Comments on: Dealing with Reynaud’s Syndrome – Gear and techniques

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 02:15:35 +0000

Hi Mary,

I talked with Joan and here’s what she shared:

“I just got electric socks. A coworker swears by hers and wears them all the time. I haven’t had a chance to try them yet, but they might be something worth experimenting with.”

I’ll also add that Joan is a big fan of separate-toe socks, especially the Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew. They’ve worked well for her, particularly for managing moisture and comfort over long days.
https://www.rei.com/product/107250/injinji-trail-midweight-mini-crew-socks

If you decide to try a VBL-style solution, a commercial option will likely hold up better for running than something like an oven liner bag. I’d pair a thin liner sock with a VBL sock, then a regular outer sock. That combo tends to work well and gives you some flexibility depending on conditions.

https://www.campsaver.com/rab-vapour-barrier-socks-men-s.html
https://www.warmlite.com/product/vapor-barrier-socks

Naturally, you’ll want to use a more traditional sock vs. the Injinji.

If you are not familiar with vapor barrier liners (VBLs), here is a quick primer:
https://www.trailgroove.com/blogs/entry/330-vapor-barrier-liners-vbl-backpacking-hiking-jargon/

In short, a VBL keeps heat and moisture trapped next to your feet. After a run, make sure to air out and dry your feet thoroughly.

I find chemical warmers work best when you are stationary rather than active, especially for feet.

Hope this helps!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:44:55 +0000

In reply to Mary Dodds.

Also, the linked article has a lot of info about “BagTex” (VBLs) https://pmags.com/quick-tip-bagtex-a-poor-mans-vbl

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:43:49 +0000

In reply to Mary Dodds. Hi Mary! I gave Joan a heads up. I'm sure she'll have some great info for you!

By: Mary Dodds

Mary Dodds — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 03:19:20 +0000

Hello, I just came across this article when I was desperately searching for a solution to my frozen feet due to Raynauds. I realize it is 6 yrs old, but thought I would submit a question anyway (I’m desperate).
I’m an ultra trail runner and wear merino wool socks along with Little Hottie toe warmers, which is not good enough. I was out running today for only 2 hours and my left toes went painful and numb. In the article you only briefly mentioned socks with oven bags over them. Do you have any socks you have found better than others? I have tried Smartwool, Darn Tough, and Feetures. Any other suggestions?

By: Susie

Susie — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 01:06:27 +0000

Joan, you are Awesome!! Thanks for your great ideas :- )

By: Nelson

Nelson — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:46:21 +0000

This is so helpful, thank you for posting all the information!! I’ve been itching to go camping in less ideal conditions but my Raynaud’s always gives me pause. It’s great to see that it is actually manageable!

By: Joan

Joan — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:03:11 +0000

In reply to JP V. Thanks, JP. I agree that there is not just one solution. Glad this helped. Hope the new gloves and booties help you enjoy your trips more. Happy New Year.

By: JP V

JP V — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 19:24:24 +0000

Joan, thanks very much! In the last few years, I have had more issues with hand and foot function in the cold. The system you have filled in a few gaps for me – I’m finally going to go for the down booties, the EE Climashield Apex booties have not cut it for me. Fluffy wool sleep socks (keeping loose enough for circulation) are also key in my experience.

I wish I could sew! I will have to try the wristies and dishwashing glove tricks – Alan Dixon just posted a review of the winter Showa WP/B gloves, I may go for that.

The sleep-clothes-in-the-quilt-bag trick is one I’ve used for a while too – love it!
Stay safe and sane in 2021!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 18:04:43 +0000

In reply to Modifier. Thank you for the input. This article focused more on practical ideas in the field rather than medical or drug treatment. Joan and I strongly suggest consulting with a physician when treating the underlying causes of medical issues before pursuing home treatments.

By: Modifier

Modifier — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 04:56:55 +0000

I’ve suffered w/ Reynaud’s for decades. Another effective tactic is pre-conditioning. The idea is to get your body to accept that it’s OK to send blood to the extremities even when the core isn’t toasty-warm. Do this by spending 10-15 minutes at a time outside in cold weather with minimal clothing, so that you’re uncomfortably cool to the point of mild shivering. At the same time, immerse your hands (or feet) in a bath of hot-tub temperature water. I find a personal size cooler to be handy for this. Instead of loosing heat at the extremities, your core is gaining heat from them and wants to keep the blood vessels open even though you’re cold. Repeat this several times each evening for a week or two. I’ve found I can go several years between the need to do these treatments. The treatments are not pleasant, but they’re vastly better than dealing with the ‘screaming-barfies’ when numb hands warm back up.