waterproof socks question?

**Big Dawg** · 07-31-2005, 20:45

What's the average weight of a pair of waterproof socks? REI.com, etc., doesn't show weight. Also, how well do they work? Thanks!

**Lone Wolf** · 07-31-2005, 20:46

Ain't no such thing as waterproof socks.

**SGT Rock** · 07-31-2005, 20:59

Goretex Rockys weigh 3.2 ounces at size 9 and Seal Skinz are 3.5 ounces for the same size.

**sliderule** · 07-31-2005, 21:56

Originally Posted by James

Also, how well do they work? Thanks!

I have used Seal Skinz. They do a good job of keeping water out. But they also do a fairly good job of keeping moisture in. Like most of the vapor permeable garments, I think their "breathability" claims are somewhat exagerated.

**Sly** · 07-31-2005, 22:08

I recently bought a pair of "waterproof" Aquarion socks cheap on Ebay. Made by the same company that makes Seal Skinz I have no idea how well they work.

Kinda wish I used them the last couple days in the Smokies, but like Gore-Tex, they're probably best used in colder weather.

3.6 ozs for the pair of extra large.

**neo** · 07-31-2005, 23:24

i have been backpacking 33 years now,and still get wet feet

neo

**titanium_hiker** · 07-31-2005, 23:30

sealskinz are like a wetsuit, right? even though you feet are wet, they aren't cold?

titanium

**SGT Rock** · 07-31-2005, 23:34

Originally Posted by titanium_hiker

sealskinz are like a wetsuit, right? even though you feet are wet, they aren't cold?

titanium

Well there are two models of Seal Skinz. One is more like a wetsuit and then the other is a woven nylon sock with a GoreTex membrane. I use the latter. I find that they do keep my feet drier in cold weather, but my feet still get cold in them. I guess the cold isn't as bad as wet and cold, but I've never done a comparison test. I guess next winter I should try hiking one sock on and one off to test to see if they are really helping.

BTW, I get cold feet very easy, your experiences may differ.

**fiddlehead** · 07-31-2005, 23:48

you may want to try fleece sox. They keep your feet warm even when wet. cheaper, and lighter weight than seal skins.

**PKH** · 08-01-2005, 06:15

Originally Posted by James

What's the average weight of a pair of waterproof socks? REI.com, etc., doesn't show weight. Also, how well do they work? Thanks!

I'm with L. Wolf on this one - there ain't no such thing.

Cheers,

PKH

**Big Dawg** · 08-01-2005, 06:38

Originally Posted by PKH

I'm with L. Wolf on this one - there ain't no such thing.

Cheers,

PKH

Well, there is such a thing (http://sealskinz.com/cgi-bin/psProdD...ser|1,0,0,1|19|),, it's just whether they actually work or not. Seems "Sliderule" thinks "they do a good job of keeping water out". Honestly, my reason for considering these is for camp. They are lighter than my nike "camp" flops (12oz, size 13), & most other options. When I arrive at camp, let's say after a day of rain, feet wet,,, then I change into dry socks,,, don't want to put my dry feet back into my wet/muddy boots or trail runners,,, hence a camp shoe/flop/whatever. Seems logical for me to put on nice dry warm socks, then waterproof socks (like sealskinz), then put on my wet shoes to move around camp, take a whizzz late at night, whatever. Keeps my feet dry, & allows me to lighten my pack by not bringing my flops. Problem solved for around 4oz.

**SGT Rock** · 08-01-2005, 06:41

Originally Posted by James

Well, there is such a thing (http://sealskinz.com/cgi-bin/psProdD...ser|1,0,0,1|19|),, it's just whether they actually work or not. Seems "Sliderule" thinks "they do a good job of keeping water out". Honestly, my reason for considering these is for camp. They are lighter than my nike "camp" flops (12oz, size 13), & most other options. When I arrive at camp, let's say after a day of rain, feet wet,,, then I change into dry socks,,, don't want to put my dry feet back into my wet/muddy boots or trail runners,,, hence a camp shoe/flop/whatever. Seems logical for me to put on nice dry warm socks, then waterproof socks (like sealskinz), then put on my wet shoes to move around camp, take a whizzz late at night, whatever. Keeps my feet dry, & allows me to lighten my pack by not bringing my flops. Problem solved for around 4oz.

It works. I would reccomend the Rocky type socks for that though, and get them a little large so you can wear socks inside them easier. http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4501322

**soulrebel** · 08-01-2005, 07:34

i like the recommendation of using ziploc bags for hands/feet during extreme cold and wet weather---

**Peaks** · 08-01-2005, 07:40

Originally Posted by soulrebel

i like the recommendation of using ziploc bags for hands/feet during extreme cold and wet weather---

I'm not so sure about that. Most ski boots are now plastic, that does not breath at all. My feet are usually very wet at the end of a day of skiing.

