Hiking Guide Part 4 Socks

Hiking Socks 

Selecting Hiking Socks

Hiking socks aren’t just another gimmick to get your money. You wouldn't think so, but selecting socks is even harder than buying boots. There are so many good models and manufacturers of good boots. If you find ones that are sturdy and fit well, you'll probably be pleased. But, socks? That's tough.

Wearing good quality socks while hiking will make your hike a much better experience and are an important part of your gear.

Sports socks are not hiking socks. You don't want to wear the same socks you use to play tennis or soccer when you set out on a long hike.

The goal of hiking socks:

• Cushioning your feet to make your hike more enjoyable.
• Wicking (absorbing) moisture from your feet to help prevent blisters.
• Keeping your feet warm while hiking in winter and the opposite.
• Reduce blister causing friction
• To a small degree, improving boot fit.

You need good socks.

You'll put about 1600km on a pair of hiking socks before they're ready for the garbage can. That sounds like a very long distance. But consider that it is really only about a year if you take modest hikes every weekend.

For those 1600km you want comfort. The word has the ring of luxury about it, but in hiking comfort is essential. Blisters, chafing and other foot damage can turn a 6km hike back to the trail head into torture if your socks fail you.

Good moisture-wicking is mandatory. 'Wicking' means taking the sweat produced by your sweat glands off the surface and transporting it away from the foot. If the sock fails to do that, you'll develop fungi, blisters, chafing, and other ugly results.

Choosing good socks:

• Never use cotton socks for hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture and take forever to dry.
• Use wool to stay warm and still wick away moisture. They tend to be the most expensive. Look for Merino Wool, softer and finer fibres.
• Use synthetics if your feet sweet a lot because they wick away moisture better than natural fibres.
• Turn the sock inside out and check the denseness of the fabric loops. Smaller, denser loops will work better for cushioning and absorption.
• Thicker socks tend to wear longer. Thicker socks in the morning and thinner socks after lunch when your feet have swelled a little would be something to consider.
• Seams on the socks should be flat so as not create more pressure points on the feet. Make sure they don't have any ridges, especially near the toes or at the anklebone. Those can irritate as quick as a pebble in your boot.
• Socks should have elastic stretch to stop them from sinking down into a bundle inside your boot. Even the best hiking socks will lose elasticity at the top and sometimes folding them down over the top of the boot is the only way to get them to not slide inside when you're on the trail.
• The fit must be snug but not tight. Any bagginess between the heel and toe means its to big.

If you spend even a moderate amount of time hiking you'll need good thermal properties from your socks. In hot summer heat the sock has to allow good conduction of that heat away from the foot where it can migrate out of the boot. In cold temperatures, feet need be kept within a comfortable range.

That socks can actually perform these two contrary goals is something of a technological wonder. Yet they do. That they do that while providing support, comfort and moisture-wicking is little short of astonishing. I’m sure most of you never thought socks were so amazing.

They should have thick areas on the toe, ankle bone and heel because these are the parts that get the most wear. They should be long enough to come well above the top of the boot and fold down.

Hiking socks are more expensive than other types ($10 per pair or more),

You should have several pairs to choose from, feet change size at various times of the day or year. You'll also want a variety for different climates and for style. And, of course, your favorites will always be in the laundry. Buy three of those!

Caring for your socks:

Hiking socks aren’t cheap, and you don't want to have to replace them every month or two.

·        Wash your socks inside out, so that skin particles, salt and sweat are washed out.

·        Use a small amount of fabric softner in the wash cycle to keep your socks soft.

·        Air-dry your socks for a fresher feel and a safer dry.

·        Commercial dryers are too hot and can shrink or ruin your socks. Safer to air-dry.

·        Only use them for hiking, not everyday use.