to offer a few views on this point:
Cold feet are caused by:
- Lack of insulation
- Being in contact with cold ground surfaces
- Moisture in socks/boots either from sweat or leaking boots
- Poor circulation
So, starting with moisture:
If your boots leak or you have a build up of sweat then your feet may get cold. Previous posts in this thread mention lined crocs and sorel caribou boots. the lined crocs will actually breath really well through their vents, so with some good socks plus the liner you achieve good insulation and low moisture - winner until you run outside in the rain, but as long as you keep them dry then its likely all good.
The sorel caribous are indeed an excellent boot, waterproof with a thick wool felt liner. So score well on insulation and keeping moisture out which is why they are popular in cold places where there is a risk of a bit of water (slush, ice fishing etc). The sorels will serve really well for a day or 24 hours. after then you will need to pull the liners out and dry them out. When I have been in really cold places I have two liners so I can wear one and dry one. Overkill for fishing in the UK, if you were really bothered though you could whip the liners out and wear them in your sleeping bag to force out any moisture.
Neoprene socks, such as sealskinz, are good but they will trap moisture next to your feet. They are good if you boots have got wet and you have some dry socks. In which case stick the sealskinz over a normal pair of wool socks, put your boots back on and your feet will start to dry out your boots. They aren't a solution for warming feet in anything but a short term basis.
For insulation, decent insoles, wool felt are very good and a couple of pairs of decent wool socks. Not cheap ones off the market, buy bridgedales or army surplus white arctic socks with the red band round the top. Two pairs of these and you should be fine. For the UK you really should be fine with a decent goretex lined walking boot, Lowa, Brasher, Meindl or scarpa are all good. Buy a size up so you can wear 2 pairs of socks.
The other point on insulation is what you put your feet on, if you slept on the floor directly you'd get really cold because the ground sucks heat away from you, faster if you are wet (back to the wet feet bit above) so put your feet, in your boots, on something insulting; cardboard, a nice neoprene bivvy mat, some astro turf, a log etc. Keep them off the cold ground and they will stay warmer longer.
In the UK two pairs of thick wool socks and decent walking boots should do you fine, if you really suffer, maybe because of poor circulation or bad luck, then the sorel caribous or skeetex field boots or their lined wellies called 'original' boots are just the ticket.
Hopefully that's some use, I have spent time in cold places so my comments are based on real life experience.
Stay warm and have fun!
Cold feet are caused by:
- Lack of insulation
- Being in contact with cold ground surfaces
- Moisture in socks/boots either from sweat or leaking boots
- Poor circulation
So, starting with moisture:
If your boots leak or you have a build up of sweat then your feet may get cold. Previous posts in this thread mention lined crocs and sorel caribou boots. the lined crocs will actually breath really well through their vents, so with some good socks plus the liner you achieve good insulation and low moisture - winner until you run outside in the rain, but as long as you keep them dry then its likely all good.
The sorel caribous are indeed an excellent boot, waterproof with a thick wool felt liner. So score well on insulation and keeping moisture out which is why they are popular in cold places where there is a risk of a bit of water (slush, ice fishing etc). The sorels will serve really well for a day or 24 hours. after then you will need to pull the liners out and dry them out. When I have been in really cold places I have two liners so I can wear one and dry one. Overkill for fishing in the UK, if you were really bothered though you could whip the liners out and wear them in your sleeping bag to force out any moisture.
Neoprene socks, such as sealskinz, are good but they will trap moisture next to your feet. They are good if you boots have got wet and you have some dry socks. In which case stick the sealskinz over a normal pair of wool socks, put your boots back on and your feet will start to dry out your boots. They aren't a solution for warming feet in anything but a short term basis.
For insulation, decent insoles, wool felt are very good and a couple of pairs of decent wool socks. Not cheap ones off the market, buy bridgedales or army surplus white arctic socks with the red band round the top. Two pairs of these and you should be fine. For the UK you really should be fine with a decent goretex lined walking boot, Lowa, Brasher, Meindl or scarpa are all good. Buy a size up so you can wear 2 pairs of socks.
The other point on insulation is what you put your feet on, if you slept on the floor directly you'd get really cold because the ground sucks heat away from you, faster if you are wet (back to the wet feet bit above) so put your feet, in your boots, on something insulting; cardboard, a nice neoprene bivvy mat, some astro turf, a log etc. Keep them off the cold ground and they will stay warmer longer.
In the UK two pairs of thick wool socks and decent walking boots should do you fine, if you really suffer, maybe because of poor circulation or bad luck, then the sorel caribous or skeetex field boots or their lined wellies called 'original' boots are just the ticket.
Hopefully that's some use, I have spent time in cold places so my comments are based on real life experience.
Stay warm and have fun!
In reply to Post #46
Quick question do merino socks under sealskins help or not?
I see you say it's a temporary fix but don't understand why matey?
Quick question do merino socks under sealskins help or not?
I see you say it's a temporary fix but don't understand why matey?
In reply to Post #37
Blimey, I wasn't expecting war and peace. I put the sachets in my boots when I'm fishing, not walking to the water from the car park. God knows what you're on about, but people who live in cold environments adapt to it. Not sure you understand that, but in this country isn't in the artic circle. The hand and feet warmers are the most effective solution, combined with a waterproof boot and a knee length winter sock. Too simple for some I suppose... I was out in the boat last weekend before the snow went. It was -6c when I got to the reservoir and it never got above 3c. I slipped the foot warmers into the Skeetex just before I loaded the boat and the hand warmers were tucked into the palms of a pair of cheap wool fingerless gloves. I was casting all day, not once did I get cold feet or hands for that matter.
