better.
Very informative really like your channel . Read a old trapping magazine and it recommended silk socks under wool socks to keep your feet warm, never could find silk socks.
Ya silk is great too, mainly for how lightweight it is - and it’s actually pretty similar to merino wool in terms of absorption and wicking. Here’s a great article comparing some popular base layer materials. besthiking.net/comparison-of-base-layer-materials/
i spotted some silk yarn, presumably for baby knitwear in yarn shop. expensive af but maybe good value, if lasts long and you knit your own silk socks? :) btw, sock-knitting is actually _easier_ than e.g. sweater or even scarf. sock has no edges, y'know. just knit round and round. and if afraid of turning the heel - there is whole culture i know what only very lately learned that, they just used to knit one long...wossname, tube? bag? well, just sock or stocking straight, no corners. two, that is, and when wearing, heel finds its way.
In Norway during two Winter warfare wxercises we slept in two sleeping bags with our boots in the outer bag and toe of the boot under our knees so the boots didn't freeze and it does work 100%.
You can also do the wool triple dress sock method and you rotate them everytime you rest. It's a cheaper option but also doesn't work in the coldest of cold either.
i get cold toes no matter what i try unless i use heated socks, i have to wear wool socks inside my house in the winter to keep my toes at a decent comfort, what would you recomend
That makes no sense to let the socks evaporate their moisture into your sleeping bag, 🤷🏻♂️isn't the key to avoid all moisture,condensation,dampness, whatever ya want to call it, from invading any of our gear's insulating properties? Yeah you can say thats an option, however, it should be avoided.
Fair point actially.. Generally it never gives off enough moisture to make any noticeable affect on my sleeping bag interior. However I definitely see your point… I’ve used this when my socks are damp and if I left them out they’d just freeze over.
Excellent Video ... I was at Ft Wainwright in 1980. There was no neoprene back then, We mainly used Vapor Barrier (Mickey Mouse ) or Danner - Ft Lewis boots. I used the Neoprene boots Deer hunting later in life. This is a great video reference ... Well Done...
I subscribed and like because you took the time to share your learning and wisdom. I am over 60 ,,,, Still live and breathe in Alaska.,,,,, again .. I did learn from your time. ,,,, Thank 4 ur time. No need to reply ,,,, I don’t…. ! !!!
Finally, some who understands basic heat transfer and ancillary effects. Merino wool socks Smart woof for decades . Last year woolrich made some we will see, both do not retain smell. For over 30 years I have been wearing French made rubber boots LE Chameau and AIGLE. Plain, leather lined, and neoprene. Often asked, don’t your feet sweat. Reply “ if your feet don’t sweat your going to die ( relieving heat ) You’re absolute about fit, however heel fit is paramount for wear and potentially forming blisters. I wear boots every day they last more than 5 to 10 years except soles at least 5 years. Hanging upside down to dry. Washing feet with snow and warming with body dryer size warmer before socks are damp. Reflective liner on bottom is a great way to keep moisture from bottom. A very thin wicking sock also works. Living in the woods in log cabin for 22 years full time ( Michigan UP HURON MTS) reveals what is most effective. Baffin and Sorel make acceptable foot wear, but are bulky. A new light sport caught my attention, 1 size up. Another tip when not freezing, but snow with sun , I let my feet breathe with loosing the top cinch under my ski pants and that seems to reduce moisture in the socks. Your tips are spot on with carrying extra liners/ socks. Our back country skis ALTI have binding like snow board, and are troublesome with those bulky Caribou size Sorels. The body size hand warmers also keep your electronic equipment working in extreme cold. Appreciate your posting, very timely. Wear boots for week inside to gauge fit. Climb stairs as well to verify calf and ankle response when ascending or descending stairs. Bless you brother for you shared wisdom. TRJM 🦅🙏🍀✡️
The best system I found for multi day mountaineering in the cold wet cascades... La Sportiva Lhotse boots, Mountain Tools insulated supergaiters, Costco wool socks, baby gold powder, and light weight portable boot dryer like Drysure... Putting on a rock hard frozen boots after climbing a mountain sucks...
