Hiking Socks Guide - 4 Things To Know Before You Buy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2024
- Hiking Gear for Beginners - Hiking Socks
One of the most important choices a new hiker can make is which hiking sock to choose for their next adventure. The comfort of your feet goes a long way in determining whether you have a fun outing or one to forget. We take so many steps on our hikes that it is vital that we provide our feet with the proper socks to keep them in their peak performance zone.
This video discusses 4 things to consider before buying your first pair of hiking socks. I also discuss a few tips and tricks to be aware of as you search for the proper fitting hiking sock, for you. Some of the brands I show include Darn Tough, REI, Wrightsock, Injinji toe socks, Smartwool socks, and more...
👇 Recommended Socks 👇
Darn Tough Micro Crew - bit.ly/35S7CdO
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion - bit.ly/35PrbUh
Darn Tough 1/4 Hikers - bit.ly/2Oxur36
Wrightsock CoolMesh II Crew Socks - shorturl.at/nQS47
Wrightsock Lt Hike Crew - shorturl.at/pIJQ6
Wrightsock Eco Hike Crew Sock - shorturl.at/euFNX
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew - bit.ly/3kWhk8a
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Mini - bit.ly/3v6CC7D
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew - bit.ly/30qchU6
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew - amzn.to/3sZwJHG
Farm to Feet Damascus 1/4 Crew Socks - amzn.to/3t4K01Q
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Hammock - www.lighterpack.com/r/81i7aq
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👇 SOME OF MY FAVORITE GEAR 👇
Backpack - LiteAF Curve 40L - liteaf.com/product/ultra-40l-...
Hammock - Dutchware Chameleon - dutchwaregear.com/product/cha...
Tarp - Hammock Gear Dyneema Standard w doors - hammockgear.sjv.io/AW6zQj
Top Quilt Warm - UGQ Bandit Quilt 50 - ugqoutdoor.com/product/bandit...
Top Quilt Cool - Enlightened Equipment 20 - bit.ly/2RZOI14
Under Quilt - Hammock Gear Incubator UL - hammockgear.sjv.io/nLdOZ6
Bear Bag (Printed) - Hilltop Packs - collabs.shop/fxqc1n
Bear Canister - bit.ly/42K4wXW, bit.ly/3nbhVIf
Camp Knife - Mora Garberg Carbon - amzn.to/3jrewzw
Stove - BRS 3000T - amzn.to/31OQcAg
Pocket Bellows - amzn.to/3rUsRZa
Cup - Toaks Titanium 650 mL - bit.ly/2U2vXvs
Water Filter - Katadyn Befree 1L - bit.ly/2ZrsKam
Water bottle - Hydrapak UltraFlask 600mL - bit.ly/2Fr9XVO
Satellite Communicator - Garmin inReach Mini 2 - bit.ly/3WWk7jh
Headlamp - Nitecore NU25 - amzn.to/3E7FBD1
Rain Shell - Arc'teryx Beta LT - alnk.to/fHj8aHs
Jacket - Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody - amzn.to/35K376Y
Base Layer top - Smartwool 150 - bit.ly/2OAxJmb
Base Layer Bottom - Smartwool 150 - bit.ly/2AhbVFm
Chair - Helinox Chair Zero - bit.ly/2GGVEtL
Trekking Poles - Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork - bit.ly/31bq8vP
Pants - Prana Stretch Zion - bit.ly/3rHx8Og
Hoody Shirt - Patagonia Capilene Cool - patagonia.pxf.io/Y9emRP
Pullover - Appalachian Gear Co All-Paca Fleece - bit.ly/3Ayzuoa
Socks - Darn Tough - bit.ly/35S7CdO
Shoes - Altra Lone Peak - alnk.to/9T8rhzT
This video description does include affiliate links. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you!
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0:00 - Intro
0:42 - Overview
1:22 - Materials - Cotton, Wool, Synthetic, Blends
3:42 - Cushioning Overview
4:09 - Light Cushioning
4:29 - Mid Cushioning
4:59 - Heavy Cushioning
5:53 - Length Overview
6:09 - Boot Length
6:25 - Crew Length
6:49 - 1/4 Cut Length
7:01 - No Show Length
7:15 - Sock Protection
8:08 - Fit
9:25 - Seams
10:03 - Liners
11:12 - Toe Socks - Injinji
11:54 - My Favorite
#AndyParrishOutdoors
Great Video Andy. I just picked up a few pair of my favorite darn toughs in 1-4 height for the season. So far I love the new height. I used to wear smartwool but I wore them thru and they refused to fulfill their satisfaction guarantee. Darn tough on the other hand has been a great company to deal with. I have about 2900 miles on my "newest" crew height socks and while they have lost 15g of material over that life span they are still useable! no holes yet! Thanks again for another great video. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. I hope your next miles are kind. Be well.
