Socks
- Thread starter WhelanLad
- Start date
The OP is in Australia, so I doubt that cold conditions are on his mind! Since it keeps coming up though, I have to say that properly fitted gaiters will do far more to keep you warm as compared to just doubling down on thicker and thicker socks. Sort of like how adding a neck tube or scarf makes a major difference to keeping your core warm - You don't realize how much heat you're losing as your blood is passing through your lower leg and ankle, very close to the surface of your skin.
I have seen in your videos that your leg hair is not long enough to braid into socks so you better grab a sheep and shear it
lol get outta here
I wear red heads from cabelas now , all different weights depending on weather. They’re kinda pricey 15 CAD a pair but, they have lifetime warranty you can take them back when they wear out and they’ll give you a new
Pair. They’re wicked!
Pair. They’re wicked!
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Gaiters are great, I have a set of two I use while hunting or snowshoeing and hare hunting in the early springtime. I can’t wear them at work as they wouldn’t fit over my ppe that easily, have zip out powder cuffs though and they work well to keep snow and slush out. We’re moving around all day so I don’t worry about keeping in heat, I’m more concerned with letting excess heat out and staying dry. My falling pants are covered in pitch and bar oil anyway so relatively waterproof on their own now.
Yeah, depends on your pants and boots for sure.
It's also nice that gaiters are relatively easy to remove to add/remove, and easy to stow in your bag (or pocket) - It's otherwise pretty limited to adjust layers and venting on your lower body.
It's also nice that gaiters are relatively easy to remove to add/remove, and easy to stow in your bag (or pocket) - It's otherwise pretty limited to adjust layers and venting on your lower body.
Double socks eliminates dead air space and causes rubbing; begging for blisters and cold feet. Especially if you are putting actual miles on.
Bamas can be very helpful depending on the boots. Some say they have had them freeze up when it’s really cold but I’ve never had this issue, generally moving a lot of wearing socks and sorrels or heavy duty “-100” boots in the real cold though
I wear med weight merino socks all year round; changing level of insulation on boots as needed. Usually walking a ton though so staying warm. If based on sled or not moving around or working much just heavily insulated boots.
Bamas can be very helpful depending on the boots. Some say they have had them freeze up when it’s really cold but I’ve never had this issue, generally moving a lot of wearing socks and sorrels or heavy duty “-100” boots in the real cold though
I wear med weight merino socks all year round; changing level of insulation on boots as needed. Usually walking a ton though so staying warm. If based on sled or not moving around or working much just heavily insulated boots.
Londonshooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
I'm not diabetic but the best sock regimen I have found is to wear good quality 'diabetic socks' under wool socks. They have no seams to cause pressure points and are super-wicking. I'll change the diabetic socks every day until I get a chance to hand wash and dry them, but can wear the same wool socks over them for a week.
I'm not the biggest fan, but they have their place. You can splash through a fair bit of water with well-fitted gaiters if you're quick, but that's not where they shine. And, not all gaiters are waterproof - I have some that are super breathable soft shell material, for example.
Lots of people just use gaiters to keep debris out of shoes and boots with a lower cuff. Any cheap material works for this, but waterproof breathable is more comfortable.
I generally like gaiters for when the brush is really wet. Full waterproof (so-called "breathable") pants make me sweat like crazy if I'm doing anything more than a casual stroll, so waterproof gaiters are great in those conditions. This often happens on a damp morning with lots of dew, and then once the sun comes around and dries things out I can take the gaiters off and stash them in my pack for the rest of the day. Also, I can handle a fair bit of rain with a longer rain jacket and gaiters.
They're also great for extending how much cold weather you can handle with lighter weight boots. Of course my fall hunting boots paired with gaiters are not as warm as my full winter boots, but I greatly prefer hiking in my fall boots...
pete dobinson
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Courtenay BC.
You nailed it. Don't double up on the socks, its the boot that keep your feet warm not the sock. A good pair of merino wool socks is good. You need a little extra air space in the boot.
300_savage
CGN Regular
- Location
- New Brunswick
Cabela's redhead brand ultimate wool heavyweight socks are really hard to beat for the price, they a warm socks and keep you're feet dry. On sale now for $11.99 reg 19.99. They also have tall boot length ones that are good if you wear tall rubber boots.
Good to hear! I picked up a thick pair of their over the calf hunting socks. Definitely high quality stuff!
