SOCKS

It used to be that you needed to wear several pairs of socks with your hiking boots just to be comfortable. Fortunately, the way boots are made now, all you really need is a pair of liner socks and a pair of hiking socks.

Liners are important. They wick away the perspiration and help keep your feet dry. Liners are made of silk, nylon, polypropylene, Thermax, or Orlon. Keep your liners clean. At least rinse them out often so that they don’t “clog up” and lose their wicking property. Socks can be hung out to dry on the back of your pack while you walk. You can also use clothespins or safety pins to fasten drying clothes to the back of your pack.

Choose your outer pair of socks wisely. Most experts suggest a blend of wool and nylon or wool and polypropylene. Cotton is never suggested because, unlike wool, it will not keep you warm when it’s wet.

Some socks are made with added padding at the toe and heel as well as extra arch support. These socks are usually a nylon-orlon-polypropylene blend; liners are not necessary with them. Try several brands and find out what’s right for you. I discovered that mostly wool socks retained too much foot odor for my taste. Frank had absolutely no complaints with his wool-polypropylene blend.

Having frequent changes of socks prevents blisters, and you’ll particularly want to change socks during bouts of wet weather. Keep in mind that when you rinse your socks out, you should do it in a bowl or pot and not in a water source (even a stream or lake). Throw the dirty water well away from camp.