Category Archives: Tips for the Backcountry

November 16, 2011 · 5:22 pm

Vapor Barrier Liners, More

Just before Goretex burst on the scene, VBL’s
were more popular as they greatly enhanced the
usefulness of coated fabric rain gear etc. The most
popular undergarment of the time was the large
opening cotton string shirt. This worked really well
as it kept the VBL far from the skin but didn’t
have a lot of fabric for absorbtion. Even better
were the expensive wool versions.

One combination I have used with success is a half
bag of silnylon for the legs and waist when sleeping
combined with a VBL jacket. This way your feet
stay warmer than using VBL pants as heat from your legs can more easily reach them. It also can
double as a pack liner.
The jacket can be worn during the day and with the advantage of enabling you to layer coats over the top of the VBL for both sleeping and hiking.
I have found that a VBL jacket over long johns was comfortable with no noticable moisture buildup when hiking in sub zero weather
and balancing my outer layers
to keep from overheating.

Climbers on Denali wear
VBL vests under down gear when climbing to keep
their insulation layers dry next to their backs.

Using light boots in the snow and wet, Vapor Barrier Socks

The method shown allowed me to use lightweight breathable boots for a two week
May trip in the Tablelands of SEKI where we had wet snow travel the entire time.

Note especially the insole INSIDE the bread sack and the tuck tape over the top
of the instep grocery bag. This will allow several days use out of a bread sack without
your toe going through the bag. The duct tarp lasts through several days use too.

The neoprene sock worked as a VLB and as an inner sock as it was fleece lined. It and
the bread sack kept the insole and wool rag sock dry as they were sandwiched between
the waterproof layers. A bit of perspiration did make it through the neo sock, but
was such a small amount that it made no noticeable difference. I would sleep with
all the socks in my bag at night, and they were usually dry by morning. I had to
turn the neo socks inside out at night for them to dry.

I have done the same thing with bread sacks replacing the neosocks, worn over thin liners. Tape over the instep again helps prevent the toes
blowing out.

One of my hiking partners used bread sacks with wool socks and tevas for his snow camp
booties.

Link to a good description of the use Vapor Barriers in cold weather hiking.

http://www.andrewskurka.com/advice/technique/vaporbarrierliners.php

5 Comments

Filed under Oware Backpacking Gear, Tips for the Backcountry

October 9, 2011 · 11:52 pm

Home

24 years of simple rugged value.

Instructors, Teachers, Ski Patrolers and Outdoor enthusiasts:

Since Fall1985 when I made my first10 large yellow pyramid tarps for Pacific Crest Outward Bound while working there as instructor, I have been building outdoor gear for schools and outdoor folks.

Outward Bound Schools have been my biggest customers so far, ordering tarps, tents, stuff sacks etc. which have stood up to daily year around use. I’ve 17 years experience working as an instructor for several outdoor schools including Outward Bound, so I understand the need for robust gear. Lately, through input from customers, there are many ultralight products offered too.

Famous climbers heading for Patagonia and record setting through hikers have purchased Oware gear, even though sponsered by other companies where they could get gear free.

I use simple designs to keep costs down and durability up. Thread is matched to the fabric type but is generally bonded #46 to #69 nylon which has a breaking strength respectively of aprox. 7 to 10 lbs. per stitch. Fabrics available include Cordura®, pack cloth, Polartech®, Goretex®, eVent®,Epic®, reinforced truck tarp vinyl, urethane coated taffeta, ripstop, and oxford as well as the new ultralight1.1 oz silicone coated nylon. I use lock stitch, bar tack, and over lock sewing machines as well as a shoe patch machine for tough to reach repairs.

Does your school, scout group, ski area, or retail store need something made to your specifications? I especially enjoy developing new products to meet your needs, (quantity orders for special designs keep costs reasonable).

Feel free to contact me about ideas you have.

Sincerely,

Dave Olsen

888-292-4534

do@owareusa.com

bivysack.com

skype too

Category Archives: Tips for the Backcountry

Vapor Barrier Liners, More

Using light boots in the snow and wet, Vapor Barrier Socks

Home

Steam Donkey