Hiking Socks Guide - 4 Things To Know Before You Buy

Рет қаралды 41,944

Күн бұрын

Hiking Gear for Beginners - Hiking Socks
One of the most important choices a new hiker can make is which hiking sock to choose for their next adventure. The comfort of your feet goes a long way in determining whether you have a fun outing or one to forget. We take so many steps on our hikes that it is vital that we provide our feet with the proper socks to keep them in their peak performance zone.
This video discusses 4 things to consider before buying your first pair of hiking socks. I also discuss a few tips and tricks to be aware of as you search for the proper fitting hiking sock, for you. Some of the brands I show include Darn Tough, REI, Wrightsock, Injinji toe socks, Smartwool socks, and more...
👇 Recommended Socks 👇
Darn Tough Micro Crew - bit.ly/35S7CdO
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion - bit.ly/35PrbUh
Darn Tough 1/4 Hikers - bit.ly/2Oxur36
Wrightsock CoolMesh II Crew Socks - shorturl.at/nQS47
Wrightsock Lt Hike Crew - shorturl.at/pIJQ6
Wrightsock Eco Hike Crew Sock - shorturl.at/euFNX
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew - bit.ly/3kWhk8a
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Mini - bit.ly/3v6CC7D
Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew - bit.ly/30qchU6
Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew - amzn.to/3sZwJHG
Farm to Feet Damascus 1/4 Crew Socks - amzn.to/3t4K01Q
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Hammock - www.lighterpack.com/r/81i7aq
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👇 SOME OF MY FAVORITE GEAR 👇
Backpack - LiteAF Curve 40L - liteaf.com/product/ultra-40l-...
Hammock - Dutchware Chameleon - dutchwaregear.com/product/cha...
Tarp - Hammock Gear Dyneema Standard w doors - hammockgear.sjv.io/AW6zQj
Top Quilt Warm - UGQ Bandit Quilt 50 - ugqoutdoor.com/product/bandit...
Top Quilt Cool - Enlightened Equipment 20 - bit.ly/2RZOI14
Under Quilt - Hammock Gear Incubator UL - hammockgear.sjv.io/nLdOZ6
Bear Bag (Printed) - Hilltop Packs - collabs.shop/fxqc1n
Bear Canister - bit.ly/42K4wXW, bit.ly/3nbhVIf
Camp Knife - Mora Garberg Carbon - amzn.to/3jrewzw
Stove - BRS 3000T - amzn.to/31OQcAg
Pocket Bellows - amzn.to/3rUsRZa
Cup - Toaks Titanium 650 mL - bit.ly/2U2vXvs
Water Filter - Katadyn Befree 1L - bit.ly/2ZrsKam
Water bottle - Hydrapak UltraFlask 600mL - bit.ly/2Fr9XVO
Satellite Communicator - Garmin inReach Mini 2 - bit.ly/3WWk7jh
Headlamp - Nitecore NU25 - amzn.to/3E7FBD1
Rain Shell - Arc'teryx Beta LT - alnk.to/fHj8aHs
Jacket - Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hoody - amzn.to/35K376Y
Base Layer top - Smartwool 150 - bit.ly/2OAxJmb
Base Layer Bottom - Smartwool 150 - bit.ly/2AhbVFm
Chair - Helinox Chair Zero - bit.ly/2GGVEtL
Trekking Poles - Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork - bit.ly/31bq8vP
Pants - Prana Stretch Zion - bit.ly/3rHx8Og
Hoody Shirt - Patagonia Capilene Cool - patagonia.pxf.io/Y9emRP
Pullover - Appalachian Gear Co All-Paca Fleece - bit.ly/3Ayzuoa
Socks - Darn Tough - bit.ly/35S7CdO
Shoes - Altra Lone Peak - alnk.to/9T8rhzT
This video description does include affiliate links. Affiliate links help support the channel at no extra cost to you!
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0:00 - Intro
0:42 - Overview
1:22 - Materials - Cotton, Wool, Synthetic, Blends
3:42 - Cushioning Overview
4:09 - Light Cushioning
4:29 - Mid Cushioning
4:59 - Heavy Cushioning
5:53 - Length Overview
6:09 - Boot Length
6:25 - Crew Length
6:49 - 1/4 Cut Length
7:01 - No Show Length
7:15 - Sock Protection
8:08 - Fit
9:25 - Seams
10:03 - Liners
11:12 - Toe Socks - Injinji
11:54 - My Favorite
#AndyParrishOutdoors

