I need help with a sock, please.

**Brommeland** · 11-27-2019, 23:38

Hi folks,

I'm trying to decide which sock is "best" (I know, I know - that's a very subjective matter:-) I really like the Warbonnet sock, but to my knowledge the only vent is a rainbow door on one side. I also like Dutch's winter sock, but I've read that some folks get condensation anyway with them - despite all of the mesh.

Can anyone with personal experience with these (or others - I'm open to suggestions) share their experience? Thank you in advance. I'm lookin' forward to hearing from y'all.

**BillyBob58** · 11-28-2019, 00:05

Originally Posted by Brommeland

Hi folks,

I'm trying to decide which sock is "best" (I know, I know - that's a very subjective matter:-) I really like the Warbonnet sock, but to my knowledge the only vent is a rainbow door on one side. I also like Dutch's winter sock, but I've read that some folks get condensation anyway with them - despite all of the mesh.

Can anyone with personal experience with these (or others - I'm open to suggestions) share their experience? Thank you in advance. I'm lookin' forward to hearing from y'all.

I have managed to stay bone dry in a HHSS with over cover, at 6F, which works much like a sock, by using a frost bib hanging down in front of my face, and probably also contributing was the vapor barrier clothing I was wearing. Also, there was a 6" diameter vent near my face. But, my frost bib was soaked, that was the only sign of moisture.

Rather than bone dry, I have been fairly soaked with condensation(mostly from my breath), even when using no sock at all, when I did neither of the above listed things. If I had been in a sock(and without those tricks) I suspect I would have had even more condensation.

**SoaknWet** · 11-28-2019, 06:08

I have both and like both but my favorite is the Warbonnet and have not had any problems, I just don't zip it completely shut, plus the fact that my limit is the middle teens.By the way the only difference between the two, my opinion, Warbonnet is easier to get out of.

**mistone** · 11-28-2019, 06:55

I would go with warbonnet sock easy to get in and out.

**Shrewd** · 11-28-2019, 09:44

How much extra warmth do you get out of a sock, anyhow?

**hutzelbein** · 11-29-2019, 06:57

For which hammock do you want to use the sock? The Warbonnet sock fits the Warbonnet gathered end hammocks perfectly. However, Warbonnet GE hammocks are shorter than comparable GE hammocks due to the construction AND they have very little sag. You might be able to squeeze e.g. an 11' Chameleon in the Travel Sock XL, but if you're using an underquilt it might be compressed.

If you're planning on using it with a WB GE hammock, I can recommend the Travel Sock. I have been using one on my WBBB and like it a lot. Venting is easy, and if you leave a larger part of the door open, the fabric falls away and isn't in your face. This wasn't the case with other zippered socks I have used in the past. I haven't used or seen one of Dutch's socks, but with the netted vents you don't have the option to decrease the size of the opening.

**hutzelbein** · 11-29-2019, 06:58

Originally Posted by Shrewd

How much extra warmth do you get out of a sock, anyhow?

I measured a temperature difference of about 15° without wind. With wind the difference will likely be larger.

**Brommeland** · 11-29-2019, 10:20

Originally Posted by hutzelbein

For which hammock do you want to use the sock? The Warbonnet sock fits the Warbonnet gathered end hammocks perfectly. However, Warbonnet GE hammocks are shorter than comparable GE hammocks due to the construction AND they have very little sag. You might be able to squeeze e.g. an 11' Chameleon in the Travel Sock XL, but if you're using an underquilt it might be compressed.

If you're planning on using it with a WB GE hammock, I can recommend the Travel Sock. I have been using one on my WBBB and like it a lot. Venting is easy, and if you leave a larger part of the door open, the fabric falls away and isn't in your face. This wasn't the case with other zippered socks I have used in the past. I haven't used or seen one of Dutch's socks, but with the netted vents you don't have the option to decrease the size of the opening.

Thank you. This is rather eye opening. I have a Dream Hammock Raven (72" in wide) on the way, and will be using it with a Cedar Ridge UP - Wide/Long uq. WB says that their sock going to fit any hammock with up to 112" ridgeline (I believe mine is 110"), but I had not considered that WB hammocks are shorter, or the girth issue with a wider hammock & uq.

I was about to pull the trigger on a sock today. If I am understanding you correctly, you don't think that this combination will work, correct?

**Brommeland** · 11-29-2019, 10:22

BTW, thanks to all who have replied. Please keep the posts coming - I'm trying to learn. Thanks again.

**cougarmeat** · 11-29-2019, 12:56

If you need the sock to be a little longer, 2QZQ makes and extension that fits on either end. I use the sock all winter. Understand you are essentially in a single wall tent and have all the challenges of that shelter with respect to condensation. No matter what "sock setup" you have, it will always (in cold temps) be a balance between air flow to prevent condensation vs keeping in warmth. With the rainbow zipper, you can keep it open near your face. If you wear a balaclava that you can pull over your mouth, that can also minimize the condensation. But it is part of challenge of winter camping.