3 TOP Mistakes giving you COLD FEET!! + The Fixes!

Cold feet are one of the most common issues you'll face if you're an outdoor enthusiast. I've found there are a few misconceptions and mistakes to avoid or they could mistakenly make your feet colder! The best part is you can usually apply some of the systems covered in this video to optimize your existing boots to keep your feet from getting colder.
While the mistakes are common in general winter applications, they can especially be applied to Hiking, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Skiing, Snowmobiling, Backcountry Camping and most importantly, in prepping and survival scenarios.
The three types of systems I discuss in the video are:
1) The Two Sock Method - For regular boots without any liner.
2) The Liner Swap Method - For Pack boots and removable liner boots.
3) The Vapor Barrier Method - For completely waterproof boots.
The Research I have done here was based on my own experience in combination with a number of mentors and sources. One of which is Martin from / @pinemartyn . Please make sure to check him out as he's an amazing wealth of knowledge!
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: bit.ly/3SimiwX
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!!
OTHER GREAT VIDEOS !
10 ESSENTIAL KNOTS FOR LIFE - by me, @TheBearEssentials
• The 10 BEST Knots in L...
Another Awesome Channel - @MyLifeOutdoors
His Video on Cold Weather Layering!
• The ONE Big Mistake Th...
From @RoseAnvil
He Cuts 5 Winter Boots in Half to show how good they are!
• Top 5 Winter Boots CUT...
No Sponsored Gear. All of it is my own which I've purchased years ago and thoroughly have used.
But if you'd like to support my channel via affiliate links, here are a few relevant ones of products I like:
SOREL PACK BOOTS:amzn.to/3JdaRDE
KAMIK RUBBER BOOT + REMOVABLE LINER: amzn.to/3mnp8Vf
IRISH SETTER LEATHER BOOTS: amzn.to/3F0J4Ux
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
DJ's Camping Gear List on Amazon
www.amazon.com/shop/thebeares...
The Bear Essentials Handmade Gear:
bearessentialsoutdoors.ca/
00:00 Introduction
00:12 Mistake #1.
02:23 Mistake #2.
02:46 How to keep your feet warm with: A Leather Hiking Boot
04:45 How to keep your feet warm with: A Pack Boot.(Removable Liner)
06:23 How to keep your feet warm with: RUBBER BOOT
07:03 Vapour Barrier Method
07:50 Mistake #3
09:06 Bonus Tip!

[@TheBearEssentials]

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!

[@ididntwantthischannel5538]

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.

[@TheBearEssentials]

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!

[@ididntwantthischannel5538]

@@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!

[@kimmills3264]

ok, how? 😊😊

[@ididntwantthischannel5538]

@@kimmills3264using 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! 🤗🤗🤗

[@cynicalafflictional1725]

Thank you! God Bless and Peace be with you. 🙂

[@alieutier]

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.

[@manuel_winde]

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 😂)

[@Leo-yn5fx]

Thats so funny. My legs domt freeze but my feet take a beating! Gonna try

[@FantasticOtto]

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.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Absolutely, as I mentioned fit is the first thing to check for!

[@zagrizena]

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.

[@CFEF44AB1399978B0011]

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.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Derek thanks brother. Great addition there on having the socks you always keep in your tent!

[@moredac2881]

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.

[@TheBearEssentials]

This is such useful info for anyone reading the comments section. THANK YOU for contributing to the community 👊👊 -DJ

[@maxuzb]

for every occasion wool is better than cotton...even arid climate

[@SiegHart13090]

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

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hahah! This is amazing. Gave me a laugh.. thank you. I’m glad to have ya here lol

[@MrDkgio]

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

[@philipburke1708]

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

[@TheBearEssentials]

*Some other great YT Pages to follow if you liked this video:* Another Awesome Channel - _@mylifeoutdoors_ *His Video on Cold Weather Layering!* kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4DKp2iVrblpiZY AND _@RoseAnvil_ *He Cuts 5 Winter Boots in Half to show how good they are!* kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH_GfZ5sqNOorZI

[@natlee2681]

Thanks! You covered all the info for selecting winter boots and socks in 9 min and 34 sec than the last ten videos I viewed in two days. Thank You.

[@JAMES-CORBETT-275]

This video is the best I've ever seen on moisture/cold foot management!!! Bravo!!!

[@Amywazwaz06]

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.

[@nycrae]

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.

[@stauguastine]

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.

[@genelucky4002]

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.

[@bc5872]

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!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Oh wow thanks so much for saying this. Keeps me motivated to make more!

[@johnwright9372]

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.

[@AnnieGill7]

Awesome video! Picked up a couple of things I had not thought of, thank you!

[@h2olove]

This is awesome! So helpful and explained clearly! Thanks! I knew bits of this, but not the whole strategy. Now I know where I went wrong.

[@donaldmcmillan5529]

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!

[@mychannel3774]

Excellent. Although the plastic bag method can cause frostbite if not removed/changed in time, so be warned..!