I think you are right. I live in the south of Norway, and the temperature is creeping down, in three days it is going to hit -22C, or -7.6F, and thats ok, if it weren't for my mistake winter boots.. :) They are watertight, and big, and cold
Here's the gear that I personally use and can stand behind:
*Pack Boots*
SOREL PACK BOOTS:amzn.to/3JdaRDE
KAMIK RUBBER BOOT + REMOVABLE LINER: amzn.to/3mnp8Vf
*Modern Pack Boot Hybrid:*
BAFFIN CONTROL MAX (Removable Liner): amzn.to/3t8hm5g
*Leather Fall/Winter/Spring Boot (Great choice for hunting)*
IRISH SETTER LEATHER BOOTS: amzn.to/3F0J4Ux
If you are'nt doing activity where you'll sweat and want a modern style big insulated boot, make sure you still get one with a REMOVABLE LINER. The ones I recommend are these Baffin Boots!:
*Modern Heavy Duty Insulation + Removable Liner*
BAFFIN EIGER - Removable Liner: amzn.to/3GnzcEn
*Insoles and Socks*
REFLECTIVE / WOOL COMBO INSOLES: amzn.to/3kNpp3k
DARN TOUGH MERINO WOOL SOCKS:amzn.to/3kPk6jX
THICK WOOL SOCKS: amzn.to/3Zpoq8v
MERINO WOOL LINER SOCKS: amzn.to/3kPkwqx
Please note, I linked these all from amazon, I get a small affiliate commission when you click the links. It keeps the channel unsponsored and completely transparent and honest!! Thank you!
Glad to hear you mention wool socks. As a 365 cyclist, I would recommend using some type of oil to coat your feet, getting in between the toes. Cheap, reliable and easily applied. Plus you can use on any exposed skin. Then, pantihose. One of the cheapest, thinnest and most versatile insulation materials I've ever found. Then, of course the wool socks. Consider making wool insoles for your 2 sizes larger boots. Easy to make from shrunken wool sweaters. Finally, consider a pair of boot gaiters from a shrunken wool sweater. Just cut the arms off the sweater and wear inverted, e.g. the wrist becomes the top ribbing around the calf and the armsceye becomes a bell that protects the gap at the top of the boot and covers the tongue and laces preventing rain and snow from entering those spaces. Not complicated, cheap, diy coziness for your feets.
Wow this is a fantastic addition. Thank you for adding all these - and I love how you can use the recycled old sweater to make most of them. You're a legend!
@@TheBearEssentials 🤗🤗🤗yeah, a bottle of oil (vitamin e, olive, baby, castor, glycerin or even vegetable) is a great & cheap skin insulator that every person facing prolonged exposure to the cold should always have in their arsenal. Ears, face, neck, hands, feet. Easy to reapply and shareable! Ask me how to make socks out of sweater sleeves!
ok, how? 😊😊
@@Gidgetwaterbear000using a sweater in your own body size. cut sleeves off of shrunken wool sweater. Place a sleeve on a foot with the wrist band at the toes. Seam of sleeve should run up the front of shin. Sew a seam across the edge of band to create toe box of sock. I recommend using wool yarn and a big eye upholstery needle for hand sewing all seams. Next, starting at the top of the foot near the ankle, gather the loose portion of the sleeve to form fit the body of the sock to the contour of your shin with a line of pins. Sew a seam up the front of the shin using pins as a guide. Next, cut open the original sleeve seam. You can either completely remove the excess material or you can spread it open and sew it down to the front of your new sock using a running top stitch. I like the latter for the decorative aspect and padding. Cut off the top of the sleeve that is at the back of the sock to make it even all around or leave it in place if you like the extra coverage at the calf. This portion of sock creation will render a crew length sock. For a longer sock, say knee high, you will need to cut a rectangle of material from the body of the sweater that will allow the desired sock length. Use the waist band as the top opening of the sock. Follow the previous steps to form sock to the contour of the shin and calf with seam in the front and the attach the bottom opening of the new leg portion to the top opening of the sock. Sew together. You can treat the horizontal portion of the leg the same way as you did the front seam of the foot and ankle portion of the sock. You can wear the sock with the seams to the outside or turn the sock and wear them on the inside which will create a snugger fit. I like a knee high socks with the seams on the outside and the excess sleeve material flat felled and top stitched for aesthetic appearance. Good luck, I hope you try making at least one pair. They're the best socks I've ever owned! 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you! God Bless and Peace be with you. 🙂
Adding a tip here given to me by a technical fabric expert: keep you legs well insulated!
We tend to not *feel* cold on our legs and because of that we don't really insulate them, but we actually lose quite a lot of heat through them, and cold legs will make your feet colder (the blood has to go through your cold legs to reach the feet). So even if you don't feel cold on your legs, make sure you have good insulation there, and that will help with cold feet.
I’m guilty of this- 4 layers including a big down coat up top and then a single pair of jeans on my legs 🤣
I used to be a postman too so I’d even wear shorts if if it didn’t become a conversation piece with everyone you walk past (I hate talking to strangers about the weather 😂)
Thats so funny. My legs domt freeze but my feet take a beating! Gonna try
If your feet are cold, check your fit. If your boot is too tight and you’ve stuffed it with socks, it doesn’t matter how good your gear is, you will freeze. Lack of circulation in your foot and air for insulation around it is the number one reason for cold feet in arctic conditions.
