Water Proof Socks - Winter Hiking Without Cold Wet Feet

I started using waterproof socks a few years ago based on my buddy Meerkat's recommendation. The protection and warmth they give my feet in the winter changed how I winter backpacked. They have a nice cushion, wool wicking material inside and a strong outer shell. I've tried the whole bread bag thing to shield your socks away from the water but it's just not for me.
Sealskinz Mid Sock (Paid Link): amzn.to/3hZ04xA
Social Media
Instagram: / frozensoutdooradventures
**********************************
Ways to support the channel
Patreon: / frozensoutdooradventures
PayPal: www.paypal.me/...
Clothing, Mugs, and Stickers: teespring.com/...
**********************************
Gear I use and recommend
Amazon Shopping (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2LtcSza
LiteAF Packs and Accessories (Paid Link): liteaf.com?ref=399
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (Paid Link): amzn.to/2LowXST
Outdoor Research Helium 2 (Paid Link): amzn.to/2LYbilH
Toaks Titanium Wind Screen (Paid Link): amzn.to/2JnpbrG
Toaks 700ml Titanium Pot (Paid Link): amzn.to/2M4eVGA
Toaks Long Handled Spoon (Paid Link) : amzn.to/2JAGmcL
BRS Titanium Stove (Paid Link): amzn.to/2M5763F
Altra Lone Peak 3.5 (Paid Link): amzn.to/2sN42jP
Darn Tough Socks (Paid Link): amzn.to/2sN4eQ5
Sawyer Squeeze (Paid Link): amzn.to/2xNKMbs
Evernew Water Bag (Paid Link): amzn.to/2Lyqf1e
Filming Gear
Sony AX43 (Paid Link): amzn.to/3jCl11f (Backpacking Camera)
Zoom H1n Audio Recorder (Paid Link): amzn.to/31Ml7ds
Lighting (Paid Link): amzn.to/2ZdYwsM
Adobe Premiere Pro CC (Paid Link): amzn.to/33M1OCY
Gear Lists:
Fall/Spring: lighterpack.com...
Summer: lighterpack.co...
Winter: lighterpack.co...
***********************************
Business Inquires
[e-mail]
Note to vendors and companies. Sending product samples for testing DOES NOT guarantee video spotlight or review. I will not lower my credibility for paid sponsorship.
***********************************

[@dennispixton8809]

Been using sealskinz for last 3 yrs and I love them. Actually stumbled upon them reading Joe’s ( owner Zpacks) gear list for cdt and studied up on them. Only thing I’d like to add is I bring extra gal ziplock bag and put them in the ziplock then at night stuff them in my foot box of my quilt. Your body temp keeps them warm and when you wake and up put them on right away even with cold wet shoes your feet will be warm right away.

[@iPlod]

Haven't done any genuine winter backpacking yet, but thanks for the vid and great to see you posting again!

[@TheAdventureGeek]

I love my waterproof socks 🧦! Happy Hiking 🥾- Julia from the UK 🇬🇧

[@happyhoppy74]

Im currently prepping for a 2021 AT hike. The wealth of knowledge and drive you show in your videos is VERY helpful and inspiring

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks! Glad I can help.

[@cd7652]

FROZEN!!!! Love it. You and I talked about Seal Skinz amongst other items right before my hike. Bought them, used them, turned them inside out and put them at the bottom of my sleep system or under me to dry them out and they were awesome. I used them when they were new when I was in winter survival school but there was no liner in them just a rubber uncomfortable feeling. They have come a long way. Thanks for all the advise, reviews and just plain fun brother. Keep it up...PLEASE!!!!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks C D!

[@LordQuiche]

Love them for trail running and road running in the wet. If you get water over the top and in you’re screwed though obviously!

[@zenfully13]

I too have been doing the waterproof socks this winter season. Decided to go with Randy Sun for the price difference. Using them with my Altra Trail runners. So far, with a couple hundred miles in Snow, rain, shallow creeks, etc... I'm impressed. Though now that you mentioned Seal Skins having the lifetime warranty, i may end up going that route!

[@OutLan]

DIgging the studio, man! Nice vid!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Needs a lot of work off camera lol but I'll get there.

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Hello my friend, thanks for the review. I have inquired about these lately. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@JuanMoreFish]

I use Seal Skin waterproof socks as well with my trail runners. I use them with a thin liner sock underneath that seems to help me avoid hot spots. These are a solid piece of gear.

