Vapor Barrier Socks / Warm and dry feet

[@georgeclark7208]

There is another benefit to vapor barrier (vb) socks: they stop evaporative cooling which keeps your feet even warmer. The same VB sock principles work for the rest of your body and for your sleeping bag. A vapor barrier over a thin base layer, then your insulation layers keeps the insulation dry and stops evaporative cooling giving you about 15 degrees of extra warmth.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Great point! Thank you George for sharing that. I really appreciate that.

[@haroldshields4724]

Not only do VBL socks keep your boots dry, but they also help prevent blisters. The coated nylon creates a low friction layer between your socks and helps reduce hot spots and blisters.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Haroldshields for sharing that. Good info!

[@gcruishank9663]

Great advice. Lot easier to dry your thin socks than your boots. Going to grab a pair of those Rab's.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

If you are out for more than one day. Vapor Barrier Sock are a must. I had to learn the hard way. Thank you G Cruishank for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@jeduhrich2411]

Hi Marine, I love your videos. I bought a pair of Rab vapor barrier socks because you mentioned them on a video. I have been using them this winter for hiking and working outside. The keep my feet and boots warm and dry. Thank you very much and keep the great videos coming! 👍

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Jed so much. I really appreciate that.

[@donaldnicol8415]

Wish I would have had this information 40 years ago,harvesting Christmas trees in sub zero temps.I made do with bread bags and plastic grocery bags.Over size boots are a real necessity to keep those toes and feet warm.Great video Marine.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I wore many Wonder Bread bags in my childhood. Thank you Donaldnicol for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@movabro]

At the moment, my socks are wet without VB socks! I was thinking about the quality of my winter boots. But now i know the things! Yeah~! Thank you for your information!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you so much for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@elr6697]

I like using the Smartwool zero cushion liner socks under the vapor barrier. I will also use one on top of the vapor barrier. I think it helps keep the vapor barrier in place better. Yes, you need a larger boot, but that's a given for winter. I think using a tall gaiter helps keep the calf area warmer as well. There is no way your feet will be warm if your lower legs are cold.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Great tip! When trekking. I will always have my gators on. I broke through the ice one time. ( lucky it was only up to my waist ) Those gaiters keep the cold water out. Thank you ELR for watching. I really appreciate it. Merry Christmas!

[@tzavitz]

I tried plastic VBLs last weekend on a 4 day hike in Northern Michigan with temps ranging 19-30 degrees. My Baffin lined boots stayed bone dry and I just removed my thin nylon sock at night and put on a dry pair plus my dry wool socks while I camp. I put the damp socks inside my coat while sleeping and they were dry in the morning. I’m sold in this method after being quite skeptical. My feet never got cold except the brief moment I pulled off the damp sock.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Good stuff! A lot of people are skeptical. And will not give it a try. On a long winter trek. It is a game changer!

[@jerryg957]

Detailed but simple instruction, great vid Marine.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you kindly! It is always good to hear from you Jerry.

[@MNmostly]

Great tips, I've always wanted to try that but now I know it works! Sure beats the method I use to dry out damp boots; rotate two pairs of light wool socks on my feet in the boots every hour and wicking it out. Thanks for helping out the camping community with super ideas.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I always like to learn the hard way, it seems. After many years of winter camping. Especially if you are doing a trek for over 3 days. Trying to dry the inside of the boots, over the fire every night. And never being completely successful. I remember the last night on one of our trips. Standing next to Runner. Holding our boots over the fire. Saying: "I am done with this. Never again" Thank you MNmostly for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@MarcMallary]

I have neoprene socks with oversized boots. Maybe a reflective layer would help also. You could use silvery mylar bags, or maybe aluminum foil.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you MarcMallary for sharing that. Good stuff!

[@TheFLOMAN76]

I know what I'm ordering off of Amazon next! Thank you sir! 👍😊

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

More than one day hiking in the winter. These are a must. I found out the hard way!

[@DDF1408]

I find Injinji's liner version of their toe socks work great under the vbl to help avoid blisters and they dry fast and take up very little space

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you DDF for sharing that. I really appreciate it.

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

Another video filled with great advice. I used to use the bread bags too :)

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Those where the good old days. Things where so much simpler. Thank you Jill for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@petescharber8567]

Another good one Marine! Lately I have been bringing an extra pair of wool inserts for my Muluks and just swapping out the liners when I get to camp. Also if the 6th grader named Cash is from Hudson, I know who that is as Cash and my son have been on the same traveling baseball team for many years now!!!!!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

With the vapor barrier socks. You will not need those extra wool inserts. That will free up a lot of room. Also your wool socks that you hiked in are nice and dry. This Cash is from River Falls. I was out on the Willow River this afternoon fly fishing for trout. Little windy. But a beautiful day on the river. It is always good to hear from you Pete. Hope to bump into you again.

