Best & WORST Socks For Backpacking
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- In this video, Tayson takes you through the best, worst, and in-between when it comes to buying socks for hiking and backpacking. From cotton to sports socks, to Merino Wool, Tayson tells you what you should and should not wear on your feet when adventuring on the trail.
Darn Tough Socks (through the OV Membership):
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Table of Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:30 Socks to Avoid
02:00 Weird But Maybe
04:59 What to Look for in Socks
07:23 Best socks for Trailrunning and Hiking
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If you wear a synthetic finger toe sock liner (or any synthetic liner I guess) with a merino wool outer sock, the wool will actually absorb/wick the moisture away from the synthetic sock and your foot. Keeping your foot dryer and warmer.
Synthetics are a lot better at wicking moisture then wool while also drying faster.
I absolutely agree, I wore people socks for a few years, mainly because of price but over time they just didn't hold up. So I finally went with darn tough and never looked back
I love using a combination of Injini liner with DarnTough outer. I have both the lighter synthetic and heavier NuWool liners from Injini, and several weights of DarnTough. I can mix and match socks to the conditions, and my feet always stay comfortable. What I like best about this is Injini socks tend to wear out relatively quick for the price normally. Using them as a liner preserves them better while the Warranteed DarnToughs take the abuse.
Darn Tough are definitely my favorites for hiking followed by Minus 33. For a super thick, high wool content sock for winter sleeping I go with the J.B Field's Islandic -50° below socks with 85% pre-shrunk wool. For insulated booties, I use the synthetic Snugpak Snugfeet.
I have used People Socks for YEARS but am now transitioning to Darn Tough because of the warranty. Glad to see my experience has aligned with yours!
I typically wear an injinji liner sock with a mid weight merino like darn tough. Combo works well for me.
I use the nu-wool injinji liners and prefer them to the cool-max injinji liners. Paired with a darn tough, I have no problem with blisters
I've had very good luck with the Wright Socks. But, I mainly only use them for colder months at this point. Now, I use merino wool socks from Save Our Soles.
Thanks always informative. Socks are a very important piece of gear 👍
Great discussion! I loved it. Like many other commenters, I have honed my system for decades. I wear a Smartwool or REI merino wool liner sock and a heavy wool outer sock. No blisters for years. And cold wash and line dry to prevent shrinking.
Cold wash and line dry ANY wool sock. Minimal. wool specific detergent or no detergent, makes them last well. Heated dryers are tough on most clothing, especially wool. If you must use the dryer, use the fan only setting.
Fan favorite- Wrightsocks!!!! Help keep blisters away. Downside, they wear out quick, but work great for me.
Great breakdown, and I agree Darn Tough socks are the way to go. For long hikes, I use a light 5-finger sock as a liner inside. That has been a great combo for me.
Great tips as always. I've become a big fan of Wrightsock for trail running, day hikes and working in the yard - light, double layer built in. I was part of the Smartwool cult for many years (and still have a few pairs), but Darn Tough socks have largely replaced them. I kind of wish I'd held on to my injinjis now - but use a liner and midweight when I'm carrying a load or on rough terrain. Another great tip from a scout master and beekeeper - make a 1:1 blend of raw honey and un-petroleum jelly (or petroleum jelly). Lubricates and heals.
Thanks for the info and for offering these socks thru your OV company. 😎
Our pleasure!
I started with Balega Blister resist socks from REI. Love them! I now also added the Injinji toe socks...and I think I love them even more. Absolutely no sore toes or hot spots on either one. I use cornstarch with the Balegas when my toes get sweaty.
Darn Tough are my go to socks for daily and hiking use but I use drymax socks for running or when I'm wearing trail runners.
Nate
Good choice😜
Glad I haven’t been wrong the last 10 years.
Seriously, I have been hiking all around my native Nebraska (lol) my whole life and just in the last ten years adventured beyond those places, with the exception of 5-10 years living in Texas as a young man. But finding darn tough socks, your zero degree sleeping bag, and the first jacket u designed (puffy) was a game changer in how I address the cold.
Oh, don’t forget the smart wool base layer.
Something I used to do when I played competitive tennis was dress socks with cotton socks over them.
