Brilliant thread with loads of fantastic advice and experiences, exactly what this forum is all about. I've put some time in trying various small tweaks and would like to feed back on what has helped me without spending much dosh. All obvious things that I didn't pay enough attention to.
I ditched my wellies as they were a little tight. One of the key things is to try to avoid is compressing the insulation round the foot, I noticed that while I was sitting I often was putting quite a lot of pressure through my feet or resting one foot on top of the other. I've tried to avoid that or move my feet a little every few minutes to shift the compression to another spot. A thermal mat to rest my feet on helps a little but is a long way from a solution on its own.
I bought some british army softie trousers as an extra insulating layer and this made a good difference keeping my legs warmer I think kept the blood flow to my feet higher. I was also surprised to find that I could wear them as a layer while walking in without overheating my legs, unlike if I had too many layers on my top.
So less compression of the insulation round the foot, plus reducing the area of boot contact with the ground via foot placement and/or an insulating mat, plus keeping the blood warm in my legs, have been the key things that have helped. I also tried some hot hands foot warmers and found a small benefit from them. They seem to be best placed in the arch of my foot and I don't really notice them when walking.
Next year I'm also going to buy some proper cold weather boots with plenty of room for extra socks.
Thanks again for the excellent advice.
Will
I ditched my wellies as they were a little tight. One of the key things is to try to avoid is compressing the insulation round the foot, I noticed that while I was sitting I often was putting quite a lot of pressure through my feet or resting one foot on top of the other. I've tried to avoid that or move my feet a little every few minutes to shift the compression to another spot. A thermal mat to rest my feet on helps a little but is a long way from a solution on its own.
I bought some british army softie trousers as an extra insulating layer and this made a good difference keeping my legs warmer I think kept the blood flow to my feet higher. I was also surprised to find that I could wear them as a layer while walking in without overheating my legs, unlike if I had too many layers on my top.
So less compression of the insulation round the foot, plus reducing the area of boot contact with the ground via foot placement and/or an insulating mat, plus keeping the blood warm in my legs, have been the key things that have helped. I also tried some hot hands foot warmers and found a small benefit from them. They seem to be best placed in the arch of my foot and I don't really notice them when walking.
Next year I'm also going to buy some proper cold weather boots with plenty of room for extra socks.
Thanks again for the excellent advice.
Will
