Socks

Comfortable socks that wick moisture away from your feet will be quite necessary for hiking. The right socks prevent blisters and the other scourges of trekking.

The basic formula for backpacking involves two pairs of socks used in conjunction: a thin, 'wicking' pair and a thick wool pair. Together, they offer superior protection from waterlogged feet and blisters.

How many pairs and types of socks you bring is dependent upon what you plan to do. For those who are doing anywhere from intermediate to serious hiking, I would recommend two pair of wicking socks (keep one pair dry), one to two pair of medium-thickness hiking socks, and two pairs heavy duty trekking socks. This offers the most flexibility in possible combinations and is most responsive to your evolving foot care needs.

You could, for instance, wear a medium thickness sock when in town, a wicking sock and heavy trekking sock when in the foothills, and a combination of wicking sock, medium hiking sock and heavy trekking sock when your feet are acting up on the most difficult alpine ascents.

The wicking sock should be made of a material that wicks moisture off your foot such as Coolmax. Fox River makes a nice wick dry liner sock.

In terms of the medium and heavy duty socks, you'll want a product with at least 75% wool. Personally, I owe my feet's durability to the Smartwool brand. Smartwool is a synthetic/wool blend that offers the best socks on the market. Their Medium Cushion Hiking Socks are an excellent hiking sock, while their Heavy Cushion Trekking sock should be available and your local backpacking store.