Hiking socks

[Soled-out]

I will be going on my 2nd backpacking trip (the first one was only one night) for four nights, with plenty of hiking each day. Do I need special socks? Wool? Synthetics? Liners?

Thanks for your advice!

[terasec]

Re: Hiking socks

where abouts will you be hiking?
northern and cool? or southern and hot?
also what do you consider plenty of hiking?
wool is generally good to have,
liners are generally used in colder climates where you may sweat then freeze when you stop, liner seperates your foot from sock itself which may hold the moisture,

[hwc1954]

Re: Hiking socks

I have no idea if there is something better out there, but I've never gotten a blister hiking in a combo of polypropylene sock liners and wool blend hiking socks (like SmartWool). I tend to buy the LLBean version:

http://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?fr...ield=Relevance

These come in LIGHT, MEDIUM, and HEAVY weights. The MEDIUM is very thick and what I wear most of the time. I have a couple pair of the heavy version that I might wear i the winter.

The poly pro liners are harder to find, at least for men. REI has them, but only in white, which is kind of stupid color for hiking socks, IMO:

http://www.rei.com/product/813877/re...er-liner-socks

These Fox River X-Static liners are fantastic, but pricy:

http://www.rei.com/product/642937/fo...ic-liner-socks

The idea is that the sliding friction occurs between the liner sock and the hiking sock, rather than between your foot and the sock. So far, knock on wood, it has worked perfectly according to plan for me.

[F5Moab]

Re: Hiking socks

Besides boots that fit great, Smartwool (cushioned) full wool socks and liners for all types of weather.

[Soled-out]

Re: Hiking socks

Oh, sorry for the lack of info ..... it shows how inexperienced I am! We will be averaging about 5 miles a day, with one long day of about 13 miles, totaling 33 miles. (I am a runner and have done a marathon, but this totally intimidates me!) We'll be in NE Oregon on the Elkhorn trail, and it's supposed to be comfortably warm during the day and cold at night.

I've never worn wool socks. Are they scratchy at all?

Thanks for all your input!! I will check out your recommendations.

[terasec]

Re: Hiking socks

wool is quite comfortable, and shouldnt be itchy,
its not like a loose fitting sweater that may itch,
whats important is a good fit all around with socks/shoes/liner,
do you already have shoes/boots? or getting new pair?
should try your boots with the type of socks you intend to wear,
if new should break them in a bit,

[sunnymw]

Re: Hiking socks

Smart wool, or wigwam(budget option) or thurlough