DIY down socks external shell

**fred1diver** · 02-07-2011, 19:27

O.K. so I'm about to attempt to make myself a pair of down socks, I've got the inside shell ready but I'm wondering if I could use sil for the outside

I'm worried it will trap too much moisture in the down, but at the same time I'd like to use it so the down doesn't get wet from the outside

I can use something similar to my inside fabric although I'm running low (top quilt, two hats plus balaclava/hood with the same fabric)
but I have plenty of sil left over!
what do you all recommend

thanks in advance
FRED

**MAD777** · 02-07-2011, 19:32

Don't use silnylon! The outside material needs to be breathable or your down socks will be useless. In extreme cold conditions, like single digits or below, you could benefit from silnylon on the inside! Although, this would make them too specific for general use. Simply wear a vapor barrier inside them at those temperatures.

Your feet are going to thank you

**Otter1** · 02-07-2011, 19:59

Mike's correct.

Try another DWR fabric, like Momentum.

**grok** · 02-07-2011, 20:15

Originally Posted by MAD777

Don't use silnylon! The outside material needs to be breathable or your down socks will be useless. In extreme cold conditions, like single digits or below, you could benefit from silnylon on the inside! Although, this would make them too specific for general use. Simply wear a vapor barrier inside them at those temperatures.

Your feet are going to thank you

Ok this encroaches on an unanswered question i had about a two layer hammock with outer layer silnylon.

Why would it be ok with the sil inside?

P.S. down socks I want me some

**Otter1** · 02-07-2011, 21:02

"Why would it be ok with the sil inside? "

Sil inside forms a vapor barrier. If on the outside of the down, moisture has no way to escape, thus wetting out your down. Following proper VB techniques allows you more
warmth for a given amount of quilt/bag insulation. Good info at BPL, Andrew Skurka's site, and perhaps here.

Unless you like sweat on your back, test your vbl on your hammock in the backyard before taking a trip.