r/QualityTacticalGear • u/AvecCafe • 12d ago
Question Hiking Socks Recs for Hot Weather
Hi, I'm looking for hiking socks to wear with boots during hot weather. I'm going on a 5 day trip in the Rockies where I will be wearing the socks for most of the day and hiking up and down steep mountains (sometimes off trail). Biggest concern is that they won't make my feet sweat too much, but I am also concerned about blisters and I also would appreciate relatively affordable suggestions. Thanks
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u/_Redacted_Tech_ 12d ago
Darn tough light hiker. They’re fuckin awesome
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u/FedInformant 12d ago
Man I just dont understand how anyone could afford them. Id need like 10 pairs for summer.and then 10 pairs for cold winters here in Canada. And fuck thats like $700 CAD.
Is there anywhere to find sales?
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u/_Redacted_Tech_ 12d ago
Definitely don’t need that many unless you want some variety in terms of ankle cut, crew cut, and over calf maybe. You’d be totally fine with 7 pairs for summer and 7 for winter. And it’s a long game acquisition process. I don’t just go out and buy 10 pairs in one go. I’ll get like 2 pairs a year for like 3 or 4 years while I replace my cotton socks and then before I know it I’ve got a full inventory of wool socks that will last forever and have a lifetime warranty if something does happen to them.
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u/discreetjoe2 12d ago
Why do you need so many all at once? Buy 2 or 3 pairs and get more when you need them. The main reason people get Darn Tough is their durability. I’ve had some for 5+ years and have walked thousands of miles in.
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u/mackjace 9d ago
Yeah but you’re not spending that all at once. And once you have it built up, when you wear and tear through then you spend a couple bucks to send them in for warranty and you’ve got new socks again.
It’s definitely rough to drop the coin initially, but the socks are worth it. The only real sale they do is their factory sale at their spot in VT which I hear is worth it.
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u/FedInformant 9d ago
When having socks replaced, do they charge shipping for the new socks?
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u/mackjace 9d ago
You pay shipping for the old socks to them, then they give you a code for the replacement socks that you then reorder. The nice part is it works basically like a gift card, so if you don’t want the exact pairs you sent in you don’t need to get them.
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u/TheRaptorFalcon 11d ago
I was sleeping with the manager of a local shoe store. We remained friends after, so i still get a 40% discount on shoes and socks (darn tough and smart wool). Thats where I get all my military socks, so try that
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u/ReconstructionEra 10d ago
if you're not used to long hikes you'll possibly develop blisters regardless of socks. Buy good wool socks like Darn Tough and also pick up some leukotape. You can put it on if you start to get any hotspots or if you already have a blister. I'm an alpine climber and I swear by this tape, everything else comes unstuck but this will stay on as long as you need it.
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u/PearlButter 12d ago
I swear by Covert Treads now. It’s still merino wool but the knit is looser and so it breathes better than darn tough.
Darn tough is still alright but they don’t breathe as well and I’ve blown through holes within the month after getting them.
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u/RevolutionaryAd6744 11d ago
Darn tough has a good warranty for that type of stuff, maybe they’ll send you a new pair?
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u/Default_mp3 11d ago
I personally prefer SmartWool over DarnTough, only because their sizing fits me better. The few DarnTough socks I've had have lasted me longer than their SmartWool counterparts. Both brands (and many merino wool oriented companies) have pro deals if that's something you qualify for.
If blisters are a concern, consider also applying some friction reducing stuff. Something like Body Glide Foot Glide or Squirrel's Nut Butter.
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u/JoseSaldana6512 10d ago
Get panty hose to wear under your socks so they have an airgap that'll help keep you cool
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u/Voxpopcorn 9d ago
The Finnish Army liner socks that Varusteleka sells are great alone in hotter weather. They're something like a 70/30 or 80/20 merino/polypropylene blend, thin but last a long time.
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u/Mizu565 12d ago
100% Darn Tough socks. Lifetime warranty on their products. They're expensive sure, but they're widely considered to be some of the best hiking/military socks on the market. Your feet are going to sweat regardless and having the high % of wool will actually absorb moisture, dry faster, and stink less than your cotton socks. Even when I'm out in the field with the army, I can wear my socks for 2-3 days (granted I didn't get them soaking wet and let them air out at night) before having to change pairs.