On my recent camping trip with my son, he complained about having cold feet. This isn’t the first time he’s had trouble keeping his feet warm, so I thought I would look into investing in some down- or synthetic-filled sleeping booties, slippers, or socks. Here is a little comparison chart if, like me, you’ve been looking for a single source for all down booties on the market.
Did I miss one? Send me and email so I can keep this chart current.
Down and Synthetic Bootie Comparison Chart
| Item | Weight | Cost | Fill Power | Sole | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrowhead Equipment Flame Thrower Socks | 2.5 oz (71 g) | $65 | 800 Goose | Soft | Over the ankle |
| Enlightened Equipment Sleeping Booty | 1.5 oz (43 g) | $50 | CLIMASHIELD | Soft | Over the ankle |
| EXPED Down Booty | 5 oz (142 g) | ~$150 | 840 Goose | Soft | Over the ankle |
| Feathered Friends Down Booties | 9.3 oz (264 g) | $89 | 800 Goose | Durable, waterproof | Mid-calf, removable insole |
| Goose Feet Gear Down Socks | 2.5 oz (71 g) | $65 | 850 Goose | Soft | Over the ankle |
| Forty Below Camp Booties | 10 oz (283 g) | $70 | Wiggy’s Lamilite® | Rubber dot fabric | Removable CCF insole; Over the ankle; fits into boot shell |
| Jacks R Better Down Sleeves | 5 oz (142 g) | $80 | 800 DWR Goose | Soft | Modular |
| MEC Expedition Booties | 6 oz (170 g) | $85 | SL100 Hyperloft | Abrasion-resistant sole | Over the calf. GORE-TEX Windstopper shell. |
| Nunatak Teanaway Slipper | 3.5 oz (100 g) | $133 | 800 Goose | Hard wearing rand material | Ankle |
| Nunatak Chugach Booties | 6 oz (170 g) | $149 | 800 Goose | Hard wearing rand material | Over the ankle |
| Nunatak Kangri Down Mukluks | 8 oz (227 g) | $183 | 800 Goose | Hard wearing rand material | Over the calf |
| RAB Expedition Slippers | 8 oz (227 g) | $175 | 800 Goose | Soft | Over the ankle |
| RAB Expedition Modular Boot | 23 oz (652 g) | $275 | 800 Goose | Durable, removable | Mid-calf, water-resistant Pertex Endurance shell |
| RAB Hot Socks | 5 oz (135 g) | $65 | Primaloft | Soft | Over the ankle |
| REI Down Booties | N/A | $45 | 450 Duck | Polyester, polyurethane beads | Over the ankle (out of production) |
| Western Mountaineering Flash Down Booties | 3 oz (85 g) | $65 | 800 Goose | Soft | 1/4″ EV50 foam insole; ankle high |
| Western Mountaineering Standard | 6 oz (170 g) | $85 | 800 Goose | Soft | Over the ankle |
| Western Mountaineering Expedition | 8 oz (227 g) | $110 | 800 Goose | 70 denier coated nylon rand | Calf |
| Wiggy’s Booties | N/A | $42 | Wiggy’s Lamilite® | 1000 denier Cordura | Over the ankle |
| Yeti Sundown | 4 oz (118 g) | $80 | 700 Goose | Soft with anti-slip silicon print | Over the ankle |
Hi Derek: This is just right up my alley. I just got back from my first ever hang trip. 2 nights in alpine and one night at the beach in Washington State. i too had chilly feet and used REI’s down booties one night and they worked fine. The third night to save space I used a pair of neoprene socks instead of the booties. These worked better, saved space and kept my feet warm all night. I would go with the neoprene socks instead of the booties…much cheaper and takes up less space.
BTW, I went with the Grand Trunk SB Pro hammock, GT’s “Funky” Tarp, and GT’s Tree Slings. Everything worked well for me. I’m officially a hanger now, and will try hammocking in all conditions as I continue to avoid tenting. Thanks for your great tips. Now I will be able to re-read your book with more of an understanding since I’ve now spent three nights in a hammock.
I am 6’3″ 280lbs and the GT felt like i had plenty of room and plenty of strength for me.
Sincerely
Richard Jones
Nice set up Richard! I’ll take a look at neoprene. Thanks.
What a great low-budget alternative! I have notoriously cold feet. Neoprene socks are definitely going in my Amazon shopping cart. Thanks for the tip Richard!
For reference – I have a pair of REI down booties, size XL, purchased 2 years ago. They weigh in at 357g (12.5oz). Not sure why they don’t include the weight in the specs on REI’s site.
Thanks for this!
I am a huge EE supporter and find it interesting that Tim chooses to make a climashield option. Reading his reasoning certainly makes sense. Feet sweet and down doesn’t like moisture. What are your thoughts on down verse synthetic for the feet?
I’ve been reading mixed reviews. Some folks swear that wearing socks AND down booties feels colder than just bare feet in the booties. Some recommend a light sock liner to reduce oils and dirt getting in to the down. I find that down is warmer and quicker to react than synthetic, but there are places and conditions where synthetic is better. I like fleece, for example, as an insulating layer because I don’t have to worry about sweating or treating my clothes too tenderly. I have a pair of synthetic insulated pants that I really like. It may be that I go with a synthetic sock as well.
I just ordered a pair of Tim’s sleeping socks. I’ll post up my impressions. I love my top quilt, so I’m sure the product quality will be high.
Just got an email from Wiggy. He says his booties weigh 4 ounces.
Thanks for the update!
I did a video review of Review Western Mountaineering Flash down Bootie. I have used them in Antarctica, Greenland, Denali, and Yellowstone in the winter:
https://youtu.be/qtk1gdyEVKA