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ID#: 54313	Area: Posts	Submitted: 2009-10-28 22:45:16	Posted: 2009-11-03 03:01:04
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QDear 100 Hour Board,

I am in the process of trying to select a pair of warm winter boots. Ever since I went to Canada last Christmas, warm means different things to me now. So I'm looking at a pair of boots rated to -10 degrees F and I couldn't help but wonder, how are these tested? Who tests them? Do they throw someone out in -10 degrees and say, "Hey Joe, your feet still warm?" How does it work? And what kind of socks do they put them in? Thin? Average? Thick wool socks? I'd like to know a) because I'm curious, and b) because I want to know if I can boost the temperature rating by wearing thicker socks. Help me, Board!

P.S. If it helps, here's what I'm looking at:
http://www.target.com/C9-Champ...

But I've seen others from places like Payless who claim -20 degrees, etc.

- Glowstick girl

ADear Glowstick girl,

From Mountain Equipment Co-op:

Quote:

There is no industry standard testing method, but MEC ratings are often more conservative than manufacturers' ratings. Our ratings assume you're actively walking or snowshoeing. When you're idle, the effective warmth of any footwear will drop.

From Cabela's:

Quote:

Boots are rated much like sleeping bags, and it is hard to say how your individual feet will stand different temperatures. The rating has a lot to do with activity level, health and diet and socks worn. What the rating really does for you is allow you to compare the different boots against each other.

If these two sources are to be trusted and it is similar to sleeping bag testing, then it is in fact Joe and a few of his friends testing different boots while standing in an ice box. Yes, it appears you can boost the temperature rating of your boots by wearing thick socks, as well as staying active while you're in said boots. Just be warned that the temperature ratings on the box are a little arbitrary and you're best off subtracting a few degrees before you begin to factor in woolen socks.

-Ineffable

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