Moisture build up in winter sock?

[Indy138]

I have been looking into the winter sock idea for my cold weather hangs and had a question. Does anyone have a problem with moisture build up due to breath? Or is there better venting than I realize?

I have not gotten a winter sock as of yet, just picking peoples brains here.

[pgibson]

Condensation can form on almost any fabric no mater how breathable in the right/wrong conditions. Relative humidity, due point, wind/air flow...all can play a factor in condensation. There are times when you can't get condensation almost no matter what and other times when it does not take anything for it to form. Venting is a good option to let a little air flow circulate and cure the issue. Socks and top covers can be very useful for holding in warmth in the cold but there are limitations to any gear.

[Bubba]

I tried a nylon sock last winter and the frozen condensation would shake loose and land on me when opening and closing the zipper. It was around -18*F. I think for really cold temps a cotton sock would be good. I plan to make one for this winter.

[oldpappy]

First, you will have to define the type of sock you want; looks like you do Minnesota winters = very cold/dry.
Some socks are small tents with lots of dead air inside (Airship) and can deal better with moisture from your breath. This might be what you want to look into.
Some socks are more like wraps for wind/spray (Just Jeff's). Much less air volume to deal with your high humidity breath. Good for cold/windy/damp like Virginia or PNW.
Here are some reference posts you can learn a lot from:
Airship/Derigable reference: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...hlight=airship
Ref Just Jeff's type sock http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearHammockSock.html
Simple sock variation: https://www.hammockforums.net/galler...&cutoffdate=-1
Vapor/condensation ref https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ad.php?t=26191
Of course Shug is probably your best reference for your type of climate - his videos are great.

[Indy138]

Actually Im in Michigan. I think Minnesota is about as dry but colder. Im mostly looking to add a little warmth in the winter and block the wind from hitting my behind.

thanks for the links!

[SnrMoment]

An underquilt protector will do you a lot of good, even with a sock. I've been experimenting with a cover that works with the UQP and allows for adjustable ventilation. I'm about ready to run off to WMT to grab some cheap ACU camo taslan and make the prototype. Right now it's shaping up with a cheap piece of fleece I made a summer weight top quilt out of and piece of ripstop I made a bag liner with.
Dew point seems to be the magic bell ringer for condensation around here so far.

[oldpappy]

Good point - for what you have and what you are looking to solve, an under quilt protector may be just the key for you.
http://www.2qzqhammockhanger.com/ham...cessories.html

[DuctTape]

breathability will have little bearing on condensation as it is a temperature phenomenon. The water vapor only needs something to condense on when the temp is right. I have had the same frost as mentioned on the inside of bugnetting in subzero temps. The bugnetting is rather breatheable. Even without bugnetting or a sock, I have had the frost on the underside of the tarp. It is difficult to avoid without air movement to wisp it away before it hits the surface., especially since air movement is the enemy to trapping heat. I suppose the ultimate solution would be to have a snorkel type tube system so that your breath can be funneled to some point outside of the sock and/or tarp. Sure would look funny. Will we now see hammock socks with a snorkel port? LOL

[OutandBack]

For Colorado winter hanging I have had good luck with a small vent at the top of my hammock to keep condensation at bay. I would think a sock could be vented the same way. hth

[heyyou]

Only pull your hammock sock as far as your neck, so you are not breathing into it.

For sleeping, put your entire head into a fleece bag. Most balaclavas are intended for day use so the eyes are exposed, unnecessary for sleeping.