Foot box condensation

[Uticafats]

I was hanging this weekend and had problems with condensation on the top of the foot box of my TQ.

For reference:Temps were around 20-25F at night. I was hanging inside a lean-to at the front with two other ground dwellers below me to the rear. I was in a WBBB 1.1 DL with a Winter Yeti UQ and reflective liner under my torso and a Gossamer Gear torsolite pad under my legs and foot box. I was using a JRB Old Rag Mountain TQ and was very comfortable at those temps.

I'm new to hanging and other then my backyard this was my first real outing so I really don't know if this is a common problem or a more winter specific issue. I believe that the movement of my feet durning the night caused the condensation much like sleeping against the side of a tent.

I was able to dry out the TQ each morning so it wasn't a real problem, but some veteran advice would be helpful.

Fats-

[pizza]

I have the same problem. Sometimes I even have frost on the outer shell of my top quilt.

[Shug]

What were you wearing on your feet?
Also, sometimes trying a different pad under the feet or such will cure it.
Shug

[Uticafats]

What were you wearing on your feet?
Also, sometimes trying a different pad under the feet or such will cure it.
Shug

I was wearing smartwool liner socks, Smartwool expedition socks, and feathered Friends down booties.

The condensation was on the outside of my TQ only. Do you think my feet were to warm?

Fats-

[HappyCamper]

Were your feet deep into the Blackbird footbox? People talk about condensation issues when using a hammock top cover. I'm wondering if the Blackbird footbox acts as a "top cover" for your feet and causes the condensation if your feet are hot and sweaty. Just thinking out loud here.

[Shug]

I was wearing smartwool liner socks, Smartwool expedition socks, and feathered Friends down booties.

The condensation was on the outside of my TQ only. Do you think my feet were to warm?

Fats-

I do .... I have been experimenting with the wearing of less on my feet .... hence, less condensation.
Betcha the booties caused it. Try without the Expo socks .... or no booties, just socks. Should be ok in those temps with a good TQ.

[Uticafats]

Were your feet deep into the Blackbird footbox? People talk about condensation issues when using a hammock top cover. I'm wondering if the Blackbird footbox acts as a "top cover" for your feet and causes the condensation if your feet are hot and sweaty. Just thinking out loud here.

My feet were in the footbox, but not deep enough to compress the loft on the TQ and they were perfectly dry both mornings.

Fats-

[Uticafats]

I do .... I have been experimenting with the wearing of less on my feet .... hence, less condensation.
Betcha the booties caused it. Try without the Expo socks .... or no booties, just socks. Should be ok in those temps with a good TQ.

Thanks Shug.

Keep those great videos coming. You inspired me to build a pulk and take it out this past weekend. The four guys I went with were so impressed they are now busy building their own for the next trip.

Fats-

[BillyBob58]

If the above ideas don't solve the problem, or they do but your feet are cold, try vapor barrier socks. That should end any insensible perspiration from your feet escaping upwards until it reaches the dew point in your quilt- then condensing.

[Uticafats]

If the above ideas don't solve the problem, or they do but your feet are cold, try vapor barrier socks. That should end any insensible perspiration from your feet escaping upwards until it reaches the dew point in your quilt- then condensing.

Thanks. I just got done reading up on vapor barriers from some of the old threads (including your post) and plan on doing some backyard test runs in the next few weeks.

Fats-