Originally Posted by
Six jours
As a climber, I don't especially care for vapor barrier socks. Maybe my feet sweat more than average, but they don't ever stop putting out moisture, so I end up with a pond at the end of the day. On multi-day climbs I'd seriously worry about trench foot. It's rare that a liner and an expedition weight SmartWool sock inside a plastic boot aren't warm enough for me. But then, I don't spend much time on Denali.
Regardless, I think the requirements of the high-altitude climber are much different from those of the long-distance cyclist. The climber is concerned primarily with conductive heat loss because he is walking through snow. The cyclist must be concerned with heat loss through convection (I hope I have these terms right; paramedic school was a
long time ago) because he is moving through cold air at a much higher speed than the climber. (Unless the climber really screwed up.)
So IMO, the baggie-on-the-toes idea is quite useful for the cyclist, as it's blocking the wind, which is of enormous importance to the cyclist. Of course, the OP is apparently in the midst of his ride even as I speak, so probably isn't going to benefit from any of this anyway...
I to have found vapour barriers to be of limited use for long term climbing use. However, they do help in cycling when combined with a little extra insulation and wind blocking. However, the biggest problem is still the constant pressure under the ball of the foot which reduces blood flow.
I think the double boot concept used in high altitude climbing is also going to work with cycling. I have this theory of the best way to keep cycling feet warm but the biggest catch is the lack of clearance between the crank and the foot.
Here is my solution.
1. Thin neoprene sock worn next to skin.
2. Medium thick wool sock.
3. Loose fitting cycling shoe. The stiffer the sole the
better.
4. Breathable shoe cover made of nylon, fleece, nylon
to cover shoe and which wraps under the sole of the
shoe. No one make these so DIY is needed.
5. SPD platform pedal in which the sole of the shoe rests on the platform as well as being snapped in. This spreads the force out over a greater area to increase blood flow. The larger the platform area the better.
6. Chemical under foot warmer if needed for really cold temps.