Socks

[singingpilgrim]

I know cotton kills, but I just picked up a whole bunch of lovely wool blend socks for fifty cents each, which I'm planning on wearing in my normal life too, but I was thinking I'd set a few pairs aside for hiking but when I looked at the back of them, they're 7% cotton. Is that too high, or is that so negligible as to not matter?

I know socks are a minor matter, price wise, and you guys will probably just tell me to go by other socks. And I might. But I'm thinking of thruhiking 2011 but my work is unsteady and saving enough money not just for food and gear but to cover my student loans and such while I'm not working for six months means that if I have socks that will work already, then great! Every penny saved on gear helps.

Also, I've not seen socks discussed much, so, are there any opinions? Except gathering that gortex isn't necessary, I've not heard much.

Thanks!

[LockJaww]

The socks that I wear as my " everyday " socks are 5.11 level twos...Most comfortable socks Ive ever put on my feet.....Period!
For hiking I was becomming a fan of Darn Tuff until I got an opportunity to spend several hours hiking in a pair that were soaking wet....Those chances dont come that often when you live in the high desert...
I am making a thru attempt next year also....As of right now the socks that will be on my feet will be Bridgedale Special Op's...

[brooklynkayak]

they're 7% cotton. Is that too high, or is that so negligible as to not matter?

That's not enough cotton to worry about. I recommend that you also wear a pair of very thin, synthetic socks. Thin men's dress socks or women's short nylons work well.
For me the combination reduces the friction that causes blisters.

[leaftye]

Hike with different combinations of socks and see what works best for you.

Pure wool or synthetics is best of course. You may end up getting those anyway. How many pairs of cotton blend socks did you buy?

I found that a pair of liner socks works for me. I don't know how long they'll really last, especially with the different models of socks I'm using, but I picked up 24 pairs of liner socks on ebay for about $60 delivered...6 wool pairs, the rest were synthetic. I'm hoping that lasts for my entire thru hike.

[Wags]

i saw survivorman start a fire with the lint from a pair of cotton socks. so maybe it's good you have a little cotton in there

[leaftye]

You could start a fire with steel wool too...

[Tenderheart]

I thru hiked with three pair of Smart Wool Expedition Trekking socks. They went the whole way and served me very well. I think they call them Heavy Hikers now, although I'm not sure. Socks provide much needed cushioning, in addition to protecting the feet from friction. Don't scrimp on this piece of equipment. Hiking stores are filled with items one doesn't need, but socks should be substantial.

litefoot 2000

[Manwich]

You could start a fire with steel wool too...

Steel Wool Socks? BRILLIANT!

[Mountain Wildman]

You could start a fire with steel wool too...

And a battery.

[Manwich]

I buy several 4-pair packs of Wool Socks from Costco for $12 every winter. Works the same as smartwool for me.

[Ender]

they're 7% cotton. Is that too high, or is that so negligible as to not matter?

Those socks will be fine. They will keep a little extra moisture, but nothing terrible. And if you ever hike in a cool dry area (like the desert in winter) they'll actually probably work a little better.

[wrongway_08]

I hiked in Smart wool the whole way. Also used liner socks.

[scottdennis]

I've started using liner socks too. During warmer months I use lighter weight wool socks. There are some socks out there that are not Smartwool, but similar in composition (I think I saw where they have them at SAMS).

[scottdennis]

Hey wrongway,

What sort of snake you got there (in the picture that is)? I can't tell from the pic.

[singingpilgrim]

Thanks everyone.
Yeah, I had read about the liner socks and was thinking to have those too.

[leaftye]

Thanks everyone.
Yeah, I had read about the liner socks and was thinking to have those too.

Just making sure you understand that that's all I use. I put on one pair of liner socks, and then I put another pair of liner socks over them. I got the idea from Ray Jardine, except he uses 3 pairs.

[singingpilgrim]

Yeah, I'm thinking I'll pick up a pair or two of the dress socks, but also use my wool blend ones. I like the idea of being able to mix it up depending on conditions.
I just wanted to make sure the 7% cotton wouldn't compromise them as good hiking socks on the AT, but if the consensus is they'd be adequate, I'm happy.