View Full Version : Which Summer socks?
Now that summer is here in full swing, I am taking a survey of socks. Specifically, very fast drying socks for summer hiking.
If you have tried more than one brand/model of fast drying socks and can compare the drying speed of one to the other, please share your observations with the rest of us.
For me, my first priority in this category is a sock that will dry as fast as possible after a dunking during a creek crossing. As a secondary criteria, a great sock would also “feel” dry by wicking perspiration away from the skin and provide some cushioning. Of course, these last two criteria would be counterintuitive to fast drying as they would require more material, but, one could always hope that the miracles of modern science have produced the utopian sock.
bigcranky
07-05-2007, 20:55
My 'magic' socks are made of light wool. They do feel dry almost immediately after walking through a creek, though I don't know if they actually dry faster than, say, Coolmax running socks. I think mine are Smartwool Light Adrenaline quarter-height socks. (Note that the "Light" Adrenaline are different -- um, lighter -- than the more common plain Adrenaline socks.) Paired with mesh trail runners, they work well for me. YMMV.
Footslogger
07-05-2007, 22:08
Best all-around sock I've ever found (and believe me, I've tried just about all of them) is the Thorlo Light Hiker with Coolmax.
'Slogger
aaroniguana
07-05-2007, 23:02
I use WalMart polypro sock liners in summer. Thin, light and fast drying. They are usually only available at the start of hunting season here in MD, but they're only $1.99 per pair. I have yet to wear a pair of them out, had one pair for three years now. Rinse and hang, dry in 2 hours tops.
I like Ultimax liner socks. Last year before starting my thru, I spent some time seeing how fast socks would dry out overnight after washing. These won the contest. They dried even faster than some pure nylon socks that I tested, which surprised me.
Marta/Five-Leaf
Nightwalker
07-06-2007, 07:31
I like Ultimax liner socks. Last year before starting my thru, I spent some time seeing how fast socks would dry out overnight after washing. These won the contest. They dried even faster than some pure nylon socks that I tested, which surprised me.
Marta/Five-Leaf
Yeah, the Ultimax are good liners, as well as another version that is a regular Summer sock. They're made by Wig-Wam, which is a really good brand for winter socks as well.
Johnny Swank
07-06-2007, 07:46
Here's your solution, all others are pale imitations: cheap polyester dress socks from the dollar store. 3 pairs for $2. Wear two pairs, and rinse out daily if you want. I've gotten over 1,000 miles out of a pair.
Kerosene
07-06-2007, 08:37
If you're interested in liner socks, I like the Fox River X-Static Liners (http://www.rei.com/product/642937?vcat=REI_SEARCH), which dry amazingly fast (faster than 2 hours), have silver woven in to reduce bacteria and odors, and feel good.
Smartwool Adrenaline LT, usually in mini-crew for me. Worn with a lightweight trail runners will even dry while hiking. Wearing them wet after stream crossings hasn't given me a blister yet.
minnesotasmith
07-06-2007, 12:38
May use Sealskins in slush, or add a pair of nylon dress socks in seriously cold (under 20 degrees F.) weather.
I wear a nike nylon "blister" sock underneath a pair of synthetic running sox--with trail runners.
saimyoji
07-06-2007, 19:27
I use WalMart polypro sock liners in summer. Thin, light and fast drying. They are usually only available at the start of hunting season here in MD, but they're only $1.99 per pair. I have yet to wear a pair of them out, had one pair for three years now. Rinse and hang, dry in 2 hours tops.
Yep.
Best all-around sock I've ever found (and believe me, I've tried just about all of them) is the Thorlo Light Hiker with Coolmax.
'Slogger
If you're interested in liner socks, I like the Fox River X-Static Liners (http://www.rei.com/product/642937?vcat=REI_SEARCH), which dry amazingly fast (faster than 2 hours), have silver woven in to reduce bacteria and odors, and feel good.
My "sock system" in the summer is to use these two together. The coolmax on the outside, X-static against my foot. If I switch them, they slip around and I get blisters. Together they grip in just the right way. Very fast drying, 10-15 min after a dunking with some breeze or direct sun. I double up on heel/instep insoles, so I can't say much for cushioniong...:o
They are expensive though.....:(
In the winter I can get by with just about anything, but the summer heat, and my sweaty feet....:rolleyes:
In all honesty, in the summer I mostly hike in my Tevas. Even on the "boot eating rocks of PA" I have no problem. :sun
YMMV