[@dragonphotostudio]

Might pick up a thin pair of these to use in my shoes for camp shoes. Rather than carry sandals, crocs or slippers etc. Great review!

[@woodchip2782]

I use snowshoeing boots with compression socks. They’re good for any condition.

[@Ontrail82]

I use the same boots ( I like them for how light they are) but with Smartwool socks...keeps me warm and dry in zero degrees!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

I recently purchased a pair of waterproof socks and haven’t used them yet. Actually, purchased them for use on the Pinchot Trail and didn’t need them. Take Care

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks Jason this was a very timely video. I’m going to be doing some hiking on the Pinchot trail and understand it can be very wet. Take Care.

[@louisehiker9246]

1. For winter running: thin polyester liner socks plus plastic bags plus merino outer socks plus a running shoe. 2. Winter day hikes or snowshoeing: Baffin insulated soft shell hiking boots, plus I add plastic bags if it is really cold to keep the insulation dry. 3. Winter camping or super cold snowshoe day: Sorrell pack boots with removable liners that I can sleep with to keep my boots from freezing. (Not great for long hikes though, heavy and clunky.) 4. Cross country skiing or mountain biking: Electric/battery warmed socks. I am in Canada, it gets cold up here at times!

[@canadafree2087]

I have military ones, likely made by Sealskinz, Other military ones I own are more like gore like bags that fit looser. I'll be trying them out this fall/winter.

[@kpburiedunder2152]

I have had seal skinz socks for over a year and use them with a sock liner in my lone peaks. I’ll wipe mine down if they’re dirty and just hang to dry.

[@TooTall_hikes]

Nice review. When you get into town and tumble dry your socks you half to turn them inside out and dry them again

[@lightwalker4558]

Be very careful when doing that. I often find machines are set on high temperature and cannot be lowered.

[@soggybottomhikes6915]

I'll give them a try. Thanks for the video.

[@JayMorrisonOutdoors]

I've been wondering about those waterproof socks, and how they work for people like me who have normally very warm (read: sweaty) feet.

[@AROOnline]

I use my Altra trail runners and darn tough socks. I find my feet stay plenty warm while moving. I would bring a camp shoe if super cold/snowy conditions.

[@carocarp5]

Any suggestions for camp shoes? TIA

[@slowfox532]

I do the same. Waterproof socks failed to me (Otter brand name) on my last rainy hike. Just Darntoughs are OK as long as you move.

[@harleycoleman5199]

@@carocarp5 Skinners

[@BackcountryTreks]

That sounds like it would work well for the shoulder seasons or winter trips without much snow. 👍 Not sure how well that would work in deep winter backpacking. ie White mountains/Adirondacks. Great video! The struggle is real trying to talk to a freaking camera! Haha

[@benjaminthancock]

In an effort to not lose all my summer hiking fitness over the winter months, I've taken up a bit of trail running. Nothing long and/or strenuous, just enough to give the legs and lungs a good stretch. When the trail is hard packed, I don't have any problem in the Altras and Darn Toughs, but if it's soft snow or slushy at all, my feet are a frozen pond when I get back to the car. This is just what I need!

[@Nasgareth]

Good to know about keeping them away from campfires / heat - thanks. I had a pair that were waterproof and wonderful for a while until they weren't. I blamed perhaps too long toe nails, but I did dry them out near fires a few times - maybe it was a combination. Since then I've just been using bread bags - which have a similar height clearance as the sealskinz -, and which apparently has been preferable to shelling out another $50 for now;)

[@diomepa2100]

Waterproof socks and light sandals (e.g. xero shoes) - pretty much the best water crossing gear I have found for every season. Soaking your shoes not only makes them uncomfortable - it makes them heavier. As far as snow, goretex runners and gaiters work really great - as long as you don't fill them up with liquid water.

[@erikatkinson1395]

Dude get some myofacial release massage on your ITB I swear you will be blown away at how much it helps!

[@uptrail7169]

Interesting! 👍 When are you coming up to my area?

[@toesockoutdoors3627]

I use mostly the same thing in winter, even in foot deep snow: Altra Lone Peaks, liner socks, and cold-weather Sealskinz. I tried the midweight Sealskinz, but the heels wore out very quickly making them not waterproof

[@claramullen]

Hi Jason good video although I don't need them for the cold in Florida but I have a lot of trails that have water on them I may give them a go to see if they work for me.

