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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 14:34:38 GMT -8
Post by williamh4 on Jan 11, 2016 14:34:38 GMT -8
I apologize for such a trivial question, but I don't want to get stuck on the trail with a lame pair of socks. What brand have you found to be the best for backpacking? Please advise on both cold and warm options. Perhaps my question is trivial, but I think a sub-par pair of socks has the potential to be a major problem.
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 14:42:26 GMT -8
Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 11, 2016 14:42:26 GMT -8
I like this brand. Used both full and semi-cushion in Yosemite with success. darntough.com. They wear well, fit nicely and overall perform for me very nicely on backpacks over rough ground or on trail. In the past I used a variety of ThorLo hiker socks but I was looking for a bit more warmth
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 14:46:23 GMT -8
Post by trinity on Jan 11, 2016 14:46:23 GMT -8
Not a trivial question--far from it. I mostly use Smartwool of various thicknesses, I also have some pairs of lightweight Thorlos that are very nice. Most on this forum seem to prefer either Smartwool or Darn Tough (which I have yet to try).
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tigger
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 15:05:22 GMT -8
Post by tigger on Jan 11, 2016 15:05:22 GMT -8
I prefer Smartwool for both cold and warm. As others said - Definitely not trivial.
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 15:35:44 GMT -8
Post by hikerjer on Jan 11, 2016 15:35:44 GMT -8
Actually, socks are one of the most overlooked and underrated pieces of outdoor clothing, IMO. While I really like Smart Wool and used them for years, I've become convert to Darn Tough socks. As was said they are comfortable, warm and they have an absolute life time guarantee. I've not had reason to use the guarantee yet, but it'll be interesting to see how it plays out when and if the time comes.
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rebeccad
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 16:00:48 GMT -8
Post by rebeccad on Jan 11, 2016 16:00:48 GMT -8
Are DarnTough socks also a wool blend? I am absolutely sold on wool; my experience with synthetics, including Thorlo, is that after a couple of days on the trail they get stretched out and bunch up.
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reuben
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 16:11:43 GMT -8
Post by reuben on Jan 11, 2016 16:11:43 GMT -8
Rebecca, I haven't had that problem with, uh... what the heck am I wearing now? Hold on a sec... Wrightsock. Given that per their webpage they're made from "Dri-WRIGHT™ll performance yarns" I'm guessing they're at least mostly synthetic. I think that the double layers (which can be surprisingly light and cool - my pups like to breathe) help avoid blisters. I got a couple of blisters in South America, but that was after a 11 hour up and down hike on feet that weren't really prepared for it.
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johnnyray
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 16:46:34 GMT -8
Post by johnnyray on Jan 11, 2016 16:46:34 GMT -8
I've used Thorlos and they do stretch out, have not had that problem with Smartwool PHD, or Darntough. Wool blends are the way to go for my sweaty feet.
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snappypepper
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Post by snappypepper on Jan 11, 2016 17:32:23 GMT -8
I love my Wrightsocks and Darn Tough as well. One lesson we have learned is to always have slightly different weight socks with you when first trying out sock/boot combos while backpacking. Sometimes swapping to a thicker or thinner pair depending on how your feet are doing can make a huge difference in comfort! I almost always bring a pair with a decently cushioned foot in case I get a little footsore and it is a huge morale booster to get that little bit of extra comfort!
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mk
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 19:03:32 GMT -8
Post by mk on Jan 11, 2016 19:03:32 GMT -8
I wear FitsSocks and absolutely love them. They are like hugs for your feet! They are a wool blend, cushioned, and contoured to your foot. I wear the light hiker and while it sometimes feels heavier than I'd like, my feet stay dry and comfortable. They also make an ultralight hiker as well as some other versions. I've not had any blister issues -- I think because they fit so well.
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foxalo
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 19:22:31 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by foxalo on Jan 11, 2016 19:22:31 GMT -8
Do you all wear sock liners as well?
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Jan 11, 2016 19:29:29 GMT -8
Do you all wear sock liners as well? No. They work for some people, just not for me. My feet were moving around too much with liners on. I wear Smartwools alone.
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tomas
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 19:45:40 GMT -8
Post by tomas on Jan 11, 2016 19:45:40 GMT -8
Nope, no sock liners.
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 20:11:37 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 11, 2016 20:11:37 GMT -8
Are DarnTough socks also a wool blend? I am absolutely sold on wool; my experience with synthetics, including Thorlo, is that after a couple of days on the trail they get stretched out and bunch up. Some are merino wool Others are Coolmax. Try the link. Here's the partial cushion I wear: m.rei.com/product/887221/darn-tough-hiker-boot-socks-mens"67% merino wool/29% nylon/4% Lycra spandex"
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rebeccad
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Socks
Jan 11, 2016 20:40:09 GMT -8
Post by rebeccad on Jan 11, 2016 20:40:09 GMT -8
Do you all wear sock liners as well? Not since I started wearing Smartwool socks. Liners never worked well for me, probably because I used them back in the days before I figured out that I needed a smaller size sock (not the one that fit my shoe size, but the one that fit my foot volume).
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