[@CSM_Tank]

Awesome video as always Marine. I will say that I may try that. I now use multiple Socks and pack the used socks around my body and sleep with them at night to dry them out. This may be able to give me less sock changes when out and about.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

With vapor barrier sock. There will never be a need to sleep with those socks anymore. Plus the boots will stay dry. Making them easier to put on in the morning. Thank you Paul for watching.

[@blzahz7633]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. Btw, you might want to put the link to cash's channel in the description.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Cash is still try to put his new channel together. I will post it when it is up and running. Thank you so Biz Ahz for that. Cash is going to be so happy.

[@ТУРИСТ-АВАНТЮРИСТ]

Thank you for an interesting and very informative video. 👍

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you The Going Vagrant so much for watching. I really do appreciate it.

[@WillieMakeit]

very help full thank you for sharing your experience

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you WillieMakeit for watching. Much appreciated.

[@robpelton]

Where was this vid last week! My feet got soaked in the BWCA. Haha. Great tips. I’ll look into those socks. Cheers.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I don't know Rob if you notice the scene at camp. ( our last trip ) Where I was showing the axe and the buck saw. With Runner in the background. He did not wear his Vapor Barrier Socks. And you can see him in the background, by the fire. Holding his boots over it, to dry them out. Can you teach old dogs a new trick? I am working on him. I guess it is like having Almost with.

[@Stone-Wolf-Outdoors]

this is a great subject most dont know, beats the bread bag ,the aluminum is still good as a sole in the boot

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I agree. I am not sure why people are not using them. Why they are not popular. Thank you Stone Wolf Outdoors for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@viprcuisine241]

Thank you for your informative videos! I’ve never been taught this before.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

You are so welcome! Thank you VIPR Cuisine for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@michaelmerrick5472]

Very interesting. I didn't even know there was such a product. Thanks!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

If you are hiking in freezing temperatures for multiple days. You will be amazed how dry your boots and sock will be. Plus, I never had my feet get cold with them on. But you want to remove them. When you get to camp. Thank you Michael for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@kevinbungles]

Excellent tips, I’ll adopt that process

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

If you are hiking Kevin for multiple days. It is amazing how dry your socks and boots will stay. I don't know if you caught the scene in the video . Where Runner did not wear his vapor barrier socks on the last trip. You can see him in the foreground of the clip with the axe and the buck saw. He is holding his boots over the fire to dry them out.

[@a45456565]

Thank you😺

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you so much for watching. Much appreciated.

[@MaineGuide34]

Great video Sir right to the point, an on target. Happy Holidays

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Happy holidays! Thank you MaineGuide so much for watching. Much appreciated!

[@hiphopman72]

Cool info brother

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Phillippe P. for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Very helpful video, I'll be looking into these. They definitely look like they'll help with winter backpacking trips. Thank you for sharing, take care. 🇺🇲

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

They are a must. On those multiple day trips. There is nothing like warm dry feet. In those freezing temperatures. Thank you RedWhite&Blue 78 for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@OldPackMule]

Excellent! I've experimented with neoprene socks and not had as much success. I will have to try this combination. Thanks!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

It is amazing how well they work. If you are going to be moving around for multiple days. They are a must.

[@janmariolle]

Thanks for such a useful tip!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

You're so welcome! Thank you Jan for watching. I always appreciate it.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Another very good video. Those sound effects must of been expensive.😁😁 Take care and God Bless, Al

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Nothing like good sound effects for free. Thank you Al so much for always watching. I really do appreciate it. God bless.

[@DAxt-sc1hm]

Semper Fi, Marine! Excellent explanation on when and how to use a vapor barrier sock in the winter. I'm wondering what you think about using a waterproof instead of the vapor barrier sock? The waterproof sock is obviously much thicker, so I don't think it would work with the other socks.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

You don't want the boot to fit tight. But they would work. Thank you DAxt-sc1hm for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@petesheppard1709]

Down here in Alabama, where temps rarely get down to 20, I have the opposite problem; my feet get cold from sweaty socks! Perspiration condenses on the inside of the boot and soaks my socks. I've found waterproof/breathable socks (WPB) like Gore-Tex or SealSkinz to be perfect. They let vapor pass, but prevents condensate from soaking my socks. The first time I noticed this, I was wearing some WPB socks inside waterproof boots (all I had) and at the end of the day, the inside of the boots were soaked, but my feet stayed dry and warm! FUN FACT: How do you tell a Marine? You don't, they tell you! Semper Fi!!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Love the Fun Fact. Now to get my wife to read that. Thank you Pete for sharing that. Good info!

