Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: fishyfish on October 17, 2012, 11:52:28 AM
-
I know with todays technology there must be some modern technically advanced socks on the market. Has anyone come across some socks that they really really like. The older I get the colder my feet get. Where did you get them and how much were they? Thank you in advance.
-
nothing beats old fashioned wool socks, but it's getting bad for you, purchase neoprene socks that go over your regular socks... you can buy them at most tackle shops...i'm not current on the prices because i bought mine 6 years ago for 15 dollars.
-
I think the warmest socks are those that are not tight so that your circulation is stopped.
And 2 pairs of them.
-
I've seen socks that hold a 9v battery and pass current through a heating coil to warm your feet. I'm not sure how well that would work underneath waders.
-
Best I've worn are made by Icebreaker, and the materials is Merino wool. Super soft, durable, and warm as heck.
Also expensive, but IMO they've been worth it.
Make sure they not too tight so that they don't cut off circulation in your feet.
Also consider trying the small hand warmers put over your toes when you put on your socks. They can help keep the toes warm.
Tex
-
Here is the answer for you FF. About 5 years ago I discovered that Costco is occasionally selling socks made of merino wool with a little bit of spandex for longevity.
They sell 3 pairs for about 12 bucks. The same socks are supplied by Mark Work Warehouse for about 16 dollars a pair marketed as "HEADS" brand. These are absolute cats arse. In winter I use 2 pairs or even 3 if steelheading in adverse conditions.
My secret is wading boots 2## bigger than size of my feet, so I can accommodate for extra sock layers without cramping my toes.
Costco not always has them, so I stock up on them when they do. It looks like they have them now. At least here in Kelowna.
-
Here is the answer for you FF. About 5 years ago I discovered that Costco is occasionally selling socks made of merino wool with a little bit of spandex for longevity.
They sell 3 pairs for about 12 bucks. The same socks are supplied by Mark Work Warehouse for about 16 dollars a pair marketed as "HEADS" brand. These are absolute cats arse. In winter I use 2 pairs or even 3 if steelheading in adverse conditions.
My secret is wading boots 2## bigger than size of my feet, so I can accommodate for extra sock layers without cramping my toes.
Costco not always has them, so I stock up on them when they do. It looks like they have them now. At least here in Kelowna.
Great tip, Tad! I'm gonna look into this.
:)
Tex
-
As already mentioned, merino wool and boots that aren't too tight.
Still beats any new "technologically advanced" materials.
-
The socks that Simms makes are the best I've tried. Actually borrowed a pair from a buddy and never gave them back haha
-
Just suck it up like I do with my size 16 feet jammed into my wader booties! A thin pair of merino wool does help. I have also heard good things about the Costco merino wool.
-
I use 2 pairs of the Simms sox I also purchased 2 sizes bigger boots knowing I would need the room
-
Good old wool socks plus these inside have never let me down.
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/Socks/Womens/PRD~4002-218/wigwam-gobi-liner-socks-unisex.jsp
This has been my set up for 10+ years of snowboarding and about 5+ fishing. Nice thing is wool still insulates if wet/damp and the liners can be dried out on your car dash heater in a few minutes. That's a plus if your waders spring a leak. Only happened to me once so far. ::) The IceBreaker stuff is tops. I have a couple of there Merino T's and plan on getting some of their long underwear in the future.
-
Excellent suggestions. I am going to try and get a couple pairs of merino socks. Thank you very much.
-
The IceBreaker stuff is tops. I have a couple of there Merino T's and plan on getting some of their long underwear in the future.
I just bit the bullet on their long underwear last month and have already gotten my money's worth out of them. Wore them under my fleece pants (which were under my waders) while fishing up in the thompson and cariboo and they kept me warm while kicking around all day in my float tube and pontoon boat. Also wore them (along with an icrebreaker long-sleeved shirt) as pajamas while tenting in sub-zero temperatures and stayed warm all night long, even though I woke up to everything frozen outside the tent.
-
One pair of your basic tube socks, one pair of wool socks. Good to go till it's -10c.
-
Just got back from Costco. I don't have a membership. I got in no problem. Wanted to see if they had these Merino socks before I try to get a one day or visitor pass. Find the socks in a big bin in a row with other socks. They had lots. Got in a return/sign up line with socks in hand. Strike up a conversation with a lady who is wondering why I am "returning" socks. Explain to her I fish and want to buy the socks for fishing. Interestingly her husband was at the Cheakamus yesterday fishing. Get up to the desk and am basically told I was s out of luck. There is no one day or visitor pass. The lady from the line is next to me and offers to buy them for me. So as advertised by Tadpole but not entirely correctly. He said 3 pairs for around 12 bucks. They actually had 4 pairs for $12. Can't wait try these out. They also had next to the bins a Merino underarmour I was close to buying but jammed at the last second. Thank you for the suggestions.
-
One pair of your basic tube socks, one pair of wool socks. Good to go till it's -10c.
This might work for you but I would definitely not recommend anyone else following this plan if they want warm feet. Assuming yoiur "basic tube socks" are made from cotton, as every tube sock I've ever seen is, then that's far from the ideal base layer you want against the skin of your feet.
