Cold Feet

[Jim[_18_]]

Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider: http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php ? would it be better to get sock?

Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have good reviews on a retailer's website.

Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground but after a few hours above 14k my feet get painfully cold and would like something that I can turn on later in the flight.

I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid battery as I think the newer batteries are risky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI

Thanks,
Jim

[Bob]

On Mar 8, 5:37*pm, Jim > wrote:
> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php* ? would it be better to get sock?
>
> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have good reviews on a retailer's website.
>
> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground but after a few hours above 14k my feet get painfully cold and would like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>
> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid battery as I think the newer batteries are risky: *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI
>
> Thanks,
> Jim

I don't have much to say about socks, but my answer to cold feet,
which has worked for over a decade for me, is to put on a pair of
Sorel snow boots just before launch. My feet don't get sweaty in the
short time to get towed up and climb up to altitude, and my feet are
comfy the entire flight. I fly out west, where it can be hot on the
ground, but soar mostly in the high teens, where it is always cold. I
wear tennis shoes on the ground, and put them behind my seat just
before launch, as I change into the Sorels. I hear lots of folks
complaining about cold feet, and having to go down to thaw their feet
out. Many of them have now followed my lead, and are now comfy hi
fliers. (and No batteries needed)

Bob

[Eric Greenwell[_4_]]

On 3/8/2012 4:37 PM, Jim wrote:
> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:
> http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php ? would it be better to get
> sock?
>
> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have
> good reviews on a retailer's website.
>
> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave
> flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground
> but after a few hours above 14k my feet get painfully cold and would
> like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>
> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid
> battery as I think the newer batteries are risky:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI

These seem like the niftiest warmers, but I've not tried them. Wireless
and remote controlled.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)

[Eric Greenwell[_4_]]

On 3/8/2012 7:25 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
> On 3/8/2012 4:37 PM, Jim wrote:
>> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:
>> http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php ? would it be better to get
>> sock?
>>
>> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have
>> good reviews on a retailer's website.
>>
>> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave
>> flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground
>> but after a few hours above 14k my feet get painfully cold and would
>> like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>>
>> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid
>> battery as I think the newer batteries are risky:
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI
>
> These seem like the niftiest warmers, but I've not tried them. Wireless
> and remote controlled.

And adding the link!

http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers


--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)

[Chris Nicholas[_2_]]

I have used heated insoles in the UK – probably a different make –
supplied from a 12v battery. I needed to switch them on and off after a
brief period until really high and cold, as they got quite hot. Even at
very cold ambient I found that I only needed about a minute or two on at a
time, then off for longer.

I wear surgical boots, not easily replaced with commercial insulated
footwear, so for extra insulation I made some over-boots out of false fur,
which lace up. I put them on just before getting into the glider. It can be
a bit too warm low down, but I usually soon get to an altitude where they
are fine.

I bought some heated socks once, but they only heated the toe area – I
have bad circulation in one foot and need the whole foot to be warmed. The
insoles do that.

Chris N.

[Tim Taylor]

On Mar 8, 5:37*pm, Jim > wrote:
> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php* ? would it be better to get sock?
>
> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have good reviews on a retailer's website.
>
> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground but after a few hours above 14k my feet get painfully cold and would like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>
> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid battery as I think the newer batteries are risky: *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI
>
> Thanks,
> Jim

I use Sorels with Venture ski boot insole 7.4 volt heaters. Work well
to keep my feet warm. Three heat settings. The Sorels would be fine
for just warmer flying, the insoles are only needed for winter
flights.

[Jim[_18_]]

Thanks Eric, missed them in my search. Will try them although I'm a little concerned about the lithium batteries.

The boots sound good but I'm wearing climbing shoes to get my size 12 feet to fit in the pointy Schleicher nose.

