Cold Feet

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.

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.

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

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/

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

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.

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.