Socks for Wading in Winter: Hi folks, looking for recommendations on warm (but not crazy thick) socks to wear under my waders. I’m using Wigwam merino blend socks now and my feet are...

FS Digest

Hi folks, looking for recommendations on warm (but not crazy thick) socks to wear under my waders. I’m using Wigwam merino blend socks now and my feet are already getting cold... and it’s only November. Freshwater rivers in the Northeast, if that matters. Thanks!

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by OneDanD

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Question, OneDanD: What is the problem with wearing thicker socks? No one will see them so it appears the problem is in your head, right? I believe you have to decide to either be warm or to be fashionable (and where no one can see). Just Sayin...RJS

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Maybe he needs to 'up' his boot
size ? Heavier socks won't help
much if feet are crammed into
tight boots, hindering circulation - heavier socks may call for a
slightly larger boot size !

Pixiedog456005 Loc: Maryland

Go to boots one size larger. Thick socks will keep you warmer. Layering means thinner socks balling up under foot.

Wool socks will keep your feet warm even when totally wet.

Lama socks are thiner and do very well...

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

FS Digest wrote:

Hi folks, looking for recommendations on warm (but not crazy thick) socks to wear under my waders. I’m using Wigwam merino blend socks now and my feet are already getting cold... and it’s only November. Freshwater rivers in the Northeast, if that matters. Thanks!

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by OneDanD

I use the foot version of "hot hands" They make all the difference in cold situations.

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

bapabear wrote:

I use the foot version of "hot hands" They make all the difference in cold situations.

How long does the heat last
while you're wearin' 'em ? Are they good to use with waders ?

Pixiedog456005 Loc: Maryland

They are a small paper packets that you take out of the store wrapper, shake, place in the spots you want to keep warm. They do keep generating for several hower.

I've put them down each foot under the arch and sides. 2 in lower back regions, 2 in chest pockets, 2 behind my neck and one on the back side of my hands.

It was muzzle loader season and -22°
And I was high in the top canopy area of a tree in my portable tree stand. A crusty top snow was on the ground.

It was so cold I heard only one bird chirp for hours. I was taking a nap because I felt so comfortable and warm, and it was so quiet until I heard that rhythmic crunch,...crunch,..crunch...then I broke the quite... Ba-Boom!!
Yea..
I was warm, had some of my best sleep ever, meat on the table and I had hearty home-made vegetable soup.
Good day even with
sub-zero temps.

Yes, they are woth it.
They are called,
"Hot Hands"

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Big A wrote:

How long does the heat last
while you're wearin' 'em ? Are they good to use with waders ?

I find they are good for about 4 hours. The foot ones are sole shaped and have a sticky side so they fit under the foot without bunching up. If it is cold outside, I always put one under my stocking cap. sometimes I take it out because it keeps me too warm. Most outdoorsmen know a lot of heat is lost through the head. Yet they forget to put a heater up there.

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Pixiedog456005 wrote:

They are a small paper packets that you take out o... (show quote)

Haven't hunted in years, but
back then I had a couple of
those butane-fueled (Coleman-
fueled ?) pocket hand-warmers -
don't think those chemical-
reaction heat pads were even
thought of that far back !

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Big A wrote:

Haven't hunted in years, but
back then I had a couple of
those butane-fueled (Coleman-
fueled ?) pocket hand-warmers -
don't think those chemical-
reaction heat pads were even
thought of that far back !

You are right. I switched when they came out. No smell and no flame. They are outstanding.

airfish Loc: North Carolina

I use heavy Fitts socks, no problem with them on the water in North Carolina with the water temp in the low 40's...

PierRat904 Loc: St. Augustine

Used to run a cross-country ski patrol and we had our own way of keeping feet warm. Wash out the oil and then spray down with antiperspirant. add a thin dress sock followed by a wool sock. A dry foot was a warm foot.