Warm Socks?

[SchoolGirlHeart]

so, boot experts....

what about a pair of hiking boots for more moderate temps... maybe cold (down to 30's or 20's now and again) but mostly 40's/50's..... recommendations?

If you're gonna be mostly hiking around in them, as oppose to sitting still - I would stay in the 800-1000 gram thinsulate range. You dong want to get too warm, sweat = cold. Personally, I like a high boot (8-10"), for the extra ankle support, especially if you're doing alot of steep inclines and/or uneven terrain. As for brand, I use Rockys exclusively, and have had nothing but good luck with them. They hold up very well, are extremely waterproof, and the company stands behind them with a lifetime replacement warranty. There are other good brands out there, but I do not have experience with them. My dad has a pair of Cabela's brand, and he likes them - but he's not as hard on them as I am.

Thanks!

Who carries Rockys?

[UAHparrothead]

I have found a brand called "Smart Socks" are very good, they keep your feet warm and wick away sweat.

[rednekkPH]

Who carries Rockys?

Most good sporting goods places that sell hunting equipment will carry them. You can order them online, but I really suggest trying them on before you buy.

An idea of what they offer can be found here:
http://www.rockyboots.com/webapp/wcs/st ... ryId=10116

[Indiana Jolly Mon]

Not a camper here (prefer bare feet in an ocean) but for Bears games when I am out in cold on ice and concrete for 7+ hours, I have good boot plus the "sock system". Go to an outdoor or hunting store and get it. It is a thin sock that keeps you dry and breathes covered by a heavy wool sock that keeps you warm. I thought it was stupid at first, but it really works. That and good boots and you will be all set.
Oh and a gallon of Jack may not hurt either

[RinglingRingling]

Not a camper here (prefer bare feet in an ocean) but for Bears games when I am out in cold on ice and concrete for 7+ hours, I have good boot plus the "sock system". Go to an outdoor or hunting store and get it. It is a thin sock that keeps you dry and breathes covered by a heavy wool sock that keeps you warm. I thought it was stupid at first, but it really works. That and good boots and you will be all set.
Oh and a gallon of Jack may not hurt either

but when you have to "go", there is the chance of frostbite, and no one wants to touch that subject..

[~Hippolyte~]

what about Electric Socks?

[rednekkPH]

what about Electric Socks?

They work well, but the extension cord can become rather cumbersome on long hikes.

[Quiet and Shy]

I have a friend who swears by cayenne. Yes, he rubs cayenne on his hands and feet when he knows it's going to be really bad.

Of course, I've always thought he's a little off so I've never tried myself.

that should work, actually...

so should some of the sore muscle creams that have capsacin (SP?) in them. the cayenne causes increased blood flow to the skin.

Just be sure not to rub your eyes after applying the cayenne!

[RinglingRingling]

I have a friend who swears by cayenne. Yes, he rubs cayenne on his hands and feet when he knows it's going to be really bad.

Of course, I've always thought he's a little off so I've never tried myself.

that should work, actually...

so should some of the sore muscle creams that have capsacin (SP?) in them. the cayenne causes increased blood flow to the skin.

Just be sure not to rub your eyes after applying the cayenne!

but on the bright side, every meal that day is Cajun-seasoned..

[Coconuts]

I would suggest sock liners in either silk or nylon and then polar fleece or wool socks.

I would also avoid toe warmers in your shoes, and just wait to use those until you're back at the campsite.

[~Hippolyte~]

I have a friend who swears by cayenne. Yes, he rubs cayenne on his hands and feet when he knows it's going to be really bad.

Of course, I've always thought he's a little off so I've never tried myself.

that should work, actually...

so should some of the sore muscle creams that have capsacin (SP?) in them. the cayenne causes increased blood flow to the skin.

Just be sure not to rub your eyes after applying the cayenne!

but on the bright side, every meal that day is Cajun-seasoned..

DUDE, you gotta stop eating with your feet!! ...ya see the thread is about socks, ya know, for your feet...and he rubs the cayenne on his feet too...get it...ah forget it

[Papa T]

I was at a high school football game and one of those hand warmers worked really well. Nothing has done better for me than wool socks when I'm camping. I suggest a mix of those.

[flipflopgirl]

Try: NOT WALKING AROUND IN THE WOODS WHEN IT'S 30 DEGREES OUT!!!!

[RinglingRingling]

I have a friend who swears by cayenne. Yes, he rubs cayenne on his hands and feet when he knows it's going to be really bad.

Of course, I've always thought he's a little off so I've never tried myself.

that should work, actually...

so should some of the sore muscle creams that have capsacin (SP?) in them. the cayenne causes increased blood flow to the skin.

Just be sure not to rub your eyes after applying the cayenne!

but on the bright side, every meal that day is Cajun-seasoned..

DUDE, you gotta stop eating with your feet!! ...ya see the thread is about socks, ya know, for your feet...and he rubs the cayenne on his feet too...get it...ah forget it

[Ceol na Mara]

I happened across this site and thought you might be interested.
http://www.nols.edu/wmi/curriculum_upda ... foot.shtml

Also, a friend was just telling me that her brother was so excited about a pair of socks he bought (said they kept his feet so warm) he bought a pair for each member of the extended family. I will ask her for the name and get back to you.

[Dutch Harbor PH]

I agree on the liner socks especially if you are hiking any distance (keeps the rubbing down and hence the blisters...) as far as socks go...I swear by Thorlos. The ones with the coolmax in them....the coolmax basically helps to wick moisture away from the foot (one of the primary reasons you foot gets cold)....remember...dry = warm = comfortable.....

Beyond that if you still have cold feet, put a disposible hand warmer in the boot under the arch of your foot...or if the boot has a removable bed liner...take it out and put the warmer under it..... also at night....keep your boots in the tent with you and before you get into your boots in the morning, bring them into your sleeping bag and warm them up before you put them on.....nothing worst than starting the day with cold feet....I know some people who sleep with their boots (not on, but in the bag to keep them warm)......They also claim that the aroma keeps bears away...
( and that's why they sleep in a tent by themselves!!!! )

As far as boots go.....if you aren't doing strenuous hiking with a pack, or scrambling on uneven terrain...you could try a pair of "pack" boots like Sorels ..... they don't have a lot of support and they feel loose but they will keep your feet warm and dry.....
Oh and if none of that works...you can always buy a pair of "bunny" boots at the surplus store.........

[12vmanRick]

In the military they always told us cotton socks on the skin to absorb moisture and wool on top of them to keep in the heat and out the cold. It works for the most part but once your feet get cold, it's hard to warm them up good.

Some people like those socks that are heated that use a 9v battery

[Cubbie Bear]

I like the polarfleece socks.

Good shearling lined boots are helpful too.

We went camping in the snow once. I used those hand warmers in my sleeping bag

you need a sleeping bag buddy

[RinglingRingling]

I like the polarfleece socks.

Good shearling lined boots are helpful too.

We went camping in the snow once. I used those hand warmers in my sleeping bag

you need a sleeping bag buddy

that Mr. Meg's job-title on those trips.