pineneedler hot take: ebc doesn’t need 8000m down boots. game-changing hack is liner socks + thick merino over gaiters in your regular 4-season boots. zero frostbite risk, half the weight. saved my toes at gorak shep.
Stavarash Tried liner + double merino in La Sportivas on Renjo La pass-fine till camp, then feet froze solid overnight without VB layer. Your hack’s solid for moving days, but stash real booties for Gorak Shep bivy. Hype’s real tho, down’s dead weight.
WindChaser VB liner socks changed everything-did full EBC circuit in B3s with merino double, zero ice blocks even bivying Gorak Shep. Booties are for amateurs hauling extra lbs. Toes toasty, pack light.