Jim

[Reed von Gal]

Anyone ever try military surplus Bunny Boots? I think they are rated
to some ridiculously low temperature like -65 F and come with a
pressure release valve for high altitude flight. Seems like the
perfect "wave" boot. They are also linerless so I assume your feet
wont sweat on the ground like in Sorels. I always see them on Flying
Wild Alaska, a lot of people, including the pilots wear them. I saw a
few pairs at store here in CO and was thinking of picking some up.
Might be a little clunky for some gliders, but am sure they would do
fine in our 2-32 wave ship.

[David Salmon[_2_]]

At 09:33 09 March 2012, Reed von Gal wrote:
>Anyone ever try military surplus Bunny Boots? I think they are rated
>to some ridiculously low temperature like -65 F and come with a
>pressure release valve for high altitude flight. Seems like the
>perfect "wave" boot. They are also linerless so I assume your feet
>wont sweat on the ground like in Sorels. I always see them on Flying
>Wild Alaska, a lot of people, including the pilots wear them. I saw a
>few pairs at store here in CO and was thinking of picking some up.
>Might be a little clunky for some gliders, but am sure they would do
>fine in our 2-32 wave ship.
>
I can also confirm that the Gerbing insoles work well.
Dave

[JS]

Someone just walked into my garage wondering why it smells like burning rubber. Just preparing a couple of pairs of shoes for the season. As they come from the factory, they don't fit in the nose of the 27 very well. A 90 degree die grinder with 180 grit works well to perform the reshaping.
What kind of Sorel boots are people using? There are many, and most I wouldn't bother trying to fit in a glider.
But the ones with the big furry pom-pom on top...
Jim

[Evan Ludeman[_4_]]

On Mar 9, 7:41*pm, JS > wrote:
> * Someone just walked into my garage wondering why it smells like burning rubber. Just preparing a couple of pairs of shoes for the season. As they come from the factory, they don't fit in the nose of the 27 very well. A 90 degree die grinder with 180 grit works well to perform the reshaping.
> * What kind of Sorel boots are people using? There are many, and most I wouldn't bother trying to fit in a glider.
> * But the ones with the big furry pom-pom on top...
> Jim

I don't like bulk, or pom-poms, so I use these
http://shop.mukluks.com/Traditional-Tall/products/14/

[FreeFlight107[_2_]]

What about Uggs? I've got a pair and plan on using them in wave.

[Bill D]

On Mar 8, 5:37*pm, Jim > wrote:
> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php* ? would it be better to get sock?
>
> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have good reviews on a retailer's website.
>
> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground but after a few hours above 14k my feet get painfully cold and would like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>
> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid battery as I think the newer batteries are risky: *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI
>
> Thanks,
> Jim

I've used heated inserts in many situations. The advantages are no
increased bulk which is important for us with big feet and selectable
warmth. It's silly to be futzing with snow boots in the desert. Just
leave the inserts off until it gets cold then set them to the lowest "
feet not cold" setting.

[Evan Ludeman[_4_]]

> My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground but after a few hours above 14k my feet get painfully cold and would like something that I can turn on later in the flight.

Check your vents, also. Many gliders (My ASW-20 is one) have a vent
at the leading edge of the canopy that is fed from a plenum in the
fuselage. There's a large enough gap between the two that it blows
air on my feet, with no way to shut it off. A little weather strip in
the right place is huge for high altitude flying.

[Uwe Kleinhempel]

On Mar 8, 8:34*pm, Eric Greenwell > wrote:
> On 3/8/2012 7:25 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 3/8/2012 4:37 PM, Jim wrote:
> >> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:
> >>http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php? would it be better to get
> >> sock?
>
> >> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have
> >> good reviews on a retailer's website.
>
> >> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave
> >> flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground
> >> but after a few hours above 14k myfeetget painfullycoldand would
> >> like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>
> >> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid
> >> battery as I think the newer batteries are risky:
> >>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI
>
> > These seem like the niftiest warmers, but I've not tried them. Wireless
> > and remote controlled.
>
> And adding the link!
>
> http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers
>
> --
> Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
> email me)

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the post and good to know we have options. However, after
evaluating the options and doing some analysis I've decided and
ordered the Gerbing insoles. The wireless insoles look very appealing.
But my concern is if something would go wrong with the battery or a
short in the wire, I recall the overheated laptop batteries a few
years ago, then there is no way that I can get out of my boots in
flight or disconnect the power. This may be an option to some pilots
but not for me and I consider that a 'risk' not worth taking.
At least I can disconnect the battery form the Gerbing insoles.