**Tramper Al** · 08-01-2005, 07:44

I too have the 'waterproof' Sealskinz socks and really, they are not.

I have used these VB socks:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

. . . for exactly your camp purpose. Even if my boots are soaked through from the trail, I can put on a pair of dry socks and slip my boots back on for a water run or whatever from camp. I also carry these on cool cusp season hikes (like Novermber or April), as an emergency back-up. A couple of times already, a companion has slipped while crossing a brook. With a dry sock and one of these VB socks, those toes get warm, stay dry in a soaked boot, and everyone is good to go. They'll do double duty as stuff sacks (for dry socks maybe!) as well.

**Big Dawg** · 08-01-2005, 07:46

Originally Posted by SGT Rock

It works. I would reccomend the Rocky type socks for that though, and get them a little large so you can wear socks inside them easier. http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...ory_rn=4501322

Why Rock? Is it because they're slightly lighter, work better????

Off topic..... BTW Rock,, I'm very impressed w/ the Ion stove,, & will be purchasing it soon! 1oz for a fuel efficient stove,, that's what I'm talking about!!! Base weight comin on down, yea!!

**SGT Rock** · 08-01-2005, 07:52

Originally Posted by James

Why Rock? Is it because they're slightly lighter, work better????

Off topic..... BTW Rock,, I'm very impressed w/ the Ion stove,, & will be purchasing it soon! 1oz for a fuel efficient stove,, that's what I'm talking about!!! Base weight comin on down, yea!!

I've used both the Rocky and the Seal Skinz, and for what you plan to do, the Rocky work better. They pick up less junk from the ground and are more like slippers than socks whereas the Seal Skinz feel more like regular socks and tend to get duff stuck on them easier.

As to the Ion, just make sure you aren't in a hurry to eat if you get one. I love it myself, but occasionally I get folks that wish it were faster cooking. If you want some more speed and are willing to take an extra few grams there are other stoves out there that will cook faster.

**Big Dawg** · 08-01-2005, 07:59

Originally Posted by Tramper Al

I too have the 'waterproof' Sealskinz socks and really, they are not.

I have used these VB socks:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

. . . for exactly your camp purpose. Even if my boots are soaked through from the trail, I can put on a pair of dry socks and slip my boots back on for a water run or whatever from camp. I also carry these on cool cusp season hikes (like Novermber or April), as an emergency back-up. A couple of times already, a companion has slipped while crossing a brook. With a dry sock and one of these VB socks, those toes get warm, stay dry in a soaked boot, and everyone is good to go. They'll do double duty as stuff sacks (for dry socks maybe!) as well.

Tramper Al,, great idea,,, what's the weight(size) of your VB socks. Considering their purpose, these socks (nylon booties) seem perfect for the price, $4.96,,, compared to Rocky gore-tex socks for $50, & sealskinz for $20+.

**PKH** · 08-01-2005, 08:09

Originally Posted by James

Well, there is such a thing (http://sealskinz.com/cgi-bin/psProdD...ser|1,0,0,1|19|),, it's just whether they actually work or not. Seems "Sliderule" thinks "they do a good job of keeping water out". Honestly, my reason for considering these is for camp. They are lighter than my nike "camp" flops (12oz, size 13), & most other options. When I arrive at camp, let's say after a day of rain, feet wet,,, then I change into dry socks,,, don't want to put my dry feet back into my wet/muddy boots or trail runners,,, hence a camp shoe/flop/whatever. Seems logical for me to put on nice dry warm socks, then waterproof socks (like sealskinz), then put on my wet shoes to move around camp, take a whizzz late at night, whatever. Keeps my feet dry, & allows me to lighten my pack by not bringing my flops. Problem solved for around 4oz.

Well James, you're right of course. I was just being a little facetious. Can't speak for L. Wolf. For camp purposes these things are waterproof and comfortable. It's just that they don't hold up well and for long on the trail.

Cheers,

PKH

**Big Dawg** · 08-01-2005, 08:29

Originally Posted by PKH

Well James, you're right of course. I was just being a little facetious. Can't speak for L. Wolf. For camp purposes these things are waterproof and comfortable. It's just that they don't hold up well and for long on the trail.

Cheers,

PKH

I knew where you & L.Wolf were comin from,,, just like any gore-tex item, they eventually leak thru. But perfect for my camp solution----I shoulda made that clear in the original post, huh! No harm, no foul. Just havin fact-finding fun.

I've looked into Tramper Al's idea,, but Campmor has them in size "s" only,, not big enough for my big a$$ feet. Maybe I'll make my own.

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