Absolutely, as I mentioned fit is the first thing to check for!
Only ever experienced central European conditions but couldn't agree more. Wide toe box is invaluable to us who get cold feet easily. I generally find I have warmer feet in autumn barefoot shoes than I ever had in my fleece lined winter boots, that were too narrow for my toes.
damnman, that is really spot on! Tip from a medic friend with lots of nols and other outdoor experience. If you are in the field for many days at a time, allocate one pair of socks that you *never ever* remove from your tent. You put them on before bed, and remove them in the morning. The goal is your dry night socks (wool is best) remove the moisture from your feet and keep your feet from developing trench foot, you want to get your feet dry at night. You want those socks staying dry. I usually plan to change socks twice a day in the field, although I don’t usually use liner socks, and should probably start. That makes a lot of sense.
Derek thanks brother. Great addition there on having the socks you always keep in your tent!
10 year Army vet here. Number 1 thing to do to keep warm feet is ANTI PERSPIRENT! NOT DEODORANT!
This is awesome. For us desert hikers, cotton socks may not be a good idea, but cotton shirts and bandanas can be a life saver for the exact same reason you never wear them in the cold. Just remember that deserts get cold overnight so bring a synthetic back up.
This is such useful info for anyone reading the comments section. THANK YOU for contributing to the community 👊👊
-DJ
for every occasion wool is better than cotton...even arid climate
Good tips, I just want to add that I have a pair of synthetic socks from a reputable company (I own other products from them and they range from OK to awesome), and the synthetic socks have been unsuitable for outdoor activities for me. They keep my feet wet-cold when it's just slightly cool outside, and wet-hot in the heat. I wear cotton or bamboo socks in warm weather and wool socks around or below freezing.
Great addition. I'm personally not a fan of synthetic socks myself.
I prefer wool liners / outers for many reasons, one of which is they can be dried by the fire and if an ember lands on them it wont destroy them. Also they retain insulation when wet.
I have heard people like synthetic as a base layer, but far less that like synthetic as their sock base layer.
A ski boot expert told me recently never to double sock as it cuts off circulation in your feet which is one mistake Ive been making way too long, made a huge difference on those extra cold days
It’s crazy, it seems counterintuitive to do but actually makes you warmer! Great move
Interesting! I always wear dubble sock in my boots to reduce the risk of friction blisters.
@@horrudu4081 ya sorry this is probs confusing. Double or even triple socks CAN work. The important factor is tightness. If you have massive boots that can fit 3 socks and you can easily move your toes you’ll be warm. (Given that the outermost sock isn’t super tight)
But chances are you don’t have that as that setup is likely too bulky and will need boot sizes 2+ bigger.
So under normal circumstances, 2 thick socks are too tight for most people. Too snug in the boot. It cuts off blood flow and doesn’t give enough space for insulation.
If you use a thin liner sock + a thick wool overtop that’s generally the best strategy!
Hope this made sense.
@@TheBearEssentials I can't speak to the double socks cutting circulation bit, but I used to march in a band. Carying a brass instrument in even a fare bit above freezing weather can pull heat away from your hands stupid fast. I had a pair of gloves that were way way too tight, looking back. My hands were freezing at like 40 or so F. I got them so cold they could barely move. Counterintuitively, removing the overly tight gloves, setting my heat sink of an instrument down, and flapping my hands around like a mad man got them warmer. Even with my brass heat sink in my hands and no gloves, the hands never got that cold again that practice. I got less tight gloves, and my hands still got cold (brass just makes you cold) they never got that bad again, even in below freezing and snow.
@@CFEF44AB1399978B0011 great analogy, must be the same principle applied, hands or feet! Thanks for sharing that
In the 1960s I spent three years in the USAF at Minot AFB, North Dakota. I worked on B-52s out on the flight line, where temperatures in winter routinely reached 20-30 below zero. Often I was on top of the aircraft or up in a cherry-picker accessing the tail section.
We were issued white, Type II “bunny boots,” insulated and pressurized rubber boots that were lightweight and comfortable. I had to walk a mile and a quarter one night at 1 a.m. The ambient temperature was 38- below, and I was perfectly protected from the elements.
These boots were simple, needed NO extra insulation nor outlandishly heavy sock material. If we had access to this “technology” 60 years ago, why isn’t it in use today? I tend to believe it’s more a matter of style and marketing rather than utility. Form must follow function, sir.
