Vapor Barriers Forever

This past winter I began wearing vapor barriers after developing minor frostbite from wearing mountaineering boots that froze overnight. For those not in the know, a vapor barrier is a plastic bag that goes over your foot, and creates a waterproof barrier between your foot and your sock. This means that no moisture if transferred from your foot's sweat into the sock, and from the sock into your boot. Vapor barriers are commonly used in extended and/or extreme cold weather conditions. There are a lot of videos and websites out there exploring the benefits of them.

They work excellently as advertised, but I've found an additional benefit that I haven't seen highlighted elsewhere. Vapor barriers are really good at blister prevention. I noticed this immediately after my first day-long snow hike with them. I've also noticed that even in warm temperatures the bags prevent blisters. Since the quarantine started I began hiking around town with a backpack loaded up with junk. I've been putting oven bags on my feet each time, and I've yet to develop an open blister. I've gotten some deep ones that later on became calloused, but no painful, raw blisters. Three weeks ago I went on an 18 mile hike and didn't get a single blister. And last week, I ran a marathon in warm weather with oven bags on and didn't get a single blister then, either.

To be fair, they do feel weird (slimy) when you first start using them. And in warm weather they feel hot at first. Both things pass after you get used to the feeling. If you've never tried them or never had a reason to do so, I would strongly recommend giving them a try next time you go out on a hike or a trail run.

It takes a minute to get used to, like you said, but they are awesome. Regular old polyester liners are also good at preventing blisters, if you don't need the warmth provided by VBLs. I use the Fox River ones 

VBL socks are bomber. I use a thin poly dress sock, a Subway bag, and then a thick wool sock.

I've had less luck with gloves (thin poly liner, nitrile glove, then outer glove). When I was sleeping outside for the winter at 9200', I tried using an emergency bivy as a VBL sleeping bag, and had very poor results.

For sub zero foot warmth on a summit in potential harsh conditions I'm assuming these go right against the foot. Has anyone put them on over liners? Is that bad? Do most just do a good wool sock over? I'm assuming toe warmer packets should not be used with them, correct?  Looking for options and opinions. I haven't done a lot in really cold conditions but will be doing Mt. Washington this winter. I got a pair of Rab vapor barrier socks and wondering whether or not to use them. 

TIA

I put sandwich bags on my hands when it's hot and humid out. I've saved thousands on chalk just this year. 

I use bread bags when hiking sometimes when I know my boots are gonna get soaked. My mom also swears by latex gloves in her mittens while skiing. 

This post brought to you by two truths and a lie.

J D wrote:

For sub zero foot warmth on a summit in potential harsh conditions I'm assuming these go right against the foot. Has anyone put them on over liners? Is that bad? Do most just do a good wool sock over? I'm assuming toe warmer packets should not be used with them, correct?  Looking for options and opinions. I haven't done a lot in really cold conditions but will be doing Mt. Washington this winter. I got a pair of Rab vapor barrier socks and wondering whether or not to use them. 

TIA

I've always used, and seen recommended, liner socks underneath the VBL, which prevents some of the clamminess.  Also, use anti-perspirant on your feet (whether using VBLs or not).  Foot warmers would go outside the VBL underneath the wool sock.  Just make sure whatever combination you use isn't too tight in your boots.