Do You Need Vapor Barriers For Hiking Cold Feet? (4k UHD)

[@LA_Viking]

I'm not quite certain how long I've been mountaineering and hiking. My best estimate comes from the fact that my REI membership started in 1979. Anyway my point is that I am well versed in and with the outdoors. The one factor that is scarce in my repertoire is the use of VBL's. I do recall them coming on the market for a year or two and then disappearing only to repeat the cycle every so often. I've seen VBL socks advertised and VBL socks and gloves and sometimes sleeping bag liners, and then everything disappears for months until socks only reappear. It really would be nice to see VBL products featured by quality manufacturers who actually take the time to advertise the products and explain the uses, advantages, pricing, yada yada. If the products look appealing enough I will certainly spend the money to test the systems myself.

[@ALinsdau]

They seemed to be popular for a while, and was certain people I rarely use them, but that’s just me. Your mileage may very. Be safe out there.

[@brashachilles9725]

Never know this. Sounds like a couple of bread bags rolled up in the emergency bivvy are a good idea for short winter hikes. Lot’s of sailors on these subjects, you are a captain sir! Why aren’t you more popular!

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks! That's a good question.

[@bricelangston8634]

I have used warmlite VB socks and prefer to use them 20 F or below. Warmlite VB socks last 5 to 15 years depending on usage. THe other aspect of VB is it keeps outer socks dry and warmer. However once temps get above 25 F it gets really uncomfortable. THe other aspect is if I am hiking, I find temps need to get lower in order for me to wear them. When I am hiking wearing VB socks I stop about every 2 hours, remove my socks and dry the VB and my feet, because foot rot is real. I have not every experience it, however I have had many users warn me of horror stories. Ultimately what you wear and use is really a "you do you" concept. Just make sure you take strategize how you will take care of your feet because nothing will stop you quicker than a compromised foot.

[@ALinsdau]

Great pointers, thank you.

[@billb5732]

Agreed about SealSkinz. They are WPB rather than real VBLs, and they dry in minutes when turned inside out. For me, the stretchy WPB membrane works better than bread bags or neoprene socks which always slide up and pinch my toes. They are worth a few dollars more, in my experience. (The outside layer is hydrophobic polypropylene, so only the thin inner layer of wood/synth blend absorbs appreciable amounts of water). Interestingly, the wool blend has acrylamide, nylon, and polyester; presumably to create a very specific amount of water retention (and subsequent wicking). But that's just a guess.

[@ALinsdau]

Good points - thanks for sharing.

[@indycharlie]

Yep ! We spend a few hrs after the " winters day " wearing out Tundra's . Drying our wrinkled feet by the campfire . Be safe out there folks .. bg

[@ALinsdau]

Good stuff!

[@johnbourke7467]

Hi Aaron I love your vids I just purchased an Antelope with Gore shell. Question I live in Melbourne Australia where can I buy your books love your work

[@ALinsdau]

Great - hope it works out for you. Here's a link in Australia: www.amazon.com.au/Antarctic-Tears-Determination-adversity-pursuit-ebook/dp/B00LLIQBRQ

[@martindohnal55]

Hi, so if you do not use any vapor barier on a multiday ski trip, the moisture from my feet is going to get to the ski boots, or am I wrong? So even if you change the socks, the moistrure will stay in the boots and that can later cause frostbites?

[@ALinsdau]

Dry out the liners in your sleeping bag every night.

[@mackue8913]

After a long day in sealskinz socks what do you do to your feet after being wet for so long?

[@ALinsdau]

They're steamy for sure.

[@iamshucheng]

Hi, do you change socks daily while wearing vapor barrier liners?

[@ALinsdau]

Yes, best to swap daily.

[@ghoutdoors1857]

I’m looking into the rab vapor liner sock. Any chance someone knows anything about it?

[@ALinsdau]

They're worth trying. I enjoyed my Sealskinz but I didn't like the overly moist feet.

[@glyndoh2206]

It seems obvious now, but I never knew until seeing this video that long-term use could damage the skin. I'm guessing people learnt the hard way after wearing them all day long.

[@sveltland]

This also works around the head of annoying members of your group

[@ALinsdau]

Hmm...