Similar situation but work related. I live in the South and it rarely gets really cold down here but when I first went to work we had some really cold spells. I worked in a shipyard where I had to stand on metal all day and the metal was extremely cold. The ground was much warmer then standing on the cold steel. We tried all kinds of ways to keep our feet warm and one way was to put on a pair of socks then a plastic bag over it covered by another sock... I tried that and like you said my feet sweated and then exposed to the super cold metal the sweat would freeze around my feet! I found 2 things that helped me, first, wool socks as you mentioned really helped keep my feet warmer and then I found a sawed off piece of scaffold board that I claimed and guarded with my life for as long as I could that I would use when I had the opportunity to stand in one place while doing my job. The 4 inch thick board acted like an insulator to keep my feet off the deck allowing them a chance to warm up. I know this really has nothing to do with what you are talking about but cold feet is no joke. I was an electrician and had the chance to work dong hook up where I had to stand in one place throughout the day, and standing there with frozen feet was absolutely miserable and not being able to walk around to stimulate circulation... But discovering wool socks was the best thing that happened to me, before then I had only worn cotton socks. I wish I had known about them from the beginning!
So much good advice in one video, I’ve always stuck with leather boots, too large with thick wool socks, with spares to swap, I made insoles from tinfoil topped with wool blanket top layer.
Tested to the limit in Germany during the winter excercises, occasionally we would be out for 3-4 weeks in freezing weather, snow and rain. Dry sock rotation is key
I have no idea why youtube recommended you in my feed but I'm glad to know how to preserve my feet in snow even through I never get out
Hahah! This is amazing. Gave me a laugh.. thank you. I’m glad to have ya here lol
Here are a few tips I have learned through the years. 1) Dont let your boots freeze over night. Putting feet in frozen boots is a recipe for frost bite. Feet are not made to defrost boots. Keep those boots under your bag and keep them from freezing. A couple of hot water bottles can work to keep them warm over night and they will also drive some moisture out. 2) Vapor barriers work wonders. Liner sock, Vapor barrier, insulating sock, vapor barrier, boot. It is a hassle but the moisture is kept in the liner sock. the insulating sock stays dry. The liner socks also dry out faster than a thick insulating sock. Wool is great, but there are other materials that make great insulating socks. Just stay away from cotton. Make sure your foot system fits. If the boots are too small and tight, you are doing yourself no favors as you are hindering the flow of warm blood to your feet. Socks that are too small hinders blood flow too. I have seen frostbite because boot laces are too tight. 3) Keep the body core warm. If your core is freezing, your feet wont stand a chance. 4) when you are "standing around" on the snow, a small piece of closed cell foam to stand on makes a huge difference. 5) Dont ignore cold feet. Do something about them sooner than later. You need your feet to carry you home. While at camp make sure you get them dry and warm, air them out. Keeping them in wet socks leads to a colder foot, ie frostbite, and even what is called trench foot.
7:08 - ah yes, Ghetto Gortex. When we were kids we would use milk bags to keep our feet dry while sledding 🤣🦫🍁
Yes!!! I did the same!!
So you can use it to keep your feet dry if you don’t have waterproof boots
OR
Use them as a wetsuit type to keep the moisture inside the ghetto goretex… then that moisture won’t wet your actual boot for camping overnight and the boot freezing.
@@TheBearEssentials Growing up in poverty gave me lots of transferable survival skills. And all I had to do was pay (sorry, invest?) with my mental health. 🤣👍
All your advice is really useful. Old soldiers who have served in cold climates usually give good advice for foot care. They recommend wearing leather boots in before going out in the field.
Excellent. Although the plastic bag method can cause frostbite if not removed/changed in time, so be warned..!
Great tips on keeping your feet dry and warm. One of the best winter boots I have found for keeping my feet both dry and warm is the Russian Wool Valenki boots. I use the Neos over boot for to keep the water out when I need it, but can be removed and the Valenki can be set next to the fire to dry out, and being they are 100% wool, next to a nice warm fire they dry out fairly quickly. Using a base layer merino wool sock and a thicker wool boot sock in them is the perfect combo. Breathable mukluks are a good choice too. I have those also and have multiple wool liners to rotate them. I am an older guy and keeping my feet dry and warm are a must when enjoying the outdoors and those two options are the best I have found. I do have the thinsulate hiking boots that I have used to hike to camp and to set up camp. The mukluks are light enough that I can pack those and change into them once I am ready to kick back at camp.
i wear a very thin wool toe sock, followed by a vapour barrier, then my thick wool sock
the thin wool sock is meant to prevent abrasion since the moisture that's locked in will cause wrinkly skin and really bad friction very fast. plus it removes that annoying feeling of a plastic stuck to your skin
since this thin wool toe sock is lightweight and dries faster (since its thin), it cuts down a lot of weight in cold weather. i have a similar setup for hand, lower body and upper body
Awesome knowledge! I'm from the south and this hasn't been much of a problem yet... but we're moving to the far north very soon and was up there last year and went out in very cold ... even with boots rated for the temp my feet were still cold! And as you know that greatly limiting... so I'm gonna follow your advice! Thanks!
