Hiking Socks

After your boots, the second most important piece of gear you use is your socks. There are a lot of myths behind what socks you should use. If you still use the two sock method, that’s ok, just realize that there is better technology available.

There are various ultra light articles circulating the internet that tell you to cut corners to save some weight and money; they claim you should use dress socks instead of wool socks. We’re begging you for your own sake not to! Do yourself a favor and DO NOT use cotton socks under any circumstances. Cotton socks will hold your sweat and cause you to blister.

The point of a sock is to prevent your foot from rubbing against your boot and to fill any spaces that may allow your foot to move. Make sure you are using at the very least a wool sock. Merino Wool is the best, but it can sometimes be expensive.

If you ask any Philmont Ranger, we will tell you to buy Point 6 socks. We can go on for hours telling you how the merino wool fibers aligned into their compact spun yarn which makes for a thicker, better sock that lasts longer than any other sock. Or how the Merino Wool will naturally regulate your body temperature to 98.6, where your body is most comfortable (and they get their name from). How the sock uses elastic to firmly fit the sock onto your foot not allowing it to move. It keeps warm even when wet. The list goes on and on. When you are on the trail, ask your ranger. They’ll keep talking until you get to camp about it.

With the socks on the market today there is no need for a liner sock. You just need the wool sock.