[@FM-ve2kl]

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

[@TheBearEssentials]

It’s crazy, it seems counterintuitive to do but actually makes you warmer! Great move

[@horrudu4081]

Interesting! I always wear dubble sock in my boots to reduce the risk of friction blisters.

[@TheBearEssentials]

@@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.

[@CFEF44AB1399978B0011]

​@@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.

[@TheBearEssentials]

@@CFEF44AB1399978B0011 great analogy, must be the same principle applied, hands or feet! Thanks for sharing that

[@SheilaTheGrate]

7:08 - ah yes, Ghetto Gortex. When we were kids we would use milk bags to keep our feet dry while sledding 🤣🦫🍁

[@TheBearEssentials]

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.

[@SheilaTheGrate]

​@@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. 🤣👍

[@davideggleton5566]

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.

[@weston.weston]

DJ, this is an excellent presentation.

[@sorearm]

Absolutely fantastic. Totally agree on the wool socks: merino/synthetic mix with a merino liner sock.

[@Joseph-jy5lz]

Nice tips, thank you and have a great season

[@kathleenmcconnell7999]

This is so informative. Always learning something new. Thank you.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx for watching Kathleen!! Always grateful for your continued support

[@rajr1032]

Great! YT brought me here. I am from a tropical country, and find all these winter survival skills fascinating. Could have been of help in my army days long ago, when deployed in the high mountains to the north.

[@redactedcanceledcensored6890]

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.

[@TheBearEssentials]

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.

[@brucemyers3892]

Learned a few things, glad I watched to the end.

[@bigjj974]

WOW great video. I use the reflective material when I am. hammock camping between the hammock and the sleeping bag and it works great. Never thought about the boot insert, great idea. Thank you

[@francescoscaini3829]

Sei un grande!!! Greetings from the Dolomites Italy 🇮🇹

[@opelfrost]

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

[@Joe-jv5mm]

🤯 You Have to Design Your Brand of Hiking 🥾🥾, Your Knowledge is Spot On 👏👏👏👏👏

[@UnluckySally]

Nice film. And thank you for this content. Really useful and totally correct! I am using merino socks with Salomon x ultra 4 gore Tex boots. Never cold, never wet.

[@Taromovies]

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 👍

[@emeline894]

Thank you for an awesome video, very informative!

[@tominmo8865]

What a great video, thank you! Subscribed.

[@naurekk]

This is great info, wish I knew this before buying boots that were too small. Now I have a plan for my other pair that was 'way too big' which I now realize is perfect!

[@artlopez174]

Good video. I’m not a fan of wool socks, but they definitely have their place as an essential item.

[@Caterina29]

What a wonderful Voice you have! I enjoy your videos.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow that is so sweet of you to say. My voice was always one thing I disliked growing up! This means a lot :)

[@JD-hy2pg]

Excellent 👏👏👏Thank you for sharing.

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

Almost forgot about this vid. Very useful now when winter is here.😁

[@friendbubble8415]

Great just great. So simple but still a big issue to many

[@saitohhajime83]

Looking forward for your next video!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Paul! Any topics in particular you’d like to see?

[@marcinurban3197]

awsome tips - thank You!

[@schlc77]

I have been winter camping for over 20 years. Another trick that I've done for years, which works really well, is to purchase hot hands or powdered body warmers. You can put one inside the toe of each boot before bed and Lace the boot real tight but still leave a small opening on top. The heat from the powdered warmers will help the moisture to evaporate, and the powder warmers also absorb the moisture as they produce heat. If you do it right with a good boot, you will wake up in the morning and put on a boot that is dry and feels slightly warm on the inside. Even if it gets down to -25° F the previous night.

[@fleotusbing]

Great tip...thanks!

[@portentouslad5051]

Great video, thanks. Really liking the vibe. Not sure I'll every get to use this particular knowledge. But who knows.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks so much for the comment regardless. Never know when you’ll need it, at any rate, I appreciate you watching, my friend!

[@04miron80]

This channel is exactly what I'm gonna watch before my huge hikes

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks so much for saying that!!! I’m glad it helps!

[@donscottvansandt4139]

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!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Right on, that’s awesome to hear. Where abouts are you thinking of moving?? Up in Canada?

[@donscottvansandt4139]

@@TheBearEssentials lol nope ...N. Indiana can't wait! It's so beautiful there ...

[@Kyle-jk3xj]

Thank you for your knowledge

[@markoruotsalainen5480]

Used reflectors for years. Works great

[@markspencer4246]

Fantastic video ty

[@philholman8520]

Terrific! Thank you for sharing! ☺️👍✌️🇬🇧

[@stefanplows2431]

This is gold had to leave a like

[@James-ke5sx]

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.

[@ral819]

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...

[@CptCC3]

Golden informations, thank you.

