waterproof hammock sock

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=99243

To his credit a hammock sock is different from a zip in top cover. Unfortunately for him the same principle applies and the product doesn't really exist for a reason.

OP Both socks and top covers are used to trap warmth but are breathable. I know your concept sounds good on paper, but if you want to stay dry in a hammock when its raining, you need a tarp. That is unfortunately the beginning and the end of it until science brings us some cool technology that can change that.

Hammock socks are breathable so the moisture in your breath can escape. A waterproof sock, short of the usual GoreTex wonder fabric, would trap that moisture inside, and even with Event (which I assume would be rather expensive in that quantity) still wouldn't solve the issue of your breath condensing on the cold fabric of the sock.

A tarp/breathable sock combination would be the best option for cool to cold conditions.

Thank you all for replying although the condensation part doesn't phase me at all, I am an avid bivvy sack user who knows how to handle the condensation during a rainstorm and what not

In that case, I'd suggest a DIY or contacting one of the cottage guys who make a sock (Like warbonnet maybe) and ask if they will make you one in their tarp material. In all honesty I don't have high hopes of this working the way you want, but if you do do it I'd love to hear how it went either way.

Note that the only similar item on Hammock forums has a breathable bottom.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54206

I'll stick with tarps for the views and comfort. Have fun with your cocoon….

There is a big difference in temperature of a bivy that is tight around you and the top of a sock. You'll find there is a lot more condensation than you're used to….

Make sure you have very reliable air vents for breathing in any design you experiment with.

I have thought about a design with a rainfly that fit right over thevridgeline with bug screens down the side. The idea was to reduce the size if the fly. Condensation would still be an issue.

Check out Miles Gear:

http://www.milesgear.com/

He makes waterproof bivys using a very breathable top fabric. The material is kind of like DriDucks but a little different.

If you contact him, he may be able to make you a hammock sock out of the material. He is very easy to work with and has reasonable prices.

hey i was wondering if you knew why you are against using a tarp thank you

My opinion is that the range of outside temperatures matters on condensation. A snug fitting bivy at 45* may have enough heat to push the wet air through the fabric before the condensation occurs. At 20* the same bivy might be wet on the inside of the bivy fabric.

I would expect the same results on hammock socks. They might work fine in deep cold (drier air) and not as well with 40* days and 20* nights. In the sock, there is more room for the air to cool before it exits the fabric.

I sold my breathable sock after hanging for several days along a water course, high 20s at night, 50s in the day time, cinched it below my neck, and still had condensation on my quilt on the foot end. The warm wet air rose to the high point in the sock, then condensed.

Progress is the remainder of weeding out what doesn't work from all of the creative attempts at new methods. The current design of hammock socks and just substituting waterproof for breathable fabric, needs significant ventilation improvements.

I used a sock(Dream Hammock Winter Sock 1.0 Ripstop) the other week when the temp dropped down to the teens. Frozen condensation inside the sock and started to rain inside the sock as soon as it warmed up enough to melt. I should have used my VBL, but didn't bring it with me. I'm still trying to play with the right set up with it, but so far I haven't found a good way to minimize the condensation in it. Keeping it open enough to vent sorta defeats the purpose of it.