[@joshwood3]

Waterproof boots have worked fine for me but I never hike I places with water crossings during the winter in wisconsin.

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Is taking winter hiking advice from a guy who’s trail name is frozen good or bad? 😊.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Haha 😂

[@halabujioutdoors]

Spontaneous LOL😆

[@wendyweaver6309]

My husband just got a pair after I showed him this video. He hasn't had a good test of them yet. I'm just afraid I'm going to ruin them by accidentally washing and drying them with the rest of our hiking clothes. Also, I am a new subscriber and I really enjoy your content.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel

[@turtlecrawford6468]

I haven't tried sealskins, I got some of the randy sun ones. They worked great until you wash them

[@ChopperOutdoors]

Turtle Crawford the Randy Sun did not work at all for me. Water when in and never came out until the end of the hike. Then again I am hiking in the Florida swamps.

[@turtlecrawford6468]

@@ChopperOutdoors cool what part of Florida? I was born in Ocala but in WV now

[@ChopperOutdoors]

@@turtlecrawford6468 South Florida (Broward County)

[@CanadianSledDog]

I'm interested for sure. I wear neoprene socks over merino socks, in upsized shoes. They don't keep you dry but they keep you warm, if it's below freezing there won't be any water around anyway, and above freezing I usually don't mind getting wet as long as I'm warm. They can be very cheap, like mine, or fancy. These days you can easily choose petroleum free neoprene, which I'd highly recommend to prevent the release of microplastics into water sources.

[@hikingthemountains7062]

Nice topic

[@safromnc8616]

I don't wear waterproof anything on my feet - in both cases of the boots and socks I ended up w/probably even wetter feet from all the sweat. I do make exceptions, if I KNOW I'll be in the water but that is not typically the case. Oftentimes I'll wear 2 lighter pair of wool or alpaca socks as well in lieu of 'water socks'. Thanks for the vid you may well be the first person that has addressed this issue.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'm anti waterproof stuff unless it helps me hiking. I've had good luck so far but for a real review I just need to get out more.

[@rajarani8295]

Tell me about best warm winter shoes for - 20° celsius. And best thermal, best jacket as well

[@FrozensAdventures]

Can't tell you the best because it's all personal preference. I don't like hiking in that temp it's just not fun for me but when I feel the urge I wear, a smartwool medium weight tops and bottoms, followed by my standard hiking shirt, then a Melanzana microgrid hoodie, on top of that my puffy is a montbell alpine light, and then my patagonia torrent shell rain jacket. For footwear that cold I would opt for an insulated boots. I have a 2 size too big salomon x ultra thinsulate boot. Again though I don't like to hike that low as it's just not fun for me.

[@danamorino]

I have used Showers pass waterproof socks, but I didn't think they keep my feet very warm. If I wear socks inside of them I would definitely need larger shoe, that's a lot of sock!. More experimenting I guess.

[@michaelfrymus]

In extreme cold winters (-10 down to -40C) wondering which would be better for hiking for someone who gets cold feet: Sealsskinz waterproof socks VS. liner + vapour barier + thick sock

[@FrozensAdventures]

I just do sealskin socks and at camp switch over to a thick sock. You can also make reflextix I soles for your shoes. And you may want to check a goosefeet gear or similar bootie.

[@michaelfrymus]

@@FrozensAdventures Yeah, Im mainly looking for a solution for when hiking. I get super cold feet and also my socks end up getting wet too from sweat, so that doesn't help. Its weird

[@TravelingOutsideTheBaatz]

Hey friend. I have always been worried about getting swamp foot when wearing these. Unfortunately my feet do sweat a lot.

[@jakewalden771]

Wear Smartwool Liner socks.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Nice! Would you recommend these for starting the AT in Feb?

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'm glad I had them up until Hot Springs.

[@richardmichael1445]

Great socks..240 miles in the Highlands of Scotland.bogs and rapid overflowing streams and rivers could not get in. No blisters...perfect. Great review .. Oxford 🇬🇧

[@KrizAkoni]

I've been using sealskins for a while on and off and I like them when it comes to keeping the inside warm and dry. What I find is that the outside is pretty absorbent though. Have you noticed this and do you have a technique / suggestion to deal with it?