Пікірлер: 102

@gratefulhikes 3 жыл бұрын

Great Video Andy. I just picked up a few pair of my favorite darn toughs in 1-4 height for the season. So far I love the new height. I used to wear smartwool but I wore them thru and they refused to fulfill their satisfaction guarantee. Darn tough on the other hand has been a great company to deal with. I have about 2900 miles on my "newest" crew height socks and while they have lost 15g of material over that life span they are still useable! no holes yet! Thanks again for another great video. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. I hope your next miles are kind. Be well. -Grateful

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael. I've had very similar experiences with smartwool. Very comfortable but just not super durable. I also wore the Costco wool sock early on. Great value, but short lifespan. The darn tough ones are now many years old and still going strong... I am testing a new option, not in the video, but I need more time/miles before I can give my thoughts...

@gratefulhikes 3 жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors I am so lucky to know what socks work for me and keep my feet happy. I never got many blisters but my feet definitely are more happy in the darn toughs. I’d love to try some other sock options some day, but I have other gear I need to get sorted out first! Would love to hear your thoughts on the new socks when you are done testing them! Be well -Grateful

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

I definitely will! What gear are you working on?

@gratefulhikes 3 жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors right now I’m trying out different lower base layers, hoodies, and warm hats. Lower Base layers are nearly out of stock in stores in my area so I may have to pause that research till the fall. Hoodies are trendy right now and prices reflect it, so since I’m saving for a 2022 AT attempt I have to restrain myself at times. For warm hats it is more about materials and how well do they do with odor and how well do they stay on while sleeping. I will be trying out an umbrella when it starts raining here next month. What other gear are you trying out currently?

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie? bit.ly/2PX8gBf I have really enjoyed those and the Smartwool 150s for my base layers. Those work great for me in most environments. One is a bit cooler and one is a bit warmer... I'm also testing a few fleece/pullover options right now. Some of the most talked about ones. I wanted to do a comparison... I'm also testing the new ultralight hammock from Dutchware and some new meal items...

@degulliver Ай бұрын

love the wrightsocks Merino Escape Crew. I make 4 day marches of 50k a day and never had a blister.

@eternalknyght7378 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate your advice and thoughts. Thanks for so much great info!

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@roozbehnaghshin569 Жыл бұрын

Thanks dear Andy I’m addictive to Smartwool for one or two days hiking. And even in summer wearing mid or high cushion ones. But I will try the Darn tough if they come with mid or high cushion.

@thomaspaler4802 Жыл бұрын

first time to listen to all-about-socks talk, but it good🤓. Seamless socks are the best.

@CreachterZ 2 жыл бұрын

After watching a bunch of videos, you finally got my questions answered. Thanks so much!

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@jimmycburfield5997 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Very informative and interesting

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jimmy!

@inkbythebarrelandpaperbyth6905 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome overview.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@ertatta Жыл бұрын

Darn tuff for me all the way. Protects me from blistering even when hiking in late spring when getting wet due to unmelted snow & high flowing streams. Very comfortable & an unbeatable warranty!

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

I do love my darn toughs... Maybe not the most comfortable. But they function just the way you'd hope and they are very durable...

@gregward5887 5 ай бұрын

Great informative, to the point presentation! 👏

@AndyParrishOutdoors 5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@radiantheartwoman Жыл бұрын

FITS socks are so great! Wool, good range on different height and cushions, flat seams. Long lasting. Love them

@AndyParrishOutdoors 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for mentioning them. I'll add them to the list to test out.

@idegobalfor8002 2 жыл бұрын

Darn tough, great so far going for first wash (comment after), but still have UK army issue socks from 30 years ago just getting a bit thin on bottom to offer proper insulation but no holes.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Let's see if they can last you years also!

@MargueretteLorah Жыл бұрын

I’ve always worn 6-pack socks my whole life. I bought a pair of darn tough 6 months ago and never expected a sock to feel so good and supportive on my feet. Love that there’s no slipping and I don’t get athletes foot with them. Quality is pricy but totally worth it. Those toe socks look cool and I might try a pair

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

The darn tough really do wear well... &n The injinji socks are really funky looking aren't they?