[@PNWBob]

Good video, well done! Have you tried using a VBL over thin base layer inside a sleeping bag? I first tried the VBL inside sleeping bag 40 years ago. I'm a believer.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I am with you. I remember when VBL inside a sleep bags came out. They were very effective. A little clammy inside. But effective. Thank you PNWBob for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@rafaelroman3867]

That was freaken awesome info!!! I’m definitely going to use that feet system. Thank you

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Glad it was helpful! I think it is so awesome that you watch these videos. Thank you Rafael Roman so much for watching.

[@ynotjf]

My advice is quite different.. I wear shoes everyday and foot perspiration never gets my socks damp, no vapor liner required. My problem is my foot (being body temperature) heats up my boot, then the snow on my boot melts and that moisture soaks in; so the moisture is from the outside coming in, not moist feet soaking my boots.. Socks insulate your feet from the cold but they also insulate your boots from your warm feet so the snow doesn’t melt and seep-in.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

You only wear vaper barrier socks with water proof winter hiking boots. the boots keep the water from coming in. The vapor barrier sock from moisture from coming inside the boots. Thank you Ynotf for watching. Much appreciated!

[@Akkfbdui384hj]

Very interesting for sure. How does this affect blisters/hot spot formation?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

That is a great question. One thing that I should of pointed out. With those Gold Toe dress socks. They take away any hot spots that might accrue. Thank you James for asking that. I really appreciate that.

[@MM-gi5lo]

Can this system be used for hiking the AT in all kinds if weather? Even summer/hot weather? Thanks for the good info!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

No. You would only use this for winter hiking. But if you start early on the AT. When there is snow. Absolutely! But when the temperatures get above freezing. Then you will want to take them off. Thank you M M for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@guillaumemarquis6680]

Hi, Very interesting video! The amazon link still doesn't work. I live in Canada, what brand of socks do you know that makes nylon socks. Do you know the model? I did some reaserch but it's more for women. Thank you!

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Try to google: Rab The Mountain People Vapor Barrier Socks. I tried to get a link from them> but it was not working. Their phone number is 1 [phone]. I don't know how that would work for Canada. The first sock that you wear are from company called Gold Toes. You will want them 100% nylon. And calf high. The link below should work for them.

[@guillaumemarquis6680]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine Thanks a lot!!! I really appreciate an answer! Have a good day

[@guillaumemarquis6680]

I'm planning on buying a pair of lowa camino evo gtx or something similar for a two week snoeshoeing with a 50 pound backpack during winter where the morning the temperature will be at arround -4 F. I bought nylon socks and i will put a vapour barrier plus a wool sock. For winter, do you recommand a midweight or heavyweight? I know that you suggested a midweight in your video. Thanks a lot!!! I have a wide foot so i'm struggling to find a winter trekking boot.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

@@guillaumemarquis6680 I would use a medium to a light weight wools with the nylon and vapor barrier socks. When I get to camp I remove them all. Dry out the nylon and VP socks ( which dry very quickly ). Then I will put a thick wool sock at camp. I have a pair of Vasque Snowburban boots. That are wide and has a large toe box. Make sure that you can put on a thick pair of wool socks, when you try on the new boots. If they are not loose fitting. Your feet will get cold. It is very important that they are loose fitting.

[@guillaumemarquis6680]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine Thanks a lot!!! I really apreciate it! Thank you for your time

[@kravstema6287]

What do you think about using a thin wool sock as your first layer next to skin?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thin wool socks will work. But they take longer to dry than synthetic socks. Thank you Kravstema for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@bucky716]

Interesting!! Thanks for the video. I just started snowshoeing nearby parks and have been fine "staying warm" but the pruned feet after aren't ideal. Rab only has mediums now but will try and watch for large to come in stock. Any other suggested brands?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

I'm sorry bucky716. Other than the medium. Outdoor exchange has only an extra large. I would wait for the Rab. Hopefully they will have them in stock soon. Thank you so much for watching. Much appreciated.

[@elr6697]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine Exped has some vapor barrier socks that I like better than the RAB socks.