-Grateful
Thanks Michael. I've had very similar experiences with smartwool. Very comfortable but just not super durable. I also wore the Costco wool sock early on. Great value, but short lifespan. The darn tough ones are now many years old and still going strong... I am testing a new option, not in the video, but I need more time/miles before I can give my thoughts...
@@AndyParrishOutdoors I am so lucky to know what socks work for me and keep my feet happy. I never got many blisters but my feet definitely are more happy in the darn toughs. I’d love to try some other sock options some day, but I have other gear I need to get sorted out first! Would love to hear your thoughts on the new socks when you are done testing them! Be well
-Grateful
I definitely will! What gear are you working on?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors right now I’m trying out different lower base layers, hoodies, and warm hats. Lower Base layers are nearly out of stock in stores in my area so I may have to pause that research till the fall. Hoodies are trendy right now and prices reflect it, so since I’m saving for a 2022 AT attempt I have to restrain myself at times. For warm hats it is more about materials and how well do they do with odor and how well do they stay on while sleeping. I will be trying out an umbrella when it starts raining here next month. What other gear are you trying out currently?
Have you tried the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie? bit.ly/2PX8gBf
I have really enjoyed those and the Smartwool 150s for my base layers. Those work great for me in most environments. One is a bit cooler and one is a bit warmer... I'm also testing a few fleece/pullover options right now. Some of the most talked about ones. I wanted to do a comparison... I'm also testing the new ultralight hammock from Dutchware and some new meal items...
Thank you for such a great video 😊
Really appreciate your advice and thoughts. Thanks for so much great info!
Glad it was helpful!
After watching a bunch of videos, you finally got my questions answered. Thanks so much!
Great to hear!
love the wrightsocks Merino Escape Crew. I make 4 day marches of 50k a day and never had a blister.
Great video. Very informative and interesting
Thanks Jimmy!
Thanks dear Andy I’m addictive to Smartwool for one or two days hiking. And even in summer wearing mid or high cushion ones.
But I will try the Darn tough if they come with mid or high cushion.
first time to listen to all-about-socks talk, but it good🤓. Seamless socks are the best.
Awesome overview.
Thanks!
Great informative, to the point presentation! 👏
Glad it was helpful!
FITS socks are so great! Wool, good range on different height and cushions, flat seams. Long lasting. Love them
Thanks for mentioning them. I'll add them to the list to test out.
Darn tuff for me all the way. Protects me from blistering even when hiking in late spring when getting wet due to unmelted snow & high flowing streams. Very comfortable & an unbeatable warranty!
I do love my darn toughs... Maybe not the most comfortable. But they function just the way you'd hope and they are very durable...
Good information. I use Darn Tough.
Thanks for watching Warren. Which darn tough version do you use? Micro Crew cushions? Or something different?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors the boot length the one you showed in the video.
Darn tough, great so far going for first wash (comment after), but still have UK army issue socks from 30 years ago just getting a bit thin on bottom to offer proper insulation but no holes.
Let's see if they can last you years also!
I’ve always worn 6-pack socks my whole life.
I bought a pair of darn tough 6 months ago and never expected a sock to feel so good and supportive on my feet. Love that there’s no slipping and I don’t get athletes foot with them.
Quality is pricy but totally worth it.
Those toe socks look cool and I might try a pair
The darn tough really do wear well... &n The injinji socks are really funky looking aren't they?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors they are! Darn tough has some great designs too
Decided to pick up my daughter at school by walking to it and then home with her wearing some fairly new nice ranger work boots to break them in a bit more using my regular casual socks. Huge mistake! I didn't get blisters; I got the skin on the back of my heels torn off. Going to try it again after my feet heal in a week or two. Got Fox River Classic medium weight sport for the inside layer pair and Wigwam Rod and Rifle hiker for the outside layer pair. Never spent so much on two pairs of socks before, but hopefully worth it. Wish me luck!
😬 I hope you heal up quickly! That sounds awful.
I’ve been in smartwools for a while, but the heat/humidity here in the US south turns my boots into soup after about an hour. About to go get fitted for breathable Salomons and new socks for spring/summer hikes. Currently in 5.11 combat boots. The weight and support difference will literally be night and day.
I like light and breathable options too for my warm weather hikes... 👍
@@AndyParrishOutdoors
Which 8:10 manufacturer of wool 8:01 socks have diabetic ones
Also...I like using the Injini toe socks as liners
Are you taking those to Philmont?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Yes
My first pairs of hiking socks were a Wigwam wool sock and liner set. I got three pairs (socks and liners) with that original purchase. They're still going strong despite being over 10 years old. They've outlasted some synthetic and blend pairs I've had.
