How do ya'll keep your feet warm in the bitter cold????

Cabelas 1600 gram thinsulate waders, wool overlayer socks and polypropylene socks next to the skin. One other piece of advice is to put something between you and the aluminum bottom of the boat. A thin layer of some insulator will help much

One thing that doesn't apply in this situation but may be of interest. When it is really really cold, I keep my feet in the water. The water temp is almost always warmer than the air temp and this keeps my feet warmer longer.

I find it interesting that my feet will sometimes get a chill but my hands will not get cold even when not wearing gloves, or only wearing the thinnest of gloves. I found that a pair of wool gloves with thinsulate in them are all that is needed. What I'd love to see is the wool/thinsulate glove married to a waterproof layer at least on the palms. For me, this would be the cats meow.

Mark W
 
"Heat Factory" is another line of disposable heater pack thingys
.http://www.heatfactory.com/english/product.php?cat=3&id=61
They also have gloves, mitts, and socks , including over the knee ,wool wader socks that have a pocket for the heat packs to keep them flat and working properly.
I have the long wader socks, and packs , they work great. I wear mine on top of Cabela silk sock liners.

Kip
(also a member of the Minnesota bread bag boot liner club, many years ago)
 
Multiple layers contained in rubber can result in perspiration which leads to cold feet. Try spraying your feet with anti-perspirant deodorant before putting on Smartwool liners and heavy socks. Makes a nice difference.
 
Kip
(also a member of the Minnesota bread bag boot liner club, many years ago)
Click to expand...


Uh huh, me too...Wonder Bread. As in "I Wonder how they got me to believe these bags were going to keep my feet dry."
 
Kip
(also a member of the Minnesota bread bag boot liner club, many years ago)
Click to expand...


Uh huh, me too...Wonder Bread. As in "I Wonder how they got me to believe these bags were going to keep my feet dry."
Click to expand...

Actually they aren't supposed to keep your feet dry but the opposite. The bread bag or vapor barrier concept is to keep your feet wet and the insulation of your socks and boots dry.
 
I pulled this off....wait for it....a forum on then net! I guess I shoulda mentioned that I put the rag wool on the outside of the bag. If you're not familiar with Yvonne Chouinard, he's a famous mountaineer and also the founder of Patagonia Clothing Company.
"I remember reading an article in a climbing magazine a number of years ago, where they had very good success keeping their feet warm by encasing their feet in plastic bags, both outside and inside their socks, then rubbing their feet with antiperspirant to prevent sweating inside the plastic bags. I haven't tried it myself, tho'. ​
Yvonne Chouinard recommended use of thin plastic bags for winter mountaineering - thin socks under the bags, thick socks over the top, then plastic winter mountaineering boots.
The whole concept is relevant for temperatures below freezing, because with normal socks your sweat evaporates, percolates through the socks, and eventually condenses in the cold region. So, the plastic contains your sweat, and keeps the sock dry, thereby improving the insulation. However, the warmer your feet, the more they sweat!"

A friend of mine always uses the anti-perspirant on his feet. For some reason I draw the line there. I've also heard of guys slathering their feet in chili powder. What makes that nifty is when you get home if you happen to be dating a Mexican chica she can....well anyway.
 
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Actually Jay, the anti-perspirant works great. I had forgotten about it until Pete Markantes mentioned it. I always have the unscented stuff with me when on hunting trips. Usually the stick version. Helps keep the sweat under control. Make sure it really is anti-perspirant and not just deodorant. I don't use it often but if I have to walk for a couple of miles before sitting for a long time, like on a deer stand, it helps.
 
I didn't read all the posts and am not sure what guys are saying but if your wearing wader buy a better pair. But if your wearing regular knee boots loosen them up the biggest cause I ever found was that my boots in combo with my clothes would cut off circulation to feet.
 
Steve,

Have the Mrs kick you in the fellas first thing every morning. This should have you toughened up by next season. Around here we go barefoot until the ice gets here and then we only use them for traction on the ice.







Seriously though, good advice from everyone on the Synthetic/wool combinations. I learned that there is a big difference in $8 wool socks and $25 wool socks. I also always put my waders on my Peet boot dryer everytime after I use them, even when its warm (especially when its warm) and even when they don't feel damp. A little residual moister from the day before added with the sweat from the morning workout of setting dekes will get you cold quick. If you take a dunking, towel out what you can, fill a couple panty hose socks with kitty litter and drop one in each boot for a couple hours, remove the kittly litter, and then put them on the dryer. They will be bone dry the next day.

Glad to see you're getting some ducks. How is that pair of bills working for you?

My Best,

paully
 
Dear brother of the Round Boat,

Several great ideas here. The talk of using an antiperspirent can't be overlooked. Years ago, I read a report from the Army about infantrymen marching in cold weather. The report stated that each morning, the troops would wash and dry their feet, and then use an antiperspirant with aluminum chlorhydrate in it. This can be found in Right Guard Sport brand.

I can promise you, my feet usually sweat, even when I am in the shower! Following this simple idea has made life in the Winter outdoors so much more comfortable. Following up with good socks as already suggested, your cold feet will be only a memory if you remember the aluminum chlorhydrate.

God Bless you and yours,

Your fraternal layout brother,

Mark
 
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