Right on, that’s awesome to hear. Where abouts are you thinking of moving?? Up in Canada?
@@TheBearEssentials lol nope ...N. Indiana can't wait! It's so beautiful there ...
I've been using plain newsprint (plain newpapers) for insulation in my shoes, butt, chest, as blankets sleeping on the park bench, er, in Nature under the stars. Once they get damp, I throw them away and insert fresh pages - I know, yesterday's news.
My shoe size is 14. It is nearly impossible to get a boot that is 1 or 2 sizes larger.
Damn! Time to make custom hide mukluks !
Seriously they are the warmest option which I didn’t cover here bc they need their own video
I live roughly 65 degrees norh latitude, so low temperature is a reality for me, I use uninsulated leather boots and wool socks, several pairs that I switche during the day so I always have dry ones.
Once bought a pair of lovely lightweight half boots at a supermarket in France. Never understood why they were so warm and waterproof, put them in the washing machine after the season. Had them for years until the lining gave out and decided to cut them open and guess what I found? Between the layers I found a Chinese supermarket plastic bag cut to fit it. Explained everything😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Realy nice video!
There are not many people or video's that just give useful information that actually works. Very wel done, I really admire that!
Oh wow thanks so much for saying this.
Keeps me motivated to make more!
Ive been finding wearing thinner layers on feet when active to be better to keep feet warm and dry similar to how youd layer on the rest of your body.
For a guy who claims to know everything about keeping feet warm should be educated in vapor barrier management. The key in ultra cold weather is to never let your boot insulation get wet in the first place. Put a vapor barrier on top of your thick wool socks. Let the socks absorb the foot sweat keeping the insulation dry. Change out your socks 2 to 3 times a day and you are golden.
The military figured this out a long time ago with the Mickey Mouse boot. Letting your insulation layer get wet is dumb af and can get you into trouble if you can’t dry it out over a few days outside.
This same concept goes for sleeping bags as well.
Thanks a lot ! i wish they teach it in the miltary... that really helped in the war in the north of israel! really good tips !
Hello! What model do you present as pack boot that you love so much? They look very nice, and i am interrested in because my feet are allways cold, and having some removable liner is a very good ideea. Thank you, very educational video sir!
Hey!! I have the link in the description for one.
Helly Hanson and sorrel’s are a good bet, I think Kamik too!
Another problem is bad circulation; I suffer with cold feet in the house with slippers on! I broke both ankles (twice) rock climbing in my youth and it did not bother me too much but now over 60 I am finding that my feet tend to be colder most of the time. Especially at night with socks and slippers on my feet slowly fall much colder and then I find that I am wrapping them in a throw rug in order to warm them up again. I used to put plastic bags over my feet, then socks and finally wellington boots when younger and my feet never got cold playing the in the snow. Now I have to be very careful when walking the dogs in winter, as my feet turn cold on the return journey. As a pensioner I would love a pair of bunny boots but here in the UK they cost in excess of £250! From the US. Those are the best winter boots ever made by the US military and if I could afford a pair I would have them.
Thx DJ , you showed me one ooopps Ive been doing....not now 😊
Thank you for being so thorough. I don't weigh a lot so I run cold. I always have to manage what I wear and all ears for tips and tricks.
*Some other great YT Pages to follow if you liked this video:*
Another Awesome Channel - _@mylifeoutdoors_
*His Video on Cold Weather Layering!* th-cam.com/video/-Ogv5_xT6S4/w-d-xo.html
AND
_@RoseAnvil_
*He Cuts 5 Winter Boots in Half to show how good they are!* th-cam.com/video/JNcLk6snuw0/w-d-xo.html
I find primaloft to work better than thinsulate. I don’t hike much but I do linework in Maryland, we see all types of weather, epic summers, disgusting humidity, epic winters where it’s ridiculously cold for no reason, high humidity with moist cold air cuts right thru anything you can wear. I’ve tried multiple pairs of boots and have found just unlined sturdy leather boots with different weighted wool socks work great for spring, summer, and fall here. Winter, medium to heavy wool socks, a waterproof lined boot, goretex is ok but sympatec and dri-lex seems more breathable to me, thinsulate is good in its heavier weights like 600 to 1200 grams, but primaloft seems to be better for active wear. When it’s epically cold and wet a felt lined pac boot or pull on rubber boot works really good but you sacrifice mobility. Panty hose actually work really well for severe cold weather, I only do pantyhose when it’s really really cold and wet. Being outside makes you experiment with different stuff but long story short wool socks are key, and I only wear waterproof lined boots in the late fall/winter. Felt or wool linings on your snow boots seem better than thinsulate in my opinion. Do what works for you though! Only way to know is to try different stuff! Good info in this video as well thanks for posting!