I've not had such good luck with wigwam. My 1st pair of wigwam wool socks wore a whole in less than a year. 😔
I have not had blisters in the first few weeks with the Darn Tough Crew Midweight. It has been a huge problem for me in the past. I hope to try Darn Tough Crew Lightweight in Greece soon when I go on vacation.
Great to hear!!! I hope that continues. The Wrightsocks are also really good for that too...
What socks would you recomend, for Summers and winters in Greece please? I'd really appreciate your opinion, I'm a new hiker and I want to get the best I can. PS Darn Tough, is the only brand, that they don't sell anywhere here, so I'd rather have a description of type, or maybe the materials of the socks? Thanks in advance and Happy new Year!
I'd look for wool & synthetic blend that fits well. Not too tight or loose. For warmer weather thinner lighter weight socks typically perform better for temperature regulation and moisture management... Thicker can be better in the winter, but just make sure they aren't so heavy/warm that you are sweating a lot in colder weather when you hike...
I wanted to buy a wool sweater but need to save money so I satisfied my shopping craving by expanding my darn tough collection. Now watching sock videos on TH-cam.
That will be a long lasting collection!
@@AndyParrishOutdoors I figure at least my hobby is useful 🤷♀️
I've built a nice collection myself, and I haven't had to add to it for a long time. I used them all the time... Enjoy!
Excellent video!!! I am looking to purchase some socks for desert backpacking. I LOVE backpacking in my Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks for the mountains and cooler temperatures. Will the Darn Tough 1/4 midweight work well in the desert with trail runners? I’m comparing this to farm to feet Damascus lightweight technical 1/4 crew and wonder which might be better for desert?
I tend to prefer the lighter weight options in hotter environments. But the darn tough do a great job of temperature & moisture management too...
@@AndyParrishOutdoors I’ll try both at home before we travel! Thanks
Has anybody tried, Horizon - Primaloft Explorer Extreme socks please? Are these beter than Smartwool socks? I'm searching for the best I can get, for not the coldest weather, but still winter medium length hike/trekking socks, on rocky/gravel and mud paths. Thanks in advance
Thanks man for this well thought out video. I’m already sold on Darn Tough Socks. On long hikes I even wear to pair to help reduce friction.
Going to share this with our hiking group Operation Coddiwomple. Love to have you come check us out and share some knowledge.
Thanks. I'm glad you found it useful!
When you doulbe up on sox do your boots need to be a size and a half or two sizes bigger?
It really depends on the thickness of the socks you are using. I tend to prefer a bit more room in my boots since I tend to wear them in colder environments with thicker socks. If you use a sock like the Wrightsock options with double layers built in you can choose from thin, to medium, to thicker cushion for whatever you prefer...
What kind of socks would be best for a long hike in hot weather? Would it be better to go for lightweight socks to keep cool but sacrificing some cushioning for the long hike or middleweight socks that might get a bit warm but will provide suitable cushioning? Thanks
I would also factor in your footwear sock combination... A really breathable shoe could pair with a midweight better than a less breathable boot for example ... That might go better with a lightweight option... Or a heavy cushioned shoe might pair better with a lighterweight sock...
@@AndyParrishOutdoors I didn't even think about that. I'm just barely getting into hiking and have been on just a few hikes. I do have some Merrell Moab speed boots which I find really comfortable. I guess I'll go with a middle type cushion.
If I wear a size 10 shoe and that is the break point between a medium and large sock, which one would you suggest?
I'd probably buy them both an try each on. And return the one you like least.
If the larger one is still snug enough, I'd probably go with that over one stretched to its max.. Just make sure you aren't sliding around in it...
@@AndyParrishOutdoors Thanks. Good advice.
Hi Andy! I ‘m new here and i would like to have some advices for my next trip cause it ‘s much more extreme than everything i ever done before. I’m going to a 6 days trekking into Guatemala forest! Which combinatorial of socks and shoes will you suggest? Don’t care about the budget! After that i ‘m hiking mount acatenango which is a 4000 m volcano. Thanks
Darn tough socks are probably still my favorite. They are a very durable wool blend sock. I'd you are expecting very warm temps, you may opt for a full synthetic sock like the wrightsock cool mesh... It does very well wicking moisture...
Footwear is tougher. Do you prefer boots or lowercut hiking shoes?
@@AndyParrishOutdoors hi Andy! Thanks for replying to me. For sure I prefer lowercut hiking shoes
what do you think abt 100% merino socks?
they will be great with moisture & stink management as well as fairly comfortable (feel). The drawback is they will typically be less durable vs a merino blend or a full synthetic.
I see some hiking socks with cotton blend, sales text is claiming that blend does help the sweat evaporate. Also claims that they use a "flat seams" which is not as abrasive to your feet.