[@tjenahoj]

Neat video thanks! I have tried many of these tricks but learned some new ones! Into the minus 25 celcius (-13F) range so far I prefer the pack boot type. The removable liner is a game changer. A bonus is they work well with snowshoes too. One type of boot that is very popular in Sweden and works good to minus 10 maybe minus 15 celcius (14F to 5F) is the "Lundhag" type which have hard cell rubber foot part and ankle and up is leather (no liner). Works well with at least double wool socks. Regular rubber boots have not worked to well for me, but maybe I just had the wrong kind in the cold. But one type that is pretty neat is the "ice fishing rubber boot" wich looks like some over inflated moon boot. However walking in them is not too great imho, but for mostly standing still Ice fishing they are good. On the wool socks I would also say use not 100% wool as it lacks wear and tear. Go for blended wool socks. Also might be a good idea to carry needle and thread and wool yearn to mend the socks. That used to be in the old timer soldier kits. An extra pair of socks or drying/warming your socks by a fire is a life-saver. Let´s hope we dont get a super cold winter. Westernkind is amazing surviving and thriving in theese conditions.

[@OTseven]

Right on. Thx.

[@Danny-zi6xw]

thanks man! good you mentioned socks! many people buy thick cotton socks on the basis that theyre "boot socks" but NO NO NO! i learnt from my blisters and cold feet that wool is much better. id have a whole day wearing merino wool socks and theyd still be relatively dry at the end.

[@nickwest1476]

Good advice DJ

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx Nick!

[@habl00pep]

Wool, wool n wool for going to watch winter Fitba

[@jimvick8397]

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...

[@snirkravmaga]

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 !

[@___Tom]

great vid, thanks!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Glad you liked it Tom, thanks man!

[@YK-ky7xk]

This dude is amazing

[@najroe]

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.

[@jointgib]

useful stuff, cheers

[@nickwest1476]

I wished I'd watch this b4 I purchased my boots! Lol thanks

[@darrylm3627]

😀👍🏿Good Stuff,GreatTips

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Darryl!

[@richjoebushcraft]

Great tips! 👍

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks a bunch!!!

[@crivket1235]

Thx DJ , you showed me one ooopps Ive been doing....not now 😊

[@pilarparedes6540]

Bueniisimo..gracias.

[@markfivecortina5730]

So basically 2 seconds to say ‘stay dry stay alive’ or 10 minutes of lots of boring…NAH JUST KIDDING!! Thank you for the good tips!! I have NEVER EVER heard the stay dry stay alive quote! Your a top bloke

[@Redacted-Information]

haha the "Wonder Years" bread bag liner trick!

[@TheBearEssentials]

haha! I felt I would trigger nostalgia with that one

[@RichardL-yz8fm]

Tight TIGHT TIGHT information presentation. You could teach most KZbinrs how to streamline their information. Big kudos to you!

[@andrasszabo4019]

the small hand warmers in the toe box of the boot can also be golden, mainly when stationary. 🙂

[@killertoxin1121]

I use Cofra Thermic Metguard boots for my more extreme cold resistance needs. I have wool inserts for them and I also wear a pair of merino wool socks and if a bit more is needed muk luk socks over the wool sock. These boots have a very very thick sole and helps alot with cold from the ground. I use them for working outside when its below 0 outside.

[@stepitup5409]

good stuff

[@Emmnoyhl]

Thanks 👍

[@stanbewick2685]

Great advice...thank you.

[@JennyG.COW5]

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.

[@FAS1948]

I used to go on multi-day hikes in the Scottish Highlands in winter, and I wore plain leather hiking boots with multiple layers of wool socks. At night, I kept my socks on in the sleeping bag and they were always dry by morning, and my feet were never cold, unlike today when forced inactivity keep my feet cold most of the time.

[@jerrymoran8323]

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 🦅🙏🍀✡️

[@davidwelsh1487]

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…. ! !!!

[@Sleepy7666]

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.

[@LiberalinOregon]

Great tips. I ❤️ wool socks. I spin, natural dye and knit wool socks. What do you think about silk under socks?

[@stighenningjohansen]

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

[@markfox9436]

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.

[@TheBearEssentials]

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/

[@SiiriRebane]

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.

[@zagrizena]

Silk socks used to be worn pre-nylon as thin stockings/socks, like pantyhose. They can still be found, but they're quite expensive.

[@ianhobbs4984]

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%.

[@valentinlopez6189]

Thanks

[@nancyhjort5348]

Awesomely helpful. Thank you. I purchased real lamb's wool liners. What is your take on lamb's wool? It does compress. .

[@noybnoyb1718]

Loved your video, packed with great info and experience. I will take experience over opinion everyday. Wool has always been my friend over the years but recently discovered Bison wool socks. May seem a little pricey to some but they just flat out work for me. Worth every penny when I'm out tromping around in the snow and cold.

[@bhut1571]

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.

[@simongee8928]

The breathing issue is why I've always worn all leather boots; well dubbined as they keep the water out but also let the moisture out from your feet. Works for me - ! 😊

[@AsterixmGame]

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.

[@davewallace5008]

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.