[@richyoung4051]

spray it with a water reppellant mabye

[@deoppressoliber1282]

With the midweight have you had to get a larger trail runner to accommodate the extra width or did your normal shoe size work well?

[@FrozensAdventures]

No I personally haven't but my shoes usually have a bit of room because I go up a half size.

[@akbunny5221]

Thanks for the review.....! Have you has any problems with blisters...?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Only when I didn't dry my feet from sweat at lunch time. Can also wear a light pair of socks to help with that.

[@akbunny5221]

@@FrozensAdventures thanks for the info. I always wear liner socks, so can't wait to try them out. Perhaps a bit over the top with goretex boots, but wear them I will....😉

[@lightwalker4558]

Very nice review, but I'm not going to pay $50 + $10 for shipping + $5 for tax, no matter how well they work.

[@bilaltahir9978]

Would these be useful for road running in heavy rain? If so, how are the mids for running?

[@FrozensAdventures]

I wouldn't but that's just me.

[@davewalters9843]

If your foot is sweating all day then how does your foot stay dry? I dont believe the sock can wick it away as fast as I sweat.

[@FrozensAdventures]

You can't stop sweat. But you can easily dry it in your pocket over night.

[@cachemacstrailtime]

Speaking of waterproofing. On your AT trip you used some tape on your under quilt. What was that? I know that was while ago. I'm just watching your trip. Thanks!

[@FrozensAdventures]

That was just some DCF tape. And it's holding strong still. I couldn't even pull it off when I got home.

[@cachemacstrailtime]

@@FrozensAdventures thanks for the reply.👍

[@kaleblazer4764]

Hey Frozen, I had a pair of Randy Sun waterproof socks and after testing them at home I thought they were a little damp inside so I ordered a pair of Seal Skinz and did two tests with one of each sock. 1. put water in a bucket and soaked my feet several minutes 2. turned the socks inside out and filled up with the faucet like you did. I didn't see any obvious leaks so I turned them right side out. I let both socks air dry overnight. The next morning I put my hand in the socks and they feel damp. I had a paper towel in one of them and it was definitely damp. the Randy Sun socks were more damp than Seal Skinz but they were definitely both damp. Is this normal?

[@stephenhiker9807]

Bread bags

[@slowfox532]

How do they perform on longer rainy hikes?

[@stephenhiker9807]

@@slowfox532 I recommend the bread bags for hiking in snow. Wouldn't use for rain

[@slowfox532]

@@stephenhiker9807 Ok, thanks.

[@intothebackcountry2658]

What about hiking in snow. Do you still use the same setup?

[@FrozensAdventures]

I use these until I need show shoes. Then back to boots.

[@michaelfrymus]

-6? Thats barely cold :/ I need something for actual winters, like -20C, or lower

[@FrozensAdventures]

Size up and layer.with warmer socks.

[@krimke881]

The "background" music overpowers your voice. FYI!

[@Aliessil]

I’ve been using Sealskinz forever for mountain-biking. They’re really good for water you step in, but I still got wet feet sometimes from the rain running down my legs. You need waterproof trousers to cover them, and if water comes over the top of your boots, it’ll probably come over the top of your socks too.

[@markvincent719]

I've done the budget waterproof socks in the winter... basically a target bag over my sock inside my shoe. Doesn't breath but a great vapor barrier and all but free. Always have a few bags in my pack for backpacking, hiking and biking. When feet are getting cold u slip them on over my cold (often wet) socks and they warm fast!

[@RyanSchell]

I like the idea for winter and snowy weather for sure! I snagged a pair of Sealskinz on a sale that I couldn't pass up. I decided I will try them in Dolly Sods where wet feet is pretty much mandatory! Thank you for the extra part about not putting them by the fire, I definitely would have done that.

[@BeefNEggs057]

Keto diet and intermittent fasting will calm down that inflammation. Worked wonders on this 49 yr old body. Went from sedentary to hiking again. Recommending it to anyone with pain. Maybe it’ll help you.

[@freddonelson5505]

Loved the beginning with you pouring water out of your boots!🤣🤣 I've used Sealskinz for a couple of years when I know I will have water crossings or very wet conditions summer and winter, and they have been great. Great product to recommend. Hope all is well with you. Stay safe!😎😎

[@steveolive9991]

But what about letting sweat out? That sweaty foot in the cold winter is a recipe for frostbite.