I wished I'd watch this b4 I purchased my boots! Lol thanks
I live in the UK and often hike in Scotland in winter where it can get very cold and very wet. I found the advice in this video an excellent resource; clear and very informative. Well done and thank you.
Phil
What a wonderful Voice you have! I enjoy your videos.
Wow that is so sweet of you to say. My voice was always one thing I disliked growing up! This means a lot :)
One other thing....Antiperspirant spray. Feet stay dry and warm! Try it!
Really? I’ve never heard of this technique
I buy boots 1-2 sizes larger. Just remember, your sleeping bag will smell like your feet😂
haha
the "Wonder Years" bread bag liner trick!
haha! I felt I would trigger nostalgia with that one
Excellent info (3rd video I've watched) ... I'm an Aussie, but I definitely still remember cold toes from when I was 4-6 years old in Calgary. These tips are great for cold weather situations.
Boots that are too tight!
I wear a size 15 4E. I have hell finding shoes. Finding boots is basically impossible.
Thursday boots are highly rated and go up to size 16
@jeffmsc what width? I can find size 15s in D & E. I can't get my feet in that. It's the width I have trouble with.
Thursday Captains come in 6 widths
@@jeffmsc I'll have to check them out. Thanks for the tip!
I learned in Basic Training that the socks are the key to foot care and wool is king, leather boots are best summer or winter. I followed this rule and it always worked and only when I couldn't change or dry socks did I ever have a problem.
100% I completely agree with this and do the same!
God, I hate the way wool feels, though. I know it's the best, but it drives me nuts.
@@lewasil have you tried merino wool? Or maybe a synthetic / wool blend would work well. Synthetics are honestly nearly as good these days
@@TheBearEssentials no, but i will check it out. Thank you! Stay warm and cozy! XOXOXO XOXOXO XOXOXO XOXOXO XOXOXO XOXOXO
Great information. I carry two waterproof shock resistant rechargeable hand warmers. I can throw them into my sleeping bag, socks boots or just warm my hands and with a solar panel I have an indefinite source of heat.
Awesome video! Picked up a couple of things I had not thought of, thank you!
Thank you for an excellant video. As an old timer I was watching for a refresher course. You covered it all! Qucikly and no nonsense. Thanks again.
lol I have a pair of waterproof winter boots that are good for -40 celsius. and that is with bare feet and toasty warm. I paid less then $200 CDN
Wow, the stuff you teach us is blowing my mind! Brilliant is an understatement for some of these things. I like the why behind things. So I love that you explain some of these reasons that these things work.
This is so informative. Always learning something new. Thank you.
Thx for watching Kathleen!! Always grateful for your continued support
I use steel toe boots for work. If you have winter boots then you can only wear them at winter as you'll be far to hot a sweaty in them during the summer. So i use normal boots and have winter socks. As i used to go snow boarding in my younger years i wear snowboarding or ski socks for the winter months. There good at wat they do and they just work. Then normall socks with the same boots for summer time. You can also get water proof socks these days however i haven't tried these yet but we are getting more and more flooding so it might not be long untill i try a pair.
You don't wake up with frozen shoes. Regardless of the type of shoes you have, they must be in the sleeping bag.
Under armor Gortex all season hiking boots best boot I’ve ever worn. My feet stay warm one pair of wool socks never had issues I work construction out in the elements all day into the night. As long as u can keep your feet dry. Never had an issue. Paid $110 I’ve had them 4 years now still water proof gortex is an investment I say!!!
too poor and don’t know anyone to go hiking in the woods my life is extremely boring compared to yours, but i will say i hate that my feet are always cold when it’s not hot out. in winter it’s worst and i always have to have snow boots on or keep them on a heater at home.
Yes straight to the point 👍 we’ll explained , you have to deal with the moisture, there is no way around, boots, sleep bag or sleeping system with Bivy bag doesn’t matter, you need a plan and experiences to deal with, thanks for sharing 👍
Fun fact, i live in Russia, and it's cold in winter time. So you think winter boots are best, but i always freezes in them. But for 4 years i using summer shoes, and didn't freeze anymore. Even though i am sweating like a pig then working)😂
🤯 You Have to Design Your Brand of Hiking 🥾🥾, Your Knowledge is Spot On 👏👏👏👏👏
I'm no longer fond of winter camping - remember being close to freezing to death over 60 years ago. Plastic bags are uncomfortable, but I've worn them many times over a light synthetic stocking, with heavier wool pairs on the outside, but plastic bags develop holes. Kamiks used to be great when they were made in Canada. Boots with removeable felt liners and extra felt sole are the only way to go unless you are just out on a day hike. The big thing that's missing in your picture are some nylon gaiters to keep the snow out of the tops. Cheers from Northern Ontario.