@MargueretteLorah Жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors they are! Darn tough has some great designs too

@WR3ND 2 жыл бұрын

Decided to pick up my daughter at school by walking to it and then home with her wearing some fairly new nice ranger work boots to break them in a bit more using my regular casual socks. Huge mistake! I didn't get blisters; I got the skin on the back of my heels torn off. Going to try it again after my feet heal in a week or two. Got Fox River Classic medium weight sport for the inside layer pair and Wigwam Rod and Rifle hiker for the outside layer pair. Never spent so much on two pairs of socks before, but hopefully worth it. Wish me luck!

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

😬 I hope you heal up quickly! That sounds awful.

@warrenrosenthal716 3 жыл бұрын

Good information. I use Darn Tough.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Warren. Which darn tough version do you use? Micro Crew cushions? Or something different?

@warrenrosenthal716 3 жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors the boot length the one you showed in the video.

@billmacfarlane8864 3 жыл бұрын

Also...I like using the Injini toe socks as liners

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Are you taking those to Philmont?

@billmacfarlane8864 3 жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors Yes

@rumrunner1698 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been in smartwools for a while, but the heat/humidity here in the US south turns my boots into soup after about an hour. About to go get fitted for breathable Salomons and new socks for spring/summer hikes. Currently in 5.11 combat boots. The weight and support difference will literally be night and day.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

I like light and breathable options too for my warm weather hikes... 👍

@michaelschoeppel7657 9 ай бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors Which 8:10 manufacturer of wool 8:01 socks have diabetic ones

@karlrovey 2 жыл бұрын

My first pairs of hiking socks were a Wigwam wool sock and liner set. I got three pairs (socks and liners) with that original purchase. They're still going strong despite being over 10 years old. They've outlasted some synthetic and blend pairs I've had.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

I've not had such good luck with wigwam. My 1st pair of wigwam wool socks wore a whole in less than a year. 😔

@jasonholly7346 2 жыл бұрын

I wanted to buy a wool sweater but need to save money so I satisfied my shopping craving by expanding my darn tough collection. Now watching sock videos on KZfaq.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

That will be a long lasting collection!

@jasonholly7346 2 жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors I figure at least my hobby is useful 🤷‍♀️

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

I've built a nice collection myself, and I haven't had to add to it for a long time. I used them all the time... Enjoy!

@WeileWorld 2 жыл бұрын

I have not had blisters in the first few weeks with the Darn Tough Crew Midweight. It has been a huge problem for me in the past. I hope to try Darn Tough Crew Lightweight in Greece soon when I go on vacation.

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

Great to hear!!! I hope that continues. The Wrightsocks are also really good for that too...

@greekveteran2715 6 ай бұрын

What socks would you recomend, for Summers and winters in Greece please? I'd really appreciate your opinion, I'm a new hiker and I want to get the best I can. PS Darn Tough, is the only brand, that they don't sell anywhere here, so I'd rather have a description of type, or maybe the materials of the socks? Thanks in advance and Happy new Year!

@AndyParrishOutdoors 6 ай бұрын

I'd look for wool & synthetic blend that fits well. Not too tight or loose. For warmer weather thinner lighter weight socks typically perform better for temperature regulation and moisture management... Thicker can be better in the winter, but just make sure they aren't so heavy/warm that you are sweating a lot in colder weather when you hike...

@operationseekingtruth 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man for this well thought out video. I’m already sold on Darn Tough Socks. On long hikes I even wear to pair to help reduce friction. Going to share this with our hiking group Operation Coddiwomple. Love to have you come check us out and share some knowledge.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I'm glad you found it useful!

@Dakota.Covers 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video!!! I am looking to purchase some socks for desert backpacking. I LOVE backpacking in my Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks for the mountains and cooler temperatures. Will the Darn Tough 1/4 midweight work well in the desert with trail runners? I’m comparing this to farm to feet Damascus lightweight technical 1/4 crew and wonder which might be better for desert?

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

I tend to prefer the lighter weight options in hotter environments. But the darn tough do a great job of temperature & moisture management too...