That was 25 years ago, before sock technology existed, but I never got a blister after I started wearing that combo, which is a huge issue in tennis with all of the stop and go movement
I have tried smart wool, darn tough, lines etc etc etc but in 2017 I switched to Injinji toe socks & wear them exclusively everyday with 10-12hrs of walking at work. I used to get blisters between my toes when BPing and haven’t got a blister since even on my 30-35 mile days
Deam! Whats your job?
Yes!!! Love my darntough socks ‘. Will not hike without them!!
Thank you for your time and posting. I like Marino Wool Costco socks; 60% Marino Wool and 4 socks for $13.
A thin sock inside a thicker sock has kept me blister free in safety-toed boots for decades... but that's work not backpacking ;-)
Good video. I like the recommendation on the percentage of Merino wool to synthetic. I purchase "selected seconds" of Farm to Feet socks from a local store. I find these the most comfortable for running, walking, and backpacking. I also wear a liner with my boots but not with my trail shoes. Thank you, Tayson.
Thanks for sharing!
I've been using DeFeet Wooleator 3" Bike socks for about 12 years, both on the trail and everyday. 6 pair and I still wear all six of them. They are just now showing some wear near the big toe. I've been considering those Darn Tough sock for about a year; may have a reason to pull the trigger now.
Injinji Hiker plus liner is the bomb. It has the finger toe liner with a regular sock.
Agree with you on all counts with a couple *.
Love your down sock, although I feel more comfortable walking around camp in a heavy (Walmart) wool ones.
It might be psychological, but I think a liner sock is worth the squeeze if you're getting your feet wet constantly. I have the liner version of your favorite running sock.
I second motion on injinji socks, but do some kind of glide at base of toes. I ended up with blister at base of big toe somewhere around mile 12 last summer (on West Rim in Zion). Using glide between toes let me do the 16.9 the following West Rim trip, it was my knees complaining and not my feet.
Bridgedale socks all the way!
I found injinji socks to be warmer that traditional socks of comparable weight/material. After pondering why for a while (I am an engineer and can't resist thinking about stuff like that) I believe it is because the injinji wick moisture from between my toes thereby keeping my feet dryer.
I am still on the fence about Darn Tough. I find them to be a bit tight for my wide feet.
BTY Thanks for all the enjoyable and informative videos!
Smart Wool have a good warranty too. I love the Patagonia socks too.
I have those exact same athletic socks and I hiked in them. Like 5 miles. And got home and sat in my chair on took off shoes. What a bad idea. The stank was horrible. Im now using Darn Tough and while I do not suggest this method I used them for numerous hikes over several weeks. And never had a funky smell. No blisters. Im happy with them so going to keep going with them
I owned a kayak shop for over 2 decades and have tried most brands at the trade shows , having wide and tall feet and I find Darn tough to be too tight. Love Smartwool but find them pricey, in my opinion Bridgedale socks are by far my favorites, as good or better than Smartwool and less expensive than Thorlo's.
he's never heard of Bridgedale or mohair socks
my favorite so far is REdwing 77% merino wool lifetime garantee socks. I've worn through 3 pairs and they replace 'em for me.
I used to use sock liners inside a thicker sock for many years - it was one of my “hacks” back in my Marine Corps Infantry days - they saved me from blisters for literally decades. Now, however, I use Silverlight socks exclusively BOTH for hiking and at work, where I am on my feet nearly all day. They have been such a major game changer, it’s not funny! Since you are looking at specs, they are 51% nylon, 39% merino wool, 6% silver fiber and 4% spandex. I literally do not wear anything else these days (except for my nice thick SmartWool socks I use for sleeping (when it’s not cold enough to wear my Outdoor Vitals down booties!)). You REALLY owe it to yourself and your viewers to check out the Silverlight socks! (Same lifetime warranty as Darn Tough socks, too!)
Check out Silverlight socks too. Small company, Great socks, hits all the high points you mentioned and has silver yarn in them so they DON'T stink!
Thanks for sharing!!
Just got my first pairs of silverlight ankle socks in black. At first they felt sort of weird. Then as I got used to the dual layers, I love them.
Balega Blister Resist are great for trail running, especially in the winter because they're very thick and hot and have a ton of cushioning. Those and Smartwool Targeted Cushion are the best I've found for trail runs/races.