Back in the 60's I worked up in the arctic and the best boots for me were WW11 surplus...Bunny Boots and Felt Boots. Wool liners are ok, but they must be dried everyday.
Great tips. Thanks v much. Few yrs ago i discovered marino wool.for base layrs instead of man made fibers. (B O) from manmade had me stinkin after just few hrs even just after shower bfore goin out
Strange that no one pointed this... Putting your wet socks into sleeping bag is the worst thing you can do.
The moisture will evaporate and make sleeping bag wet, the last thing you want is wet sleeping bag.
Never take you wet clothes, bag or equipment inside your tent! Keep it in the vestibule.
Just think about it.
Specialized "high tech" boots are overpriced garbage. Any rubber high boot with removable liner beats them 9 times out of 10 and cost a fraction of the price. Rubber boots are far more durable too.
There is so much repetition in the first minutes of this video, wasting my time, that I stopped watching, although the subject interested me. Please consider telling things just once, as YT allows those who cannot pick up your message immediately, to stop and rewatch sections of your video they did not understand.
Also, make sure your head and torso is covered and layered.
A lot of people forget that a large percentage of your energy is to help keep your brain and core organs functioning properly. So your extremities like arms/ hands & legs/feet are the first things to be given up.
So in addition to wool socks, make sure you have a warm hat on and several layers of clothing for your core and your legs.
The old saying “something thin and something thick” that is what helps keep you warm. I prefer military combat boots.
Ngl I wear cotton socks and here in the recent weeks of sub freezing temps i have been wearing three pairs to keep my feet warm. I have the boot that has the ribber on the bottom and the leather upper. They don't have removable liners though. My toes get really cold just standing still bit when I'm working they stay warm. Its just that when i stop and my blood has cooled down i start to get cold again.
I would really have liked to save this to my "Best Of: Winter tips" playlist but I am unable to save it for some reason. That sucks.
Really? That’s odd, I’m not sure how to fix that on my end. I wonder if anyone else is having this problem
I have found that ever since i broke in my square toe justins, a good pair of wool socks is all i need when im working in the snow or cold environment, I actually never really feel my feet get cold and that is mostly in part to, the wool insulates and wicks the moisture away from my foot and since my boot is about half a size bigger, it breathes so much better.
What jacket are wearing in the video clip
Hey! The Jacket is made by Fjallraven, if you want, heres my affiliate link to the jacket on campsaver: bit.ly/421nhX3
Great tips.
I ❤️ wool socks.
I spin, natural dye and knit wool socks.
What do you think about silk under socks?
Very informative really like your channel . Read a old trapping magazine and it recommended silk socks under wool socks to keep your feet warm, never could find silk socks.
Ya silk is great too, mainly for how lightweight it is - and it’s actually pretty similar to merino wool in terms of absorption and wicking.
Here’s a great article comparing some popular base layer materials.
besthiking.net/comparison-of-base-layer-materials/
i spotted some silk yarn, presumably for baby knitwear in yarn shop. expensive af but maybe good value, if lasts long and you knit your own silk socks? :) btw, sock-knitting is actually _easier_ than e.g. sweater or even scarf. sock has no edges, y'know. just knit round and round. and if afraid of turning the heel - there is whole culture i know what only very lately learned that, they just used to knit one long...wossname, tube? bag? well, just sock or stocking straight, no corners. two, that is, and when wearing, heel finds its way.
Silk socks used to be worn pre-nylon as thin stockings/socks, like pantyhose. They can still be found, but they're quite expensive.
Drying stuff in the sleeping bag is the biggest BS, I doesn’t work it makes the bag damp
In Norway during two Winter warfare wxercises we slept in two sleeping bags with our boots in the outer bag and toe of the boot under our knees so the boots didn't freeze and it does work 100%.
just wear plastic bags inside your wool socks. You're welcome.
Great video, thanks. Really liking the vibe. Not sure I'll every get to use this particular knowledge. But who knows.
Thanks so much for the comment regardless. Never know when you’ll need it, at any rate, I appreciate you watching, my friend!
So Mom knew what she was doing when she stuffed our feet in plastic bread bags under our socks before we went to play in the snow.
She always knows best!!
So find mix wool inner sock and actual wool socks outside ? I have found use wool or felt insoles they keep the cold coming up through the soles
Eating too much sugar and bread contributes to cold feet
PAC boots are not all made with a wool felt removable liner nowadays. Many are some sort of synthetic blend. So buyer beware!
