Topic
Winter Socks- VBL or WPB?
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear (General) › Winter Socks- VBL or WPB?
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Sep 30, 2013 at 7:03 pm #1308226
Ok, so I'm about geared and ready for winter bike touring, but keeping my feet warm is something I kind of rushed. I want to check what I'm using right now and see about a replacement if need be. I'm using Mavic Rush MTB cycling shoes, which have mesh over the toes, so basic wool socks get really cold from windchill if I'm coasting.
Right now:
I'm using Stephenson's Warmlite VBL Socks (http://warmlite.com/vapor-barrier-clothing). I am going to be biking hard, so I'm definitely going to sweat. I am worried these will be bathtubs.
Potential Replacement:
I see Borah Gear makes WPB socks on the cheap. Will Gore-Tex or similar socks do the trick?
Would love someone to explain to me exactly how Stephensons Warmlites are expected to behave, but also open to any other suggestions.
Thanks!
-M
Sep 30, 2013 at 7:58 pm #2029751For winter cycling just wear warm overboots and you'll be fine.
VBLs are definitely not called for in this situation.
Even as a Nordic (XC) skier I only wore overboots on my uninsulated XC boots on very cold days. Like a cyclist whose feet are not on the ground my feet were standing on foam filled skis.
Sep 30, 2013 at 8:10 pm #2029752AnonymousInactivenm
Sep 30, 2013 at 8:22 pm #2029760I wonder how those borah gear socks hold up compared to the rocky goretex socks?
Sep 30, 2013 at 8:27 pm #2029762Can't find a Borah sock review anywhere.
At any rate, my feet do get prohibitively cold. Fact. Remember, I'm cycling for 8-12 hours a day.
Last winter I only biked less than 5 miles at a time, and when it was real cold, I wore boots. I've never toured in the winter. Also, i've yet to use the VBL socks and can't test yet (not cold).
Overboots are really heavy. It's like me asking for UL gaiters and you recommend "just get the full calf gore-tex cordura ones." Not trying to be snotty, I just want to clarify that i'd prefer an UL solution to overboots, but i'm sure they work.
Also, I've never skied, so the analogy isn't a guarantee for me. They could be apples and oranges, I just don't know.
Sep 30, 2013 at 8:38 pm #2029765"Would love someone to explain to me exactly how Stephensons Warmlites are expected to behave"
According to Stephenson – once sensible sweat begins the skin will shut down the "sweat mechanism" and that equilibrium will be maintained.
Is that really how it works, or is that Stephenson's hype? I don't know.
But I do know that I have spent many days snowshoeing in liner-socks/bread-bags/thick-wool-socks/neoprene-socks/trail-runners and NOT poured water out of the bread bags. My feet are damp, but not "pruned".
Sep 30, 2013 at 8:45 pm #2029769AnonymousInactiveGreg, do you ever combine Wool liners with thicker Polypro? If so, how do you like the combo?
Sep 30, 2013 at 8:51 pm #2029770Nope.
I'm a synthetic guy.
Sep 30, 2013 at 9:07 pm #2029775AnonymousInactiveOk, thought you might have tried it since you mentioned using "thick wool socks" earlier. I'm a synthetic or natural guy depending, and overall i find i like combos the most. Thank you for the reply.
Sep 30, 2013 at 9:10 pm #2029776Max, I've always had a problem with cold feet, and cycling just makes it worse. I think it's a combination of things. Tight cycling shoes cutting off circulation, and wind-chill on sweaty feet are the biggest culprits.
Run your shoes as loose as you can tolerate without excess slippage (don't want blisters), and get some windproof booties. I have some Quintana Roo TT booties that fit well over my Sidi Dominators. Combined with a thin wool blend sock and some wool knickers my lower body stays pretty warm.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.