[@FrozensAdventures]

It's a vapor barrier so the warmth stays in your foot. My suggestion, dont stop for hours at a time during the day and change into warm socks at camp.

[@ericsidolmind]

I've been looking into the Rab vapor barrier socks for winter Trekking. These sound pretty nice. I usually just use my heavy SmartWool socks inside my Under Armour waterproof knee high hunting boots for hiking, and my Columbia waterproof (which are not waterproof) Bugaboots for snowshoeing. I definitely use my Outdoor Research Gore-tex Gaiters with the Bugaboots. They need heavy socks too, being they only have 200gr of thinsulate in them. These might fit the bill. Thanks!

[@tb4876]

great info but the music is very distracting.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'll try and turn it down a bit next time. I think some lower end speakers play the background audio a bit louder than a virtual surround.

[@clayschuetz899]

I'm very happy you did this video Frozen, thankyou. I've been looking in to this product lately, because I seem to have a relationship with bad weather lol. Couple weekends ago I did a trip to Shawnee state forest and it was the best and worst trip, beautiful but miserable weather, had a few fails lol, including my feet being wet and cold the whole trip, sometimes you just have bad fortune lol. Anyways thankyou again for the review and the info on the heat and why the socks would fail, as always, you are a great well of information, think I'm about to go and get a pair today👍👍😁

[@tridoc99]

I usually wear Altra Lone Peaks but I wore waterproof thinsulate boots and put on waterproof socks on our rainy last day of Dolly Sods Circumnavigation in early spring (still snow on the ground). My brother wore Altras (and he usually wears waterproof boots ironically). I was the happier of the 2. Was that Dolly Sods in the beginning of the video? Looked like it.

[@RichRich1955]

I used vapor barrier socks years ago when climbing and overnight.. The idea was to keep foot moisture out of the boot to keep the insulation dry. I used neoprene socks a lot. Same idea. The downside is more moisture accumulates on the foot. If the shoe gets wet and it drops below freezing it'll freeze regardless.

[@consumedesign]

Used them as a bike messenger for years, great stuff. I don't wash them, had a 1 pair for years and no issues. Dexshells are just as good as Sealskinz BTW.

[@phillipp1399]

They also make 4 season hiking in keens a reality on wet & snowy sections. Though if it’s snow and micro spikes all day, every day then boots are still preferred for me.

[@OutdoorPastor]

I use shower pass waterproof socks. They are actually water resistant in my experience. Maybe I will try the brand you use.

[@rickgault5349]

I recently bought those socks. Used them on short, slushy snow-covered hike and they worked fine

[@petersherman2552]

the dexshell pro hytherms are heaps better than seaskins. worn them in Tassie many times. That'll test them.

[@unclebob8419]

Do your feet get sweaty?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yes they will. Turn them inside out overnight to dy.

[@serenitysearchers2909]

We may have to try some of these

[@graydogtreks]

Good info. Tks

[@nicholasmarion8468]

Always get wet feet :(

[@jasonkentuckyfriedprewitt6026]

Nice got to get some. I am planning a thru hike on AT hopefully in next month. Pray i work it out. Good Lord willing. Take any advice. Thanks. 😆 hahaha i am KFC.

[@jasonkentuckyfriedprewitt6026]

And loved your hike an video. 😆

[@Mrjrphawk]

jason I got a pair of Sundry before my son and I hiked the Moshannon State forest. When we got up there we had 6" of snow or better on the ground. I wore a pair of darn toughs inside of them and was amazed at how they kept my feet dry and warm! Definitely worth the money. I may have missed it in your video but what did you wear inside of them? anything?

[@FrozensAdventures]

I don't wear anything inside them.

[@mikee2482]

I'm curious about the "Rocky" brand which is made of Gore-tex.

[@joemcnair9700]

I have both the Sealskinzs and the Rocky Gortex. The Seals are warmer but when hiking through snow all day leave my darn tough socks wet. I think it because of the sweat. The Rocky socks are not as warm but breath alot better. My inner socks were dry at the end of the day. The Rocky socks can be hard to get off and on. I size up at least 1 size. I will be taking the Rocky Gortex on my AT thru. I use them with Altra trail runners.

[@OldPackMule]

Ha! Love the outtakes. I converted last winter when I hit my first sub freezing weather in trail runners. I refused to give up the trail runners for boots. I'll do them straight up to about 25 degrees. I will be adding a DarnTough below that.