As to wearing foot warmers in a sleeping bag? When did I even mention night fishing? I don't do any night fishing in winter as I'm pike fishing. I'll leave it there. Painful
Blimey, I wasn't expecting war and peace. I put the sachets in my boots when I'm fishing, not walking to the water from the car park. God knows what you're on about, but people who live in cold environments adapt to it. Not sure you understand that, but in this country isn't in the artic circle. The hand and feet warmers are the most effective solution, combined with a waterproof boot and a knee length winter sock. Too simple for some I suppose... I was out in the boat last weekend before the snow went. It was -6c when I got to the reservoir and it never got above 3c. I slipped the foot warmers into the Skeetex just before I loaded the boat and the hand warmers were tucked into the palms of a pair of cheap wool fingerless gloves. I was casting all day, not once did I get cold feet or hands for that matter.
As to wearing foot warmers in a sleeping bag? When did I even mention night fishing? I don't do any night fishing in winter as I'm pike fishing. I'll leave it there. Painful
In reply to Post #48
Having been down the rabbit warren of spending loads and trying various combinations over the years .... i tend to agree, people like to over complicate this, and believe me im as guilty as the next guy ..... but the truth is it is very diffcult to keep feet warm when static, regardless of how many layers, how few layers, Skeetex, Baffins, Sundridge Hot Foot, Grubs, Walking boots, insulated boots, 4season socks, thin socks, single socks, multiple socks etc etc .... and yes, ive tried them all!! ...... and by far the game changer is the heat sachets ... paired with any kind of boot (i currently like the ultra lightweight EVA boots at £25) and my feet are at last warm, dry and comfortble
Having been down the rabbit warren of spending loads and trying various combinations over the years .... i tend to agree, people like to over complicate this, and believe me im as guilty as the next guy ..... but the truth is it is very diffcult to keep feet warm when static, regardless of how many layers, how few layers, Skeetex, Baffins, Sundridge Hot Foot, Grubs, Walking boots, insulated boots, 4season socks, thin socks, single socks, multiple socks etc etc .... and yes, ive tried them all!! ...... and by far the game changer is the heat sachets ... paired with any kind of boot (i currently like the ultra lightweight EVA boots at £25) and my feet are at last warm, dry and comfortble
In reply to Post #47
Reply to post 47. Merino or Wool socks (same thing really) are best as wool still provides warmth when damp.
As for why is this only temporary when wearing sealskinz? because Sealskins dont really breath and sweat will build up. sweaty feet = damp feet and damp = cold when you aren't moving about.
Reply to post 47. Merino or Wool socks (same thing really) are best as wool still provides warmth when damp.
As for why is this only temporary when wearing sealskinz? because Sealskins dont really breath and sweat will build up. sweaty feet = damp feet and damp = cold when you aren't moving about.
In reply to Post #50
Thank you - so really if you have waterproof boots then merino socks on thier own will be better as they will have room to breathe and nothing over them trapping in moisture? Cheers
Thank you - so really if you have waterproof boots then merino socks on thier own will be better as they will have room to breathe and nothing over them trapping in moisture? Cheers
In reply to Post #48
My point is this, I've always gotten clothing that can deal with the weather, and not had to rely on hand warmers that may run out.
I've lived in winter in Norway, infact my family have a mountain hytte in Hemsedal where snow can be very deep. You are not going to use artificial aids to fish the lake or river, you dress properly. I learnt that long long ago, around 40years ago in fact.
Years ago it was Mukluks, which I managed to get in this country, now its TFG Extreme boots which I've had for a few years, but I walk to the swim in my combat boots.
My point is this, I've always gotten clothing that can deal with the weather, and not had to rely on hand warmers that may run out.
I've lived in winter in Norway, infact my family have a mountain hytte in Hemsedal where snow can be very deep. You are not going to use artificial aids to fish the lake or river, you dress properly. I learnt that long long ago, around 40years ago in fact.
Years ago it was Mukluks, which I managed to get in this country, now its TFG Extreme boots which I've had for a few years, but I walk to the swim in my combat boots.
In reply to Post #52
Doesn't come up so much in Kent though. I'm sure I would get the boots in
Norway.
Earlier this week I did 24 hours in North Kent clear day and night went to 1 degree.
I was pottering about at midnight in lined crocs and Bridgedales.
I didn't put the Bridegadales on until 4 pm. And only the stuck the footwarmers on
At about 8pm. I could have just put the brasher boots on, or gone to bed.
But decided to have a beer and recast etc.
There really is NO place for extra warm boots for me carp fishing in the South
Of England as I do.
Doesn't come up so much in Kent though. I'm sure I would get the boots in
Norway.
Earlier this week I did 24 hours in North Kent clear day and night went to 1 degree.
I was pottering about at midnight in lined crocs and Bridgedales.
I didn't put the Bridegadales on until 4 pm. And only the stuck the footwarmers on
At about 8pm. I could have just put the brasher boots on, or gone to bed.
But decided to have a beer and recast etc.
There really is NO place for extra warm boots for me carp fishing in the South
Of England as I do.