Army goretex socks, anyone?

[Gotte]

Anyone used any of the army issue (surplus) waterproof and breathable socks?

Are then any good?

Also, which are better the boot liner or sock style?

Thanks

 

[Retired Member southey]

yup, socks as sleeping bag socks, I find they make my feet far to hot for any kind of walking, but they are great for nipping out of the bag for a night time wee

 

[The Lord Poncho]

Definitely go for the sock version rather than the older (green and non stretchy) boot liner style. The latest are made by sealskin and are probably slightly better than the slightly older black ones with the white lining (which i've used in a limited way with no problems)

 

[Gotte]

Thanks for that.

I'd heard mixed reports about standard seal skin socks, which is why I was wondering about the liner version. So those are not as good?

 

[Shewie]

I'm a big fan of the black MOD socks, regular civvy Sealskinz have been useless in comparison.

 

[ex-member BareThrills]

ive used seal skins for cycling and found them to be ok. the only downside is they cannot shift the heat generated very well and you get wet from the inside. would go along with the comment that they would be best as bed socks for emergency trips for a pee

 

[Gotte]

Thanks - yes, the mixed reports I'd read about sealskins were concerning cycling (another interest of mine). I'll go with the black MOD socks. Strange to see MOD gear better than civvy stuff. I always believed it to be the opposite. PBI, if you know what I mean.

 

[tedw]

Used the black ones quite a few times and found them very good, if a bit warm. When the boots are soaked, I just love 'em!

 

[Laurentius]

Yep I have a pair of the boot liners, wore them out this weekend with sandals, more comfy than boots really and more practical kept me dry and warm. Had a pair of sealskins which leaked from the word go, they went straight back to the manufacturers and I would never buy another pair.

 

[lannyman8]

i only used them once (for 2 weeks) the black big ones, they where uncomfortable to wear but did save my feet loads when i fell through a frozen bog on brecon with 2 foot of snow, they worked well for a while but became saturated and leaked after 3 or 4 days, they then just kept the water warm, i was walking between 5 and 25 km a day though with 2-4 hours sleep if i was lucky, and TBH a very tough and testing area, boots soaked 24/7 wearing them for 2 weeks constantly, me feet where in bits...

anyway, never used them since as i was not that impressed...

 

[Shewie]

i only used them once (for 2 weeks) the black big ones, they where uncomfortable to wear but did save my feet loads when i fell through a frozen bog on brecon with 2 foot of snow, they worked well for a while but became saturated and leaked after 3 or 4 days, they then just kept the water warm, i was walking between 5 and 25 km a day though with 2-4 hours sleep if i was lucky, and TBH a very tough and testing area, boots soaked 24/7 wearing them for 2 weeks constantly, me feet where in bits...

anyway, never used them since as i was not that impressed...

I just wear mine in the canoe with my 5.10 boots

 

[copper_head]

I have a set of both the old green ones and the white lined 'seal skinz' ones. The greens are pretty useless for any sort of walking, the black ones are *OK* but I haven't used for an extended time in the field. As someone else said they make good 'bivvy slippers' when weight is an issue.

 

[redandshane]

Some funny answers here; they are not really meant for wearing when going for a pee
in proper conditions
They are brilliant for using for what they are
I personally had a big problem once in winter when they got river water in over the top and I found they keep water in as well; surprise eh?
answer then is to get them off and get the water out quickly; my feet were freezing
wear wool and don't misuse then they are useful

 

[wedgie]

i have used the old green boot liners when i worked on building sites in the winter. they save my feet from lime burns and lasted for years they cost about £30 at the time.
i have got 2 sets of the sock types great foe on the motor bike for long dist or winter trips
i use the para boot most of the time so then use the socks if i know im out in foul weather for a couple of days the newer mill version is more comfy than the earlier types