Regards,
Uwe

[Dan Marotta]

Well... You *could* bail out and remove your boots during the parachute
descent...

:-0



"Uwe Kleinhempel" > wrote in message
...
On Mar 8, 8:34 pm, Eric Greenwell > wrote:
> On 3/8/2012 7:25 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 3/8/2012 4:37 PM, Jim wrote:
> >> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:
> >>http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php? would it be better to get
> >> sock?
>
> >> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have
> >> good reviews on a retailer's website.
>
> >> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave
> >> flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground
> >> but after a few hours above 14k myfeetget painfullycoldand would
> >> like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>
> >> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid
> >> battery as I think the newer batteries are risky:
> >>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI
>
> > These seem like the niftiest warmers, but I've not tried them. Wireless
> > and remote controlled.
>
> And adding the link!
>
> http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers
>
> --
> Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
> email me)

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the post and good to know we have options. However, after
evaluating the options and doing some analysis I've decided and
ordered the Gerbing insoles. The wireless insoles look very appealing.
But my concern is if something would go wrong with the battery or a
short in the wire, I recall the overheated laptop batteries a few
years ago, then there is no way that I can get out of my boots in
flight or disconnect the power. This may be an option to some pilots
but not for me and I consider that a 'risk' not worth taking.
At least I can disconnect the battery form the Gerbing insoles.

Regards,
Uwe

[Stu]

On Mar 18, 11:42*am, "Dan Marotta" > wrote:
> Well... *You *could* bail out and remove your boots during the parachute
> descent...
>
> :-0
>
> "Uwe Kleinhempel" > wrote in message
>
> ...
> On Mar 8, 8:34 pm, Eric Greenwell > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 3/8/2012 7:25 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
>
> > > On 3/8/2012 4:37 PM, Jim wrote:
> > >> Has anybody had experience with these heated soles in a glider:
> > >>http://gerbing.com/Products/insoles.php?would it be better to get
> > >> sock?
>
> > >> Some of these types of products have horrible reviews but these have
> > >> good reviews on a retailer's website.
>
> > >> Most of the threads on heated socks are old and are about wave
> > >> flying. My issue is that it’s often over 105 degrees F on the ground
> > >> but after a few hours above 14k myfeetget painfullycoldand would
> > >> like something that I can turn on later in the flight.
>
> > >> I’m thinking of powering these off a dedicated sealed lead acid
> > >> battery as I think the newer batteries are risky:
> > >>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlZggVrF9VI
>
> > > These seem like the niftiest warmers, but I've not tried them. Wireless
> > > and remote controlled.
>
> > And adding the link!
>
> >http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers
>
> > --
> > Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
> > email me)
>
> Hi Eric,
>
> Thanks for the post and good to know we have options. However, after
> evaluating the options and doing some analysis I've decided and
> ordered the Gerbing insoles. The wireless insoles look very appealing.
> But my concern is if something would go wrong with the battery or a
> short in the wire, I recall the overheated laptop batteries a few
> years ago, then there is no way that I can get out of my boots in
> flight or disconnect the power. This may be an option to some pilots
> but not for me and I consider that a 'risk' not worth taking.
> At least I can disconnect the battery form the Gerbing insoles.
>
> Regards,
> Uwe- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Several of us in Idaho are using Hotronics e4 boot warmers for both
skiing and soaring. My toes have been frost bitten several times so
they are very sensitive to the cold and soaring in the Spring we
frequently have temps near 10 f. The heat settings can be changed in
flight and they work for over 5 hours on the medium setting.

Stu
2Z