I like to wear neoprene socks in my caving boots whenever I know I am going to be in a cave with lots of water.
http://www.sailgb.com/pi/Typhoon/flatsocks_1.jpg Neoprene socks are readily available at almost all sporting goods stores, Academy, etc. ( even Walmart ) On a recent trip into a cave with colder water, I found that my neoprene socks were not keeping my feet as warm as I would have liked. I would like to discuss this subject. I believe my socks were the ones shown below: http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/assets/prod_img/2342f.jpg Here is a possible solution to the problem: A knee-high neoprene sock: http://chotooutdoorgear.net/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21_30&products_id=19 http://chotooutdoorgear.net/shop/images/NS200.jpg At $ 50 a pair plus shipping, I think I will just let my feet get cold. What about wearing nylon dress socks or even hosiery under the neoprene socks, or even a plastic bag? [ my socks fit very tight around the ankle so I can't wear anything underneath them ] Or a polyolefin sock under or over? http://www.123scuba.com/p-BT00EUU.html There is even lycra socks: http://www.leisurepro.com/prod/FNSS.html What about Merino wool over the neoprene socks? Neoprene socks are commonly found in 3mm thickness; however you can also find them in 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mm, & 5 mm. http://www.divers-supply.com/photos/ATL50149-2.jpg [ the 7 mm usually have some kind of rubber sole and are called booties ] There is also a dry sock and a goretex sock, but I would think it would fill with water once you stepped in a deep pool. There is also a thinsulate sock, ( at $ 80.00 ), but I don't think that would work. [ maybe in some alpine or glacier cave ?? ] http://shop.divebooty.com/prodimages/lg/4869.jpg I know that some cavers have worn the Seal Skinz socks for many years. I bought a pair from one of the caving vendors a couple of years ago. I could have worn them over my neoprene socks, but I had left them at home. I am pretty sure the main problem I had was my caving boots, but since I was traveling by plane I left my rubber caving boots at home and just took my cordura hiking boots. Here is another example of the neoprene sock: http://www.amazingsocks.com/web-pid-6901-item.htm You can have neoprene socks custom made and even with 7 mm neoprene. Companies like "Liquid Fit" can do that. Am I leaving out anything? Any other suggestions? David Locklear --------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website: http://texascavers.com To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected] For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
