Two skinny or one thicc

Recently I had my g techs out in single digits all day. I wore a medium/thin sock. My foot was getting a bit chilly but nothing uncomfortable. I had the feeling that I would be hurting if it was below zero. I just had them out today it was 15ish. I wore two thinner socks with it and it felt really warm but hard to tell for sure. I do feel like the two socks is probably warmer for my foot in this boot than one thick sock. I’m curious how cold I can comfortably take them. What are everyone’s methods and experiences? 

I haven't found that socks make a whole lot of difference ...

The truly fortunate among us, have enough vertical space in our boots to put hand warmers in the toes of our socks. 

Toe warmers are very unreliable and usually don't work. But take up less space than hand warmers. 

I haven't tried gtechs myself but my impression is that for most people they won't cover the full range of typical ice cragging temperatures (say down to 10F). I feel like if your only boots were lighter than phantom techs or nepals, then there would be some days that are fine in terms of ice condition, hand and core insulation, but you can't climb purely because those boots are too cold. Interested to hear if I'm wrong about this. 

Heated socks are like $60 a pair at Costco nowadays. Treat yo self. 

Are there good heated socks that actually work for $60..?

I got a like $400 pair of lenz socks as a gift but they just aren't perceptibly warm at all

Ellen S wrote:

Are there good heated socks that actually work for $60..?

I got a like $400 pair of lenz socks as a gift but they just aren't perceptibly warm at all

The lenz socks work, but they will not warm up your feet if they are already cold. Turning them on low and or intermittent starting the day is the most effective way to keep feet cozy. Of course everyone’s needs are different and while I like mine they aren’t magic.

Back to op: I’ve always been told that the sock makes the fit and the boot provides the warmth. Having the extra space and movement of two socks kind of seems like it would defeat the purpose of wearing a minimally insulated boot designed for climbing performance. But again, de gustibus non disputandum est… or in matters of taste (or needs and tricks to not freeze when ice climbing), there isn’t any argument. 

Ellen S wrote:

I got a like $400 pair of lenz socks as a gift but they just aren't perceptibly warm at all

That seems odd... I have to turn mine down so my feet don't sweat. I wonder if you got a bad pair.

Yeah Ellen they rock I’m on my second year of climbing ice 3-4 days a week in Alaska in them. I rarely take them off the low setting and I’m in a LS Nepal. My girlfriend bought a pair and has had similar great results. If they broke today I’d happily go invest in another pair.  

If you’re boots are a bit looser two thin socks could work but you generally want thin socks to wick moisture into the boot and away from your foot. 

So then it all depends on your boot fit really.

If your boot is fitted for thin socks and you jam a thick one on, you could make it too tight (especially as your feet swell throughout the day), and cut off circulation. Which obviously makes your feet colder.

Otherwise its the same concept as your core, you dont put on a thick wool sweater as a baselayer, you use a thin synthetic one.

RE lenz socks mine work great but as someone said they wont bring back already cold feet just prevent them.

Greg Steele wrote:

That seems odd... I have to turn mine down so my feet don't sweat. I wonder if you got a bad pair.

This. I can't go above a 5 or my feet sweat, even in single digit temps. Depends on the boot of course. In g5s I typically didn't go above a 4. I've never had mine above half power. 

And they definitely warm my feet up if they're already cold. I've gotten ice cold water in them during a river crossing and they warmed up just fine and I climbed all day no problem.

I've bought another pair and a second set of batteries. 

Single best thing I've ever purchased for ice climbing. 

I don’t think I need to go in for heated socks. Even though the sizes are pretty close I’m kinda between sizes. 42 is a bit on the tight side and 42.5 is almost too roomy. I went with 42.5. My heel fits great so I can kinda toy around with my socks. Like I said I had a thin sock on in single digits and was comfortable enough. I have done two socks for a few morning climbs and I think that’s my gameplan for now. I will let everyone know how low I can comfortably take them. One thing for sure is the ease of loosening the boots with the boa on the outside is a game changer for warmth and performance. 

ZT G wrote:

Yeah Ellen they rock I’m on my second year of climbing ice 3-4 days a week in Alaska in them. I rarely take them off the low setting and I’m in a LS Nepal. My girlfriend bought a pair and has had similar great results. If they broke today I’d happily go invest in another pair.  

Not to hijack this thread, how long do the Lenz battery last? I've had some miserably (and possibly dangerously?) cold toes during early spring AK trips. Hopefully they are easy enough to recharge out on a glacier.

Nick U wrote:

Not to hijack this thread, how long do the Lenz battery last? I've had some miserably (and possibly dangerously?) cold toes during early spring AK trips. Hopefully they are easy enough to recharge out on a glacier.

Depends on which batteries you get. I originally had 1200's and they lasted about 6-8hrs on a medium setting, usually with 5on/3off interval. I got the 2000's this season and they've lasted 12ish hours on a constant heat setting of 5. 

I've charged them while glacier camping and it's easy and effective with a powerbank. 

Nick U wrote:

Not to hijack this thread, how long do the Lenz battery last? I've had some miserably (and possibly dangerously?) cold toes during early spring AK trips. Hopefully they are easy enough to recharge out on a glacier.

Lenz is too rich for my blood.

As for Costco’s ~12 hrs on low, ~ 6 hrs on med, and ~3.5 on high.

Intervals seem like a faff to me so I just turn them on and let them go till they die.

I’ve used them in my Nepal’s down to about 20 under and have only taken mine to the med setting. High is way too much for me.

I’ve used them in an alpina xc touring boot down to about 40 under. Med setting was PLENTY. 

What works for me is a thin synthetic liner sock, and a thicker merino wool sock.  My preference being the Smartwool Hiking Full Cushion sock.  I wear them in the winter for climbing, and the rest of year for backpacking.  The real key is not to wear too thick of a sock, as it can restrict blood flow, and make feet cold.  Also watch how tight you lace/boa your boots, as it can do the same.  Good insoles can make a difference.  I like the Sole Active Thick, for cushioning, arch support, and help insulate from the cold ground. 

Sorry for bumping this one. I ended up grabbing a pair of Lenz. Pretty comfortable, but curious to how they "should feel." Been wearing them around the house and can feel the heating element, but somewhat underwhelming even at 9. Does it take time to heat up? What are others experience wearing these in the comfort of home. 

You need the boot to trap the heat. Around the house you are just heating the air on top of your foot, which then dissipates. Wear the socks inside slippers, bigger socks, or shoes and you'll feel the heat actually warm up your foot and the microenvironment it's in.

They will feel very underwhelming when worn just as a standalone sock.

Jake woo wrote:

You need the boot to trap the heat. Around the house you are just heating the air on top of your foot, which then dissipates. Wear the socks inside slippers, bigger socks, or shoes and you'll feel the heat actually warm up your foot and the microenvironment it's in.

They will feel very underwhelming when worn just as a standalone sock.

Thanks for confirming. I'll report back with my own impression after two weeks of climbing in Alaska.

Jake woo wrote:

You need the boot to trap the heat. Around the house you are just heating the air on top of your foot, which then dissipates. Wear the socks inside slippers, bigger socks, or shoes and you'll feel the heat actually warm up your foot and the microenvironment it's in.

They will feel very underwhelming when worn just as a standalone sock.

I would add to this that they are to keep you from getting cold, not to make you feel like your heat are under a heater. If they're working appropriately, your feet shouldn't feel hot or cold.