[@MM-gi5lo]

Your Amazon link isn't working to get the nylon socks....

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you for pointing that out. I am going to fix it right now.

[@calebe16]

I'm trying to deal with temperatures between the 0-15 C (32-56F ?) My feet are usually very cold, but once I start moving, I sweat like crazy and then I freeze. The approach you mentioned is very interesting, but isn't that going to cause blisters on very long hikes? I've been really lost and a bit hopeless trying to solve this problem.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

It can be very difficult to manage feet that sweat and then freeze in cold conditions, but this setup should help. It really helps to have those dress socks against your feet, which helps to prevent blisters. I never had any blisters with this system. When you get to camp, put on a dry pair of socks. Thank you, Calebe, for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@TheLovsethxs]

If you can't fit thick wool socks in your winter boots, get new boots. To few have dedicated winter hiking boots with a looser fit to make room for propper socks. Also the inner sock should be wool as wool gives warmth even when wet, synthetic fabric does not. Wool is also antimicrobial and will smell less after a week in the mountains. Your feet will thank you.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you TheLovsethxs for sharing that. Much appreciated.

[@heatherann4390]

I was all excited to buy these vapor barrier socks until I went to the website and read all the reviews...

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Vapor barrier socks are for those treks that are more than one day. Not only for warmth. But more so to keep your boots dry from sweat. When you are out in the wilderness for multiple days. Your boots will get wet or damped from sweat. When you try to put them on in the morning. Because of the freezing temperatures. They will become frozen solid. It is like trying to put on two blocks of ice. They are a game changer. They are not for just a one day hike. Thank you Heatherann for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@heatherann4390]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine I will most likely purchase these anyway to see for myself. For now I'm just going to try the good old fashioned plastic bag method but with the more durable kind. I'm also going to use thin merino wool socks (black) for the baselayer and see how it goes. How do you feel about the sealskin socks? Have you tried them? I have not. Yet.

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

@@heatherann4390 I have only used them in the summertime, when portaging a canoe or kayak. If they don't cause the boot to have a tight fit. They would be worth a try.

[@remyllebeau77]

Too many channels with the name Cash. Is it Cash Outdoors?

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

He is just starting out. He said today he wants to do a vlogging channel. We will see what he comes up with. He is a great kid.

[@madkassh]

It is me kassh lamb

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Kassh, It is good to hear from you. How is your summer going so far?

[@madkassh]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine good

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

@@madkassh Have you done any filming lately?

[@madkassh]

@@AdventureswiththeMarine no🥲

[@markbrown1412]

I live in interior Alaska, and the military comes here for cold weather training. Your video information is NOT in agreement with what the cold weather experts teach here. I do not buy your idea. There are better, and safer options than putting your feet in non-breathable footwear(socks).

[@AdventureswiththeMarine]

Thank you Charleswilliams so much for that. Much appreciated!

[@DiabloOutdoors]

The title is misleading big time.. And, in fact, so-called "Vapor barrier socks" can be a very bad thing to wear, and are for 90% of the people. The "Water Factor" Condensation and sweat are inevitable, no mater what you'll do. A good example of that is when breathing during winter. What you see coming out of your mouth is water in form of condensation. This occurs all year long, even in hot summer. We get to "see" it in winter only because of the condensation due to warm air in your lungs meeting very cold winter air. In fact, your whole body is evacuating water through sweat. And the more effort you make, the more sweat you produce. the human body does that to try to keep your body at same temperature all the time. This being said, water will get you cold 25x faster than normal. That's why you must avoid to sweat as much as possible during winter. Another thing to keep in mind is that several materials are loosing some, or all, of their insulation value when wet. Down, feathers, cotton, etc.. are a good example of that. Some other materials, like wool are less subject to that. For example, wool can absorb 30% of its weight in water and still keep its insulation value. Some synthetic materials can also keep their insulation value as well. However, being wet will diminish their protection by a lot. What is "Vapor barrier" there are many things called "vapor barrier". In short, it's like wearing a plastic bag directly against your skin to prevent your sweat to damp your clothing/sleeping/bag/etc... Thus, your clothing and gear to keep their insulation value. So the title "Vapor barrier socks/ warm and dry feet" makes no sense at all. Wearing vapor barrier socks WILL get your feet WET. But it will keep your wool socks and boots dry. Do you need vapor barrier socks? Absolutely not IF you have the proper boots and good merino wool socks. The only time you'll need vapor barrier socks is when on an expedition or doing extreme winter sports for a long duration.