Socks.

[rusty_tlc]

What kind of socks do you like for hiking?

For years I hated wool, even though it is widely accepted as the overall best material for hiking socks. For me it generated hot spots and blisters. So I stuck to good old cotton, considered the worst material for a hiking sock but almost everybody. What I do to get away from the disadvantages of cotton is change socks frequently when hiking. This helps maintain the loft, ie cushion, and keep my feet dry.

Last summer I got a pair of Smart Wool socks and I really like them, I can wear them all day with no hot spots. But I keep a couple of pair of cotton socks in my day pack just in case.

 

[D'Animal]

I tried the smart wool but they wear out really fast. I switched to the Body Armor socks.

 

[splitshot]

Cabela's outfitter series

 

[D'Animal]

Rusty_LC
Check out the Sportsmans Warehouse in Reno. They mess up on thier pricing on the Body Armor socks quite a bit. I buy them in a package of 3 for around $12.00. When they fix thier pricing they sell them for around $20.00 for a three pack. It seems this pricing error happens everything they get a new shipment in.

They are between the shoes and the Carhart stuff on the right hand side when you walk in the door. They are generally hanging next to the Smart Wool.

 

[reffug]

I get wool socks from Lands End and love em. They are basically all I wear year round. Get great wear out of them and have never had any problems with blisters or the like.

 

[sirenmoses]

Smartwool for me too. bridgedale makes some good socks too. Tried the REI brand technical sox, but they wear out way faster than the name brand stuff.

 

[spressomon]

Well Thorlos SUCK for me (extreme hot spots)...I just had to say it . I have been using Patagonia Capilene liner socks under their felted wool bottom socks for the past several years; before that Smart Wool socks for the outer/thicker layer. I have used wool for the past 30+ years for backpacking, xc/bc skiing, fishing, hunting, etc. Nothing beats wool's ability to bridge a wide temperature range and stay relatively dry and effective; doesn't harbor odors like poly; and since you can easily obtain washable virgin long-staple wool products (aka "Merino Wool")

 

[re_guderian]

polypropylene liners and wool socks. Old school, but still works great.

 

[flem0061]

Silk liners and Smartwool hiking or mountaineering socks. Wigwam merino wools have been good to me as well. The key for me is the silk liners.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I am convinced I am a total freak of nature. Any kind of synthetic sock next to my skin is the kiss of death. Nylon dress socks under wool caused the worst blisters I have ever had, yet everyone swore by that set-up back in the day.
I can barely make it through a business meeting wearing dress socks without developing blisters.

 

[GeoRoss]

Complete Smartwool convert. I often use a liner as well. I work in the desert and have not had a blister in years. When it is very hot I plan ahead and carry a second set of socks to wear.

Wet feet=blisters

 

[Dave-T]

LINERS are the bomb

Liners with wool socks are the way to go. I think my liners are made by Wigwam. I am very happy with Smart wools, but there are many other brands that are great as well.

Look for good sales at the Cabela's bargain cave, Campmor hot deals, or Sierra Trading Post.

 

[mj1015]

Smart Wool for years, although I am expermenting with "Darn Tough" socks and they are working out so far.

I have at probably 20 pairs of Smart Wool all exactly the same grey. In the summer I tend to wear the ones that are getting a little long in the tooth and new ones on treks.

 

[Happy Trails]

I really like Smartwools's products. Found a 4-pack of wool hiking socks at
Costco for only $8.00. These are very similar to my smartwool light hiking
socks and at a fraction of the price.

 

[Dave-T]

I really like Smartwools's products. Found a 4-pack of wool hiking socks at
Costco for only $8.00. These are very similar to my smartwool light hiking
socks and at a fraction of the price.

I've got those Costco socks right now. Some of them already have holes in them in just a few months, way quicker than my smartwools. They also tend to bunch up in my boot, so I will not wear them for hiking. When I go miles into the backcountry I need something nicer.

You can't beat the price though for warm work socks or everyday wear.

 

[KLF]

I buy Smartwools at the LL Bean outlet stores, they are marked "irregular" but for the life of me I can't see a thing wrong with them. They usually sell for about $5 a pair, they'll usually have a huge bin of them to pick thru. I probably have 20 pairs, I wear them year-round.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I've been wearing Thorlos for years, love em.

 

[Happy Trails]

Hey Dave-T, is there some good snow shoe trails near oakhurst? Looks like a
good snow maker is coming Thurs.

 

[Dave-T]

Hey Dave-T, is there some good snow shoe trails near oakhurst? Looks like a
good snow maker is coming Thurs.

Hi Jeff,
There is some great places to shoe up here, although if your looking for designated snowshoe trails you might have to go all the way to Badger Pass. We shoe cross-country so we go anywhere and everywhere. You can also stay on roads and hiking trails. Some good spots are out of Fish Camp, Bass Lake, or my road, sky ranch rd (632). pm me if you want more details or directions.


I'm hoping this storm brings a good amount of snow and also to the lower elevations. We'll see!

 

[aim]

Thermax/Coolmax liners. The actual socks depend on the boot, the temperature and the pack load.