Great point!
I use Vaseline or Bodyglide on my feet in addition to Darn Tough socks and it makes for happy feet at the end of the trail.
I can't even image how gross that would make your socks. How do you even wash that
I actually like my Wright socks. Never had an issue with them, but I pair them with wool ankle socks.
Wigwam also makes a very good sock. It doesn’t seem like many people know about them. I just switched to darn tough because I keep hearing everyone talk about them. So far they seem like the same sock. My last Wigwams lasted for years, but I expect these darn toughs will as well.
I have not had luck with Wigwam. For me then stretch and lose their fit too quickly.
I have used Darn Tough ever since and prefer the midweight as an all around sock.
my parents always either gave me Wigwam or Woolrich socks when I was younger and I loved them I usually got 3 or 4 pairs for Christmas each year I wear darn tough now over a pair of knee high compression socks and have zero leg/ankle pain
Injinji toe sock liners under Darn Tough hiking socks. NEVER gotten a single blister with those. Others yes, but never with those.
The right socks are awesome I find. I also hike about 10 miles a day only...
Darn Tough is the best sock brand, hands down. So worth it. 👍
Darn Trough and Kuiu mid-sock OTC for winter. Kuiu is actually a left and right sock built.
I own a 2 pairs of XSocks ski socks and for me they are the most comfortable sock for trekking...
I have 2 pair of Covert Threads socks. They are made for the military. I wear them while hiking.
Nice watch ;) love my garmin instinct
Same here!
I've always been a big fan of Outdoor Life Merino Wool socks. Great quality for the price and Made In USA
Thanks for the tip.
My socks depend on my intended hike. If you're going to have a lot of stream crossings in the summer or be in a lot of rain, it won't be the same sock as a dry hike in the fall.
An inexpensive option to liner socks are nylon dress socks. They cost like ten bucks for six pair and work the same. They also work fine in the summer with two pair. They dry out super quick and don't heat up.
I also prefer to let crew length droop around my ankles over ankle height as they tend to keep your ankles from getting banged up by your feet when you get tired and your form starts failing.
Toe socks don't tend to work if your toes aren't in the normal range (second toe longer than big toe). They're also a pain to put on and sort out.
Thanks for the video but i gather this is geared towards rhe colder months. Im looking for something for the warmer nonths for packing on my summer vacations. Is smartwool and darn tough socks suites for those months are well or can i get better recommendations?
Good video, thank you man. Also, what a beard!! 🫡
Hey, thanks!
Have you given Gold Toe dress socks a try? Fast drying, think to prevent blisters. I've had decent success in warm weather in so cal
I have worn them a ton, but not used them for backpacking. Probably a solid choice for warmer weather, but I don't think they'd be my preferred option!
Try Xoskin. Great socks but expensive. They are a company that specializes in running gear for triathletes and trail runners. They have copper woven in somehow. Which makes them so they don’t stink. They also have regular and toe sock versions of their socks.
Also Grip6 Socks are also a great alternative to darn tough. Very similar but a little more affordable and also a great warranty.
Darn tough#1 for hiking/ etc
Filson heavy #1 for snowy hikes freezing overnights/working in cold Temps etc.
An additional pair of breathable waterproof socks (Sealskinz, Otter socks, Showers Pass...) might be a good gear addon for those rainy days, water crossings or for replacement when shoes and regular socks got soaked and there's just no opportunity to let the shoes dry.
I am that guy wearing the 'fingered shoes' out on the trail. :-) Actually I love those shoes so much that I have pairs for everyday use too. :-)
I love my Darn tough socks.
What happened to the standard old ragg wool socks? We used to wear those with silk sock liners and never had any issues.
I love Darn Tough. That’s all I use. Back in the military during long ruck marches we always used pantyhose under the military socks and boots. If you didn’t your feet would be hamburger in about 20 miles. Infantry with bad feet is useless. Lol
For darn tough socks, do you recommend that they be a bit big (like a half inch off the toe) or a more snug fit (like the difference between a medium/large/XL sock) which is the best way to go? snug or loose?
I fell for Willowace marketing: "half the cost" - "warmer" etc.. Darn Tough is on another level & it's worth it.
Go Vermont!