You can also do the wool triple dress sock method and you rotate them everytime you rest. It's a cheaper option but also doesn't work in the coldest of cold either.
For all of you that think anti perspirant is a good idea,its full of aluminium in an aliminium tin.
Enough said.
Let time told history be your guide
Wont you have moisture in you sleepingbag after 3 days?
I'll just keep calm and pretend you didn't say to not bring spair socks and carry on. 5:48
This channel is exactly what I'm gonna watch before my huge hikes
Thanks so much for saying that!!! I’m glad it helps!
I have some smart wool I’m a wood worker and last winter I the only part of my body was my feet that was freezing what should I do
Any tips & pointers to keep your feet dry & moisture free in ski boots, especially the toe box, despite battery heated liners?
newspaper is always warm - a method from the 20th century.
Are they 100% wool socks? Or can 56% smartwool socks work?
Nah, I have the mammut eiger extremes and I don’t regret them. Love my mountaineering boots
i get cold toes no matter what i try unless i use heated socks, i have to wear wool socks inside my house in the winter to keep my toes at a decent comfort, what would you recomend
The best footwear will be useless if the boot is too snug. For wool to do its magic.... a roomy fit is essential....
That makes no sense to let the socks evaporate their moisture into your sleeping bag, 🤷🏻♂️isn't the key to avoid all moisture,condensation,dampness, whatever ya want to call it, from invading any of our gear's insulating properties? Yeah you can say thats an option, however, it should be avoided.
Fair point actially.. Generally it never gives off enough moisture to make any noticeable affect on my sleeping bag interior. However I definitely see your point… I’ve used this when my socks are damp and if I left them out they’d just freeze over.
😀👍🏿Good Stuff,GreatTips
Thanks Darryl!
Tight TIGHT TIGHT information presentation. You could teach most TH-camrs how to streamline their information. Big kudos to you!
s looserning ya boots a bit in camp maks more air gap n warmer fett hmm. ok an the reflector insole erm datmight just be genious ta
Excellent Video ... I was at Ft Wainwright in 1980. There was no neoprene back then, We mainly used Vapor Barrier (Mickey Mouse ) or Danner - Ft Lewis boots. I used the Neoprene boots Deer hunting later in life. This is a great video reference ... Well Done...
I subscribed and like because you took the time to share your learning and wisdom. I am over 60 ,,,, Still live and breathe in Alaska.,,,,, again .. I did learn from your time. ,,,, Thank 4 ur time. No need to reply ,,,, I don’t…. ! !!!
Basically, you just copied the video Adventures With the Marine made a year ago. I see this a copying thing a lot on youtube.
Finally, some who understands basic heat transfer and ancillary effects. Merino wool socks Smart woof for decades . Last year woolrich made some we will see, both do not retain smell. For over 30 years I have been wearing French made rubber boots LE Chameau and AIGLE. Plain, leather lined, and neoprene. Often asked, don’t your feet sweat. Reply “ if your feet don’t sweat your going to die ( relieving heat ) You’re absolute about fit, however heel fit is paramount for wear and potentially forming blisters. I wear boots every day they last more than 5 to 10 years except soles at least 5 years. Hanging upside down to dry. Washing feet with snow and warming with body dryer size warmer before socks are damp. Reflective liner on bottom is a great way to keep moisture from bottom. A very thin wicking sock also works.
Living in the woods in log cabin for 22 years full time ( Michigan UP HURON MTS) reveals what is most effective. Baffin and Sorel make acceptable foot wear, but are bulky. A new light sport caught my attention, 1 size up. Another tip when not freezing, but snow with sun , I let my feet breathe with loosing the top cinch under my ski pants and that seems to reduce moisture in the socks. Your tips are spot on with carrying extra liners/ socks. Our back country skis ALTI have binding like snow board, and are troublesome with those bulky Caribou size Sorels. The body size hand warmers also keep your electronic equipment working in extreme cold. Appreciate your posting, very timely. Wear boots for week inside to gauge fit. Climb stairs as well to verify calf and ankle response when ascending or descending stairs. Bless you brother for you shared wisdom. TRJM 🦅🙏🍀✡️
The best system I found for multi day mountaineering in the cold wet cascades... La Sportiva Lhotse boots, Mountain Tools insulated supergaiters, Costco wool socks, baby gold powder, and light weight portable boot dryer like Drysure... Putting on a rock hard frozen boots after climbing a mountain sucks...
I think you are right. I live in the south of Norway, and the temperature is creeping down, in three days it is going to hit -22C, or -7.6F,
and thats ok, if it weren't for my mistake winter boots.. :) They are watertight, and big, and cold