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DCF Waterproof sock?


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Home Forums Gear Forums Make Your Own Gear DCF Waterproof sock?

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  • #3564894
    Patrick W
    BPL Member

    @mando12

    On the PCT this year I tried waterproof socks for the first time.  I had a pair of Dexshells.  They stayed waterproof for about 1 1/2 days.  I was disappointed.  Now that I’m home again and backpacking in my home territory (blue ridge), I am thinking about waterproof socks again.  I have the idea to try to make them out of DCF.  My idea is to have a sock that is loose enough to slip over my sock, then I would pull a merino liner sock over the DCF sock to protect the DCF from the shoe liner.

    Anyone tried this?  If so, I would love to get hold of a pattern.

    #3564969
    Jan Rezac
    BPL Member

    @zkoumal

    Locale: Prague, CZ

    DCF is probably not the right material for socks. I would get creased and then stressed a lot, what would lead to quick development of pinholes.

    I’ve tried many materials for making ultralight WP socks. Coatings on most fabrics do not last long in this application. Finally, I had a success with a TPU foil (bought at extremtextil.de, no longer available there). What matters is the thickness of the waterproof layer the absence of the fabrics make it lighter and elastic. The rubbery TPU is surprisingly tough, it shows no damage after days of use. I welded it using an iron. A pair of socks weights 37g / 1.3 oz.

    #3565346
    Patrick W
    BPL Member

    @mando12

    Thank you for sharing.  The TPU foil sounds awesome, even if I don’t know what TPU stands for!  I’ll have to start my search for some. Going to Peru next year and def want to take a WP sock that works for days.

    #3565347
    Jan Rezac
    BPL Member

    @zkoumal

    Locale: Prague, CZ

    TPU = themoplastic polyurethane. It’s the material used for coating the heat-sealable fabrics as well.

    I’ve looked up that order, here are the details on the material I used: “TPU-film, transparent, 0,1mm thick, 110g/sqm”. It also says that it’s intended for kite bladders – maybe it can be found in some kite supplies shop as well.

     

     

    #3565352
    Link .
    BPL Member

    @annapurna

    .Bill Fornshell made a pair in 2005 with instructions CUBEN FOOTIES-VBL’S-0.22OZ A PAIR .Bill was always making interesting gear and clothing from DCF(Cuben) long before most people or cottage company’s .Just thought you might find them interesting.

    #3566141
    Patrick W
    BPL Member

    @mando12

    I’ve been looking online for a source for TPU with these specs but have come up dry. (get it :-))  Anyone have a source?

    #3566234
    Jan Rezac
    BPL Member

    @zkoumal

    Locale: Prague, CZ

    I’ve found a possible source of a lighter film ( http://drtuba.eu/product/tpu-film-and-film-patch ), I suppose there are other kite shops selling this. Not easy to search for, the results are full of offers from the Chinese manufacturers – if you’re ready to buy at least 500kg.

    #3566298
    Gunnar H
    BPL Member

    @qy

    The easiest and cheapest way to get TPU is probably to buy it as paint protection film for cars from some low cost chain that sells car spare parts. I haven´t tried it yet so I´m not sure how well it works for socks.

    #3566506
    Patrick W
    BPL Member

    @mando12

    I appreciate the inputs! I may be losing my pioneering spirit on this one, but I’m not sure I will end up with the performance that I’m looking for if I buy TPU manufactured for other purposes.

    #3566538
    Ivo Vanmontfort
    BPL Member

    @ivo

    extremtextil sells tpu:https://www.extremtextil.de/search?sSearch=tpu
    you can also use heavy pu coated fabric sew and tape it (http://www.exped.com/international/en/product-category/sleepingbags/vbl-socks-l)
    https://ivovanmontfort.blogspot.com/2016/02/vbl-sokken.html
    but you must tape the coated site.
    https://www.extremtextil.de/en/seamtape-for-coated-fabrics-22mm.html is better for taping
    neoprene socks are also a good alternative
    The problem is your sweat that still makes your socks wet when the outside is damp proof

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