I like Wright Socks for daily wear. Maybe the crew style are better.
I have Diabetic Neuropathy in both of my feet. Basically numb from the ankles down. The smallest of of injuries can go south in as little as 24 hours. I lost my 5th toe and metatarsal within a week of a very small puncture, approx 16 years ago. The original insult formed a callus, which, on several occasions, would "slough" off. In Dec. of 2021, somehow the callus "tore off", and consequently formed a Diabetic ulcer. After weekly visits to a specialty wound clinic for 5 months, it appears to be healed. I was an avid camper, with short hikes. But not as of late, for fear of foot injuries. All of that being said, I find this info on socks to be the best one I've seen. I am going to give the Darn Tough socks a try. I'll let you know how it goes. Now, I've got to find the right boot. 🥾 ANY advice from ANYONE is MORE than appreciated!!🙂🙃
Injinji Toe Socks are my go to these days since blister prevention is the name of the game for me. I get super bad blisters between my toes and they really do work At stopping it.
They've been awesome for me as well, but I don't get blisters between my toes as much as on the sides of my feet. They just do a great job at keeping overall feet temps down in your shoes/boots!
I've never had a blister in my life and I've worn everything from Smartwool to Farm 2 Feet to REI generic socks to Darn Tough to Belaga to cheap Puma socks from TJ Maxx.
Some people just aren't prone to blisters. Kinda like how some people never get acne, or never sweat from their armpits through their shirts, or never get cavities.
I've never had a cavity and never had a blister, but I sweat out my pits every day and when I was a teen my face was a crater map of the moon.
Swings and roundabouts.
I discovered Real Tree merino socks several years ago. They have generous merino content at a reasonable price. Then I discovered Darn Tough with the lifetime warranty. I started buying Darn Tough and I really like them but I can't say they are more comfortable than the Real Tree and they cost more.
Then I discovered Alpaca. It is even better at wicking moisture than Merino wool.
So far I have tried some from Hollow, Pacas, and Alpacas of Montana. They are about as expensive as Darn Tough but do not offer a lifetime warranty. I suspect they will not last as long as Darn Tough simply because the material is softer. But they are SO comfortable. They do a much better job of keeping my feet warm and dry. You will have to try them to understand.
What about grip 6 wool socks? I have DT and Grip 6 and I think grip 6 socks feels better on my feet for the most part compared to the DT socks!
I’ve been waiting for a long time to get darn tough socks from Amazon. Living in Germany some things just don’t work
Any advice or sock brand for people who have diabetes and plan to backpack or hike?
what size would you get i am a size 10 usa in the darn tough?
Have you tried the Grip6 wool socks?
What do you think about icebreaker hike socks?
Gotta say I'm disappointed in the result for the #1 sock. I just got back from a 112 mile 4 day trip wearing darn tough socks and on day 3 I got a blister on my left foot and day 4 a matching one on the right. I was wearing GTX shoes (columbia peak freak outdry) and the I think the combination of the two plus the fact that neither seemed to dry out gave me the blisters.
Darn toughs are dope but
SIZE UP
What’s your opinion on Sealskinz? Specifically their waterproof socks.
I want mention Fits, and Farm to Feet wool socks
Gerat choice in the Darn Tough. I was at PCT Days last year and the line was long to turn in work out socks for new ones. No questions asked as pair after pair was exchanged.
I was there too on Saturday and they were closed and gone. :(
@@kristymoore7052 I stopped at their booth on Saturday too and they were taking appointments for the week evening to replace the socks. Their rep said that they underestimated the need for replacements. He said they will be better prepared for this year's event
Smartwool replaces socks also
Check out Silverlight socks……hands down best sock and nobody ever talks about them…..”hidden gem”. I don’t even need to give details, you would be crazy to not even give them a look.
I also like Ice Breaker socks.
Have you tried silverlight?
Vibram shoes are the best in warm weather
You didn't like Wright Sock? I've been using Wright sock Cool mesh II for years and it's the best sock I've ever had on my feet. I do hike with trail runners and I wonder if that makes the difference. I have about 3500 miles on Wright socks. Also, I LOVE your products and fill my pack with them
I bought Wright socks and hated them. I learned that not all Darn Tough fit or are the same. I think Mens are better than womens. You convinced me to just let go of the socks I have that are too constricting no matter what I paid.
