The Hiking Socks We'd Pack First Archives - Page 2 of 3

The Hiking Socks We'd Pack First

Most men sort out their boots and forget entirely about what goes inside them. That is a mistake that announces itself somewhere around mile four, usually as a blister working its way up the back of a heel. The sock does serious structural work out on the trail. Cushioning, moisture management, temperature regulation, and how well the boot actually fits around your foot, all of it comes down to the sock more than people expect. We have been paying close attention to construction, specifically to how the cushioning is zoned, whether the toe seam sits flat, and how the yarn performs when wet rather than just dry. Merino wool remains the benchmark for good reason. It handles both cold mornings and warm afternoon climbs without becoming unpleasant to wear. These are the pairs we would reach for before any others when the bag is being packed.