Down socks VS Vapor Barrier Socks

Instead of just VB socks, try sleeping with your legs in a plastic bag. You're probably already using one as a pack liner. I've done this for warmth & drying out the bottom of my quilt simultaneously. It worked very well.

I experimented with this a lot last winter, and VB's (breadbags) work better for me & they are lighter.

Also if your feet are cold, it probably means that your core is not warm enough. Not to reiterate anything if you already know it, but I think more effective ways of addressing the feet are making sure your feet are completely dry and in dry sox at bedtime, eat lots of cals and fatty foods before bed, warm pad, warm bag and other insulation if necessary. Its amazing how much I freeze my ass off when I'm depleted and underfed after a long day.

Nathan,

I can always make a pair of socks with cuben on the inside for a combo VBL/down warmth effect…

This technique works with hammock camping so I would have no idea why it would not work on the ground as well… get a nalgene bottle (I know, gram weenies may be cringing right now) and fill it up with hot water (bubbles coming up from bottom of pan but not a rolling boil) and leave it in you sleeping bag for a few minutes before getting in, then put in between your legs throught the night. This can add an extra 10 degrees of warmth easy and will quickly increase your core temperature and keep it elevated for about six hours. Don't try this with a flimsy water bottle. A lot of people will use a bigger plastic bottle with a screw cap, that will work too I guess but nothing you would have even the slightest worry of it coming open on you.

Another added feature of this is you wake up with fairly warm water..
Especially nice on though's painfully cold mornings.

place inside a clean sock to prevent hot spots. it will keep your toes toasty for hours.

I don't like sleeping in VBL socks, I use them in the winter but as soon as I get to camp I take them off and let everything dry out. I would vote for a hot water bottle which works great, or down socks. The problem with down socks is that you will fight to keep them from filling with sweat at night and being useless after one night.

Well, the whole point is to put your VB socks on and then your down socks over that so your perspiration doesn't compromise the insulation of the down.