Another sock with a lifetime warranty : Silverlight. Also has good wool:nylin/polyester ration. Also has a low % micriSpun sliver (antimicrobial). Ive when one fir over 10 days without washing-absolutwly trying to STINK them out; won't. Just won't stink.
Also Farm 2 Feet
Will there be any offering of a limited edition woven beard sock, Outdoor Vitals brand? 😂
I approach my donning of socks and shoes as a rituals when backpacking. Dust off the feet. Gold bond powder. Injinji toe socks. Darn tough out sock. Never a blister.
I agree with you. The Darn Tough sock IS THE best sock made......period! I have been wearing Darn Tough daily for about five years. I am about ready to send about 4 pairs back for renewal. They have never lost any comfort or ability to stay up. They just are getting threadbare and a couple have small holes. One of the signs of a cheap, not worth wasting your time or money on a sock is that they won't stay up....slip down your ankle and bunch up. Darn Tough will not do this. IMO, the ultimate non blister combination is a woman's ankle length nylon as a liner with a Darn Tough over it. For extreme, load bearing, long days on the trail, start with a friction defense treatment like Gold Bond on bare skin before the nylon. One should change socks at least twice in a long day of hiking as well. Gold Bond also works wonders to prevent chafing and galling in the nether region..............Be well. Thanks for sharing.
I ordered some silver light socks based on a CZcams review. I’m currently battling them with PayPal to actually get my socks delivered but I’m wondering what your thoughts are on that particular brand If anyone has tried them?
Yes, I ordered a bunch if them when they 1st came out. Took FOREVER; but over the last year, I've reached for them above my DarnTuff/Smartwool/WigWam/WrightSocks/toe socks. They are R/&Left "directional" sized well. A little thick/hot for Alabama/Georgia but best sock to rule them all out west. They offer a little compression on the above the ankle version (which im surprised Ty didn't mention in the video) . In an RN; and in the hospital we have been putting Ag (silver) infused guaze dressings on Nasty wounds fir years now-and dressing changes can be put off to every 10 days WHICH US UNHEARD OF on a nasty infected wound- but it works. The US military has made boot socks with 3% silver; I've worn them extensively with also surprisingly good outcomes. But the way SL has it dialed in i think is superior. Im so glad SilverLight made this micro spun ag tech available.
Injinji Ultras and Hoka Speedgoats and have never looked back
merino wool socks all day, everyday and everywhere
Congrats on your wt/loss hard work paying off….Now about socks, it’s definitely subjective as on trail discussion always is a topic. But I agree Darn Tough are great along with Injinji “if you have camp shoe with a sandal/flip flop type of toe splitter injinji are the way.
FYI I have a size 15 foot and support US made products so I purchased darn tough, there regular to size 15 Socks fit way too tight and they’re 15 to larger size were way too big. I think they’re a great sock if your foot is smaller than a size 13 or larger in size 18 for the really large socks. I really wish they would size and better so I can buy them.
I have tried people socks, hated them gave them to my son. The have a course base matting that felt like sand paper on the bottoms of my feet.
My smart wool socks get holes quickly compared to my darn tough no holes yet.
I use people socks! I do wildland firefighting and they work for me
I wish Lt. Dan narrated this great video.
🤣
Great video and I especially agree with what you said about not having them too tight due to toe discomfort. Merino Wool blend for the win. Darn Tough all the way
Just a suggestion, put some thing on the walls to absorb the echo
All I know is I have a new fave word: pantyho! 😂 Thanks for the sock tutorial, I love my Smartwool mini crews.
I’ve been using the Wrightsocks for about two years and haven’t had the blister issues I used to. I wear a quarter sock length, not the crew length you show in the video, maybe that’s why they don’t work for you?
Yea perhaps! I thought the idea was pretty good! Again I'd really only look at them for a boot though... otherwise to thick for me!
- Tayson
I agree completely and I have the same quarter length. Even when they are wet I still didn't have a problem with bunching up while getting them on and off. Also they dried super fast...faster than my wife's DarnTough lightweight with cushion socks.
Call me sweat foot the 10 mile walker in work boots. Any ideas?