Can cotton socks still be an option?
Cotton just doesn't have the characteristics that I am looking for in a hiking sock. cotton holds on to moisture more than the alternatives.
Yes, Flat seams or seamless are the better options...
Bad seams on a sock can drive you nuts quickly.
And potentially lead to blisters.
The Wrightsocks are the best in my experiences. The Escape in warm weather and the Eco Hike in cold weather. The Darn Tough are too hot for all day walking in warm weather. The weave in the material is super tight. Get the Cushion for hiking and the Full Cushion for deer hunting. The Smartwool PHD socks are good in cold weather. Farm to Feet are good in cool weather. Don't worry about longevity. Comfort is the goal. But a good sock is useless in a crappy shoe.
I agree I like Wrightsocks so I bought my daughter a pair for Christmas and she did not like them at all.
Wrightsock is my absolute favorite brand for running socks. they are fantastic. and they do have some great options in the hiking space.
I have worked outdoors for over 30 years. Rain, snow, blistering heat, unless there is lightening in our direct area, we still work. When you HAVE to be outside in the elements for hours at a time, you figure out ways to stay warm, dry, or cool.
You have no choice, you can't do good work if you are freezing, wet or boiling hot.
My gear is my life. I can not do what I do everyday and be uncomfortable or even worse, in pain.
Darn Tough socks are by far the most important part of my gear. If I'm an hour into a 16 hour day and my feet are wet or cold? It is going to be a horrible and unproductive day.
I put my Darn Tough Nomad (twisted yarn) socks on in the morning and never think about them again. They disappear and become a part of me. No adjustment, nothing. They regulate my foot temperature, so when I'm in the snow, my feet are warm...when I am eating lunch indoors, my feet are cool. They are also made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty, I can't imagine why anyone would wear anything else?!
Only socks I can wear are ankle or no show
I struggle with no shows just because they slide too much. I think it has something to do with the shape of my foot. I've tried multiple brands with no luck... The ankle one on the other hand are my favorite warm weather length...
Welp, they are “Darn Tuff” and they have a great warranty… replace with no questions asked. But what about walkability??? There are several socks out there, hiking specific, that that are much more effective for the sport. Farm to feet are cushioned that are comparable to DT but much more comfortable. Double layered, no blister socks that protect my feet. I get quick blisters with DT. Before you invest on several pairs… compare !!!
I'm a big fan of Wrightsock and my buddy loves injinji... It makes sense to try a couple before buying a bunch of one...
Stance socks with their Infiknit technology is probably even thoughter than Darn Tough.
I'll take a look. Thanks for sharing!
I second that on the Stance!
Grippy socks 🧦 👀🥷
Grip6 socks.
I've not had a chance to test them out. What was your experience?
@AndyParrishOutdoors excellent so far. I'm hard on socks. I got the boot length and they are wearing great. Certainly recommend them.
Fox river
I've only used their liner socks...
If you are on a tight budget for hiking socks.
I started with wool blend socks from Costco.
Walmart socks
are better than target socks! 😂
Tip 1) Buy Darn Tough and be done with it.
Tip 2) Buy comparable brands, probably be disappointed and go back to Darn Tough.
Tip 3) When you resigned yourself to Darn Tough, then look at small people with fancy fibers...then realize you just dropped $50 for a sock.
All joking aside, there are better socks out there than Darn Tough. But when you start looking into added warmth for the same (or less) bulk, your options get very narrow very fast. They get very expensive, very fast. You almost always sacrifice durability. Buy 4-5 pair of midweights and the same for heavy weight. You'll probably have them for a decade.
I'm a fan of Wrightsock and I have also used Smartwool as well... Lately I've been testing out alpaca socks too...
1 Word
1 Brand
1 Company
SILVERLIGHT
I've been interested in trying them out. Thanks. 👍
sorry to tell you this Andy but Darn Tough are the worst, I've had six pairs all of them had holes within a year or wearing them and I had a hard time to get the warranty for life respected by Darn Tough had to wait a hole year before they replied and send me other pairs which I gave away, seriously. My favourite are Smartwool, Icebreaker, Injinji, Wigwam the quality is much better and none of them have holes in them it's been five years now. Also isn't it funny that the only company that has a life warranty is Darn Tough, none of the others have that warranty and I have no holes in them, coincidence?????
Interesting. I'm glad you found alternatives that you like and appreciate you sharing them with the community.
Over the last 10 years I've gone through quite a few different brands and they all have worn down eventually. But for me the Darn tough took the longest... I'm just now getting ready to submit 2 pairs for the warranty claim.
Anything branded as 'hiking' will be more expensive. just wear whatever.
I can't agree with that... Not if you want a good outcome...