Cotton does not wick away moisture, and gets cold when wet. It isn't bad to wear when it's hot and you want to stay cool, as it takes longer to dry out and hence cools you down more efficiently, but if we're talking "staying warm", it's not a good bet at all.
I used to wear tube socks as a base layer for years, and my feet are miles warmer and more comfortable now than they ever were in the days I wore cotton socks under wool socks.
Just my 2 cents.
Tex
*edited to add... here's a great link comparing some base layer materials for staying warm: http://thenextchallenge.org/2012/05/comparison-base-layer-materials/
-
thin wool socks and wool/ice socks from Marks.
I also learned years ago to ensure you are not cutting off circulation around the hips as well as at the ankles and also on occasion have used those disposable hand warmers tucked into the sock at the calves, though that was usualy when tending to a rocker or sluice box. I also try not to allow my feet to get sweaty or ovely warm when driving out , and if they do; I put a fresh pair of socks on.
The old saying if your feet are cold, put on your took, bares thinking about.
-
I agree w/ Chummy above... Then wool sox come off & can slide on runners & go for dinner once the waders are off! I find the neoprene booties on the waders quite cold resistant.
-
The socks that Simms makes are the best I've tried. Actually borrowed a pair from a buddy and never gave them back haha
just bought a pair of these and put them to the test! Super comfy and keeps really warm! in fact will most likely go get a second pair.
hotrod
-
Another big vote for merino wool socks. I also wear a thin sock liner under the wool socks on cold steelheading days and it makes a big difference.
-
Sprinkle chile peppers in your socks. :)
-
Merino wool for sure - I also go for the sock liners (they are also very helpful to keep the blisters away!).
Keep your head covered too - you lose the most heat from your head and once you start getting cold it can take a long time to warm up...
Stay away from wearing cotton - this goes for socks, long underwear, t-shirts etc. Stick with moisture wicking base layers and cotton or polar fleece. Cotton Kills (it gets wet from sweat or from the elements, doesn't dry or wick moisture. This turns into a refridgerator situation and lowers your core body temp.
-
Tell me, and I might forget;
Show me, and I might remember;
INVOLVE ME, and I'll learn.
good quote!!
-
Good old wool socks plus these inside have never let me down.
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/Socks/Womens/PRD~4002-218/wigwam-gobi-liner-socks-unisex.jsp
This has been my set up for 10+ years of snowboarding and about 5+ fishing. Nice thing is wool still insulates if wet/damp and the liners can be dried out on your car dash heater in a few minutes. That's a plus if your waders spring a leak. Only happened to me once so far. ::) The IceBreaker stuff is tops. I have a couple of there Merino T's and plan on getting some of their long underwear in the future.
X2 on the liners - Running Room also has liners if MEC is too far a drive. Also X12 on WOOL. stay away from anything with cotton or cotton blend - turns your boots into a refridgerator if/and or when they get wet!
jsut noticed I already answered - but it bares repeating - keep your head warm and stay away from cotton! Also, it's been mentioned in the above posts, but keep boot size in mnd when purchasing - when it was getting close to time to replace my boots, i kept them for warm days and bought a pair 1.5 times bigger for the colder days, to accomodate the extra thick layer of wool socks....
-
I got my merino socks from walmart. Kodiak, 2 pair, 9 bucks. They are a little thicker was they are work socks, but keep my feet very warm in wading boots that are a size too small. Marks also has 100% merino pants, but 65 bucks per pair. If costco has them for cheaper, and they are pure merino, id get them.
-
I have the Simms heavy duty Merino socks and liner socks
I read the "ingredient" list for the Simms liner socks ($12.99/pair) i then went to Wholesale Sports to see if they sold liner socks. they had the exact same liner socks but only $9.99/pair. These liner have CoolMax technology so you feet stay warm but not too warm. WS also had a different type of wader socks with this in them which im sure would be even warmer.
I only wear the liner socks when im fishing for steelhead in temps around 6degrees or under. anything over that and just the Simms socks are fine
-
1. Wool
2. Wool
3. Wool
-
Checked the Costco in Abby about the Kirkland brand marino wool trail socks the other day, couldn't find them. I checked with customer service and apparently none in Western Canada have any and they are not planning on getting any more in. :'(
-
--smartwool... not cheap but form fitting and due to processing not likely to cause alergic reaction or itching if wool is an issue for you.
--great for hiking as well come in different thickness and style
-
Not just the socks..make sure your boots are not too tight. Neo booties and a good pair of wool socks should keep your feet warm if your boots fits right. If you don't have good circulation not going to matter what socks u wear. Also make sure u don't tighten your laces too tight.
-
Thin silk dress socks under a thick pair of good wool socks.The silk wicks away moisture and is surprisingly warm and cool when your feet get hot bushwacking.
-
bamahs from marks
-
I got my merino socks from walmart. Kodiak, 2 pair, 9 bucks. They are a little thicker was they are work socks, but keep my feet very warm in wading boots that are a size too small. Marks also has 100% merino pants, but 65 bucks per pair. If costco has them for cheaper, and they are pure merino, id get them.
I use the same socks from walmart. Keeps my toes toasty. Well worth the 9bucks for a pack of 2.