[pct-l] Neoprene socks

[Dan Welch]

I used neoprene socks in the Sierra last year.  In late May there was a
surprise storm that dumped 1-2 feet of fresh snow.  I had to wait it out in
Lone Pine and purchased the neoprene socks there.  I was thankful I did.  I
climbed Whitney at night in fresh snow with some friends to see the sunrise.
My toes were quite numb by the time I got to the top.  (I literally couldn't
feel them.)  I put on the neoprene socks at the top and they made a big
difference.  At some of the passes (particularly Muir) there were miles of
snow field to cross with streams to cross along the way.  My shoes were icy
wet for several hours for 3-4 days.  The neoprene socks were very welcome
for that stretch and I sent them home at Tuolumne Meadows.

If the Sierras are relatively dry this year when you arrive at Kennedy
Meadows, I wouldn't bother.

Timberline

-----Original Message-----
From: Pct-L [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Stephen
Adams
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2015 1:17 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Neoprene socks

Yeah that's probably not a good idea.  You're gonna want kicks that breathe,
and I mean you can feel the breeze on your toes when walking at a brisk
pace.  If the shoes breathe that good they'll be your heroes in the heat,
and when dunked they will drain and dry faster after creek crossings, rain,
and snow walking etc...  In a neoprene sock I imagine trench foot.  But you
might look into getting a light ankle gaiter to keep junk and snow etc out
from around your ankles.  Nothing like having one shoe throwing junk into
the other one constantly...  
Gets old after a few hundred miles...constantly dumping sand or trying to
dig the snow out from around your ankles etc...  Just saying.  I think the
ladies like something called Dirty Girls.  

Now, here's my suggestion after you pick out some shoes and socks combo you
like....  Hose your feet socks, fill your shoes up and go hike a couple
miles, and then dump more water on 'em and hike a few more miles and see how
your stuff feels.  Not kidding and might sound silly, but if you can get
over it and not let wet brush along the trail etc soaking your feet or
crossing creeks etc bother you you'll be all the happier if and when faced
with the prospect of hiking most or all of the day with wet feet.  
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