Hiker's Socks

[Mother Natures Son]

I've been hiking for over 30 years and I've tried almost every type of sock there is for hiking. My question is this, does the amount of Wool or other material matter in the composition of the sock? (Does one type of material matter for a longer life span of a sock)

[swjohnsey]

Look at Wright Socks.

[RayBan]

Bridgedale. People have worn one pair from Springer to ME.

[Feral Bill]

I like at least 3/4 merino wool.

[fiddlehead]

I like 100% polartec fleece socks
To each his own.

[Hoop]

Have several brands but the best combination of comfort & durability I've found are at www.americasalpaca.com (http://www.americasalpaca.com)

[rockytop7]

The "amount of wool" will effect how well it wicks moisture, resists odor, and increases durability. On the other hand, thinner will dry faster when soaked. I've used smartwool and icebreaker and they're both great.

[TallShark]

no love for wigwams? just curious in terms of effectiveness/ durability.

[rockytop7]

I have a pair of heavyweight hiking Wigwam socks. They are nice, but I much prefer wool or wool/blend socks, instead of synthetics like Wigwams. I think in the majority of cases with socks you will get what you pay. If you can spend a few extra dollars you will get socks that perform better and last a lot longer. One of the great things about wool is you don't have to wash it near as often as synthetics. IMO, if you spend a few more dollars on nice wool socks it'll be a better investment over time.

[Desert Reprobate]

Have several brands but the best combination of comfort & durability I've found are at www.americasalpaca.com (http://www.americasalpaca.com)

Alpaca works well for Skid's sweater. I don't know if it would make much difference in a pair of socks.

[RayBan]

I've used Thorlo, Dahlgren (Alpaca), Wright Socks, Wigwams and Smartwool and found that the Bridgedales I referred to earlier have by far better durability and comfort than any of the rest. Given the relatively high wool content, they also don't suffer the same stench-factor that higher synthetic blends do.

[RockDoc]

Ultramarathoners like synthetic Drymax socks and I find they are good for long hikes, too.

[leaftye]

I don't know what sock material lasts the longest, but Darntough brand socks have a lifetime warranty.

http://www.darntough.com/images/logo-popups/lifetime-popup.jpg

[sbhikes]

I think in general wool blends are more durable than 100% wool. Same goes for cotton. (Not that you were planning to wear cotton, but poly-cotton T-shirts last longer than 100% cotton.)

[tlap]

There's nothing better than hand knit wool socks. They felt just enough to provide a cushioned custom fit. The only downside is that you can't throw them in the washer or dryer at the laundromat.

[KingKrawler]

Follow leaftye's advice and go with Darn Tough. Get the Boot model. Very comfortable tight wool weave and they'll last a whole thru hike. And, if they don't, send them back for a replacement pair.

I started out with SmartWool and switched to these in NC on my thru hike last year. I'll never wear another brand.