@Dakota.Covers 3 жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors I’ll try both at home before we travel! Thanks

@greekveteran2715 6 ай бұрын

Has anybody tried, Horizon - Primaloft Explorer Extreme socks please? Are these beter than Smartwool socks? I'm searching for the best I can get, for not the coldest weather, but still winter medium length hike/trekking socks, on rocky/gravel and mud paths. Thanks in advance

@setshootstrike6147 Жыл бұрын

I have worked outdoors for over 30 years. Rain, snow, blistering heat, unless there is lightening in our direct area, we still work. When you HAVE to be outside in the elements for hours at a time, you figure out ways to stay warm, dry, or cool. You have no choice, you can't do good work if you are freezing, wet or boiling hot. My gear is my life. I can not do what I do everyday and be uncomfortable or even worse, in pain. Darn Tough socks are by far the most important part of my gear. If I'm an hour into a 16 hour day and my feet are wet or cold? It is going to be a horrible and unproductive day. I put my Darn Tough Nomad (twisted yarn) socks on in the morning and never think about them again. They disappear and become a part of me. No adjustment, nothing. They regulate my foot temperature, so when I'm in the snow, my feet are warm...when I am eating lunch indoors, my feet are cool. They are also made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty, I can't imagine why anyone would wear anything else?!

@markburrell2778 2 жыл бұрын

The Wrightsocks are the best in my experiences. The Escape in warm weather and the Eco Hike in cold weather. The Darn Tough are too hot for all day walking in warm weather. The weave in the material is super tight. Get the Cushion for hiking and the Full Cushion for deer hunting. The Smartwool PHD socks are good in cold weather. Farm to Feet are good in cool weather. Don't worry about longevity. Comfort is the goal. But a good sock is useless in a crappy shoe.

@TheDcmcleod Жыл бұрын

I agree I like Wrightsocks so I bought my daughter a pair for Christmas and she did not like them at all.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 9 ай бұрын

Wrightsock is my absolute favorite brand for running socks. they are fantastic. and they do have some great options in the hiking space.

@kriswalker3275 Жыл бұрын

When you doulbe up on sox do your boots need to be a size and a half or two sizes bigger?

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

It really depends on the thickness of the socks you are using. I tend to prefer a bit more room in my boots since I tend to wear them in colder environments with thicker socks. If you use a sock like the Wrightsock options with double layers built in you can choose from thin, to medium, to thicker cushion for whatever you prefer...

@iamapigeyedtraitorthatisin1319 Жыл бұрын

What kind of socks would be best for a long hike in hot weather? Would it be better to go for lightweight socks to keep cool but sacrificing some cushioning for the long hike or middleweight socks that might get a bit warm but will provide suitable cushioning? Thanks

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

I would also factor in your footwear sock combination... A really breathable shoe could pair with a midweight better than a less breathable boot for example ... That might go better with a lightweight option... Or a heavy cushioned shoe might pair better with a lighterweight sock...

@iamapigeyedtraitorthatisin1319 Жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors I didn't even think about that. I'm just barely getting into hiking and have been on just a few hikes. I do have some Merrell Moab speed boots which I find really comfortable. I guess I'll go with a middle type cushion.

@CreachterZ 2 жыл бұрын

If I wear a size 10 shoe and that is the break point between a medium and large sock, which one would you suggest?

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

I'd probably buy them both an try each on. And return the one you like least. If the larger one is still snug enough, I'd probably go with that over one stretched to its max.. Just make sure you aren't sliding around in it...

@CreachterZ 2 жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors Thanks. Good advice.

@nseriousget8165 2 жыл бұрын

what do you think abt 100% merino socks?

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

they will be great with moisture & stink management as well as fairly comfortable (feel). The drawback is they will typically be less durable vs a merino blend or a full synthetic.

@manuelmazza656 Жыл бұрын

Hi Andy! I ‘m new here and i would like to have some advices for my next trip cause it ‘s much more extreme than everything i ever done before. I’m going to a 6 days trekking into Guatemala forest! Which combinatorial of socks and shoes will you suggest? Don’t care about the budget! After that i ‘m hiking mount acatenango which is a 4000 m volcano. Thanks

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

Darn tough socks are probably still my favorite. They are a very durable wool blend sock. I'd you are expecting very warm temps, you may opt for a full synthetic sock like the wrightsock cool mesh... It does very well wicking moisture... Footwear is tougher. Do you prefer boots or lowercut hiking shoes?

@manuelmazza656 Жыл бұрын

@@AndyParrishOutdoors hi Andy! Thanks for replying to me. For sure I prefer lowercut hiking shoes

@basedpatriotLT 2 жыл бұрын

I see some hiking socks with cotton blend, sales text is claiming that blend does help the sweat evaporate. Also claims that they use a "flat seams" which is not as abrasive to your feet. Can cotton socks still be an option?

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Cotton just doesn't have the characteristics that I am looking for in a hiking sock. cotton holds on to moisture more than the alternatives. Yes, Flat seams or seamless are the better options...

@John-ei8wq Жыл бұрын

Bad seams on a sock can drive you nuts quickly.

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

And potentially lead to blisters.

@unsung4189 Жыл бұрын

Welp, they are “Darn Tuff” and they have a great warranty… replace with no questions asked. But what about walkability??? There are several socks out there, hiking specific, that that are much more effective for the sport. Farm to feet are cushioned that are comparable to DT but much more comfortable. Double layered, no blister socks that protect my feet. I get quick blisters with DT. Before you invest on several pairs… compare !!!

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

I'm a big fan of Wrightsock and my buddy loves injinji... It makes sense to try a couple before buying a bunch of one...

@jbarres80 Жыл бұрын

Only socks I can wear are ankle or no show

@AndyParrishOutdoors 9 ай бұрын

I struggle with no shows just because they slide too much. I think it has something to do with the shape of my foot. I've tried multiple brands with no luck... The ankle one on the other hand are my favorite warm weather length...

@encapsulatio 3 жыл бұрын

Stance socks with their Infiknit technology is probably even thoughter than Darn Tough.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 3 жыл бұрын

I'll take a look. Thanks for sharing!

@deet7683 3 жыл бұрын

I second that on the Stance!

@geraldwest3428 11 ай бұрын

Grip6 socks.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 9 ай бұрын

I've not had a chance to test them out. What was your experience?

@geraldwest3428 9 ай бұрын

@AndyParrishOutdoors excellent so far. I'm hard on socks. I got the boot length and they are wearing great. Certainly recommend them.

@John-ei8wq Жыл бұрын

Grippy socks 🧦 👀🥷

@amandawhitaker976 9 ай бұрын

If you are on a tight budget for hiking socks.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 9 ай бұрын

I started with wool blend socks from Costco.

@DevidYaldo 2 жыл бұрын

Fox river

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

I've only used their liner socks...

@hustonbustinggg6428 Жыл бұрын

Walmart socks

@AndyParrishOutdoors Жыл бұрын

are better than target socks! 😂

@rustyshackleford17 Жыл бұрын

Tip 1) Buy Darn Tough and be done with it. Tip 2) Buy comparable brands, probably be disappointed and go back to Darn Tough. Tip 3) When you resigned yourself to Darn Tough, then look at small people with fancy fibers...then realize you just dropped $50 for a sock. All joking aside, there are better socks out there than Darn Tough. But when you start looking into added warmth for the same (or less) bulk, your options get very narrow very fast. They get very expensive, very fast. You almost always sacrifice durability. Buy 4-5 pair of midweights and the same for heavy weight. You'll probably have them for a decade.

@AndyParrishOutdoors 9 ай бұрын

I'm a fan of Wrightsock and I have also used Smartwool as well... Lately I've been testing out alpaca socks too...

@craiggardner5525 2 жыл бұрын

1 Word 1 Brand 1 Company SILVERLIGHT

@AndyParrishOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

I've been interested in trying them out. Thanks. 👍

@labellaescrima1996 Жыл бұрын

sorry to tell you this Andy but Darn Tough are the worst, I've had six pairs all of them had holes within a year or wearing them and I had a hard time to get the warranty for life respected by Darn Tough had to wait a hole year before they replied and send me other pairs which I gave away, seriously. My favourite are Smartwool, Icebreaker, Injinji, Wigwam the quality is much better and none of them have holes in them it's been five years now. Also isn't it funny that the only company that has a life warranty is Darn Tough, none of the others have that warranty and I have no holes in them, coincidence?????

@AndyParrishOutdoors 9 ай бұрын

Interesting. I'm glad you found alternatives that you like and appreciate you sharing them with the community. Over the last 10 years I've gone through quite a few different brands and they all have worn down eventually. But for me the Darn tough took the longest... I'm just now getting ready to submit 2 pairs for the warranty claim.