12 Best Hiking Socks for Thru Hikers & Backpackers [2024]

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This is a mountain climbing gear evaluate of the Best Hiking Socks for backpacking 2024.

The humble sock is commonly little considered by hikers as spend extra time taking a look at good high quality mountain climbing boots, mountain climbing sneakers, or ultralight path runners for mountain climbing. Most socks usually are not suited to the calls for of mountain climbing. A extra sturdy and extra comfy sort of sock is required. This is the place the common-or-garden mountain climbing sock is available in.

I’m going to cowl the most effective socks for mountain climbing, the most effective socks for thru-hiking, and the most effective socks for backpacking. All the nice mountain climbing socks available on the market which are within the checklist beneath are for each women and men.

How We Tested

All the Hiking Socks on this evaluate have been extensively evaluated and researched by the professional creator who has a few years of expertise in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the Socks had been bought by the creator for this evaluate. They have been rigorously examined by the creator in every kind of climate throughout 1000’s of miles of thru-hiking and backpacking journeys into the backcountry. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to give you the most effective mountain climbing socks for 2024. Read the Review Policy for additional particulars.

Best Socks for Hiking and Backpacking 2024

The Best Socks for Hiking and Backpacking in 2024 are:

Best Socks for Hiking – Overall

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Sock

Pros:
> Excellent buyer rankings
> Great for maintaining ft heat
> Moisture-wicking merino wool
> Knitted for mid-level cushioning
> Made within the USA
Cons:
> There have been combined opinions concerning whether or not they’re true to dimension

I’ve hiked 1000s of miles in these socks together with the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. Darn Tough’s midweight socks are the actual deal and are the most effective mountain climbing socks available on the market proper now, particularly for anybody in search of sturdy socks.

These ones are micro crew top, which implies that they peak simply above the peak of a standard normal mountain climbing boot. 

They’re fabricated from principally merino wool at 61%, and in addition 36% nylon, and three% Lycra Spandex to present it somewhat little bit of stretch. 

The Merino wool is thermo-regulating and can help in wicking sweat away. This means that it’s going to hold your ft at a snug temperature it doesn’t matter what the climate is doing come summer time or winter.

I used and examined these socks whereas thru-hiking. What makes these such good socks for mountain climbing, thru-hiking, and backpacking is the mid-level cushion density alongside the only real of the sock. Even after a number of days of use, I persistently discovered these socks to be comfy and comparatively stink-free. I additionally discovered them to do a great job of maintaining my ft heat when wanted.

They additionally function an undetectable flat seam on the toes. This function has eliminated a whole lot of inside rubbing when sporting your Hiking Boots, Hiking Shoes, or Trail Runners and reduces the possibility of getting blisters. 

Darn Tough hiker socks are made within the USA, particularly in Northfield, Vermont, the place they’re each designed and knitted. 

The different factor that impressed me about these socks is how they’re backed by a lifetime assure. I’ve used this guarantee for worn-out socks and might advise that they stand by their product.

Overall, these Darn Tough Micro Crew midweight hiker socks are the most effective socks for backpacking in 2024.

Best Socks for Hiking – Runner Up

Smartwool Light Hike Cushion Crew Socks

Pros:
> Merino wool socks are  ZQ-certified
> Light cushion alongside backside
> Breathable & moisture wicking
> Areas bolstered the place wanted
> Uses 28% recycled nylon
Cons:
> Although it incorporates recycled supplies, it’s not made up of 100% recycled supplies

What I really like about these socks is how the Merino wool is sourced. The Smartwool Hike socks are  ZQ-certified so as to promote environmental, and financial sustainability and on the similar time assist to safeguard animal welfare.

Better but, a lot of the nylon used so as to add somewhat stretch to the Merino wool is recycled, making it a extra sustainable sock.

It has gentle cushioning alongside the underside and are moisture-wicking to take care of your sweat, and there are mesh panels for final breathability. 

The socks attain 8 inches in top, which implies that your mountain climbing boots don’t have the possibility to rub the pores and skin in your ankles. 

The excessive quantity of nylon in these socks, particularly in high-wear areas. The toe space is just about seamless, and the socks keep proper in place all through the hike.

Overall, the Smartwool Performance Hike Lightweight Hiking Sock is tremendous comfy with a few of the greatest cushioning and among the best summer time mountain climbing socks.

Compare Prices:

Best Summer Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion

Pros:
> Excellent buyer rankings
> Great for maintaining ft heat
> Moisture-wicking merino wool
> Knitted for mid-level cushioning
> Made within the USA
Cons:
> There aren’t many shade choices obtainable, and they’re all somewhat boring

The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion socks are significantly good summer time mountain climbing socks. I’ve in all probability lined extra miles of mountain climbing and backpacking in these socks then another.

The Darn Tough Light Hiker micro crew are crew-length socks, which implies that they peak simply above the peak of a standard normal mountain climbing boot. 

They’re fabricated from composite materials, principally light-weight merino wool at 59%, and in addition 39% nylon, and a pair of% Lycra spandex to present it somewhat little bit of stretch. And as a result of it’s acquired a lot Merino wool, it’s going to wick your sweat away and do a great job at stopping smelly ft.

The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew are Merino wool mountain climbing socks which are thermo-regulating, which implies that they’ll hold your ft at a snug temperature it doesn’t matter what the climate is doing come summer time or winter. I’ve used these socks in tremendous scorching deserts and freezing chilly alpine environments and located them to be good at regulating the temperature when wanted.

They are light-weight socks with a skinny layer of cushioning going all alongside the bottom – simply what you want for a protracted thru-hike. When it involves skinny mountain climbing socks and summer time mountain climbing socks these ones ought to be one of many first ones it is best to contemplate.

The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks have been redesigned from earlier socks, with higher breathability due to the mesh panels on the highest of the foot. And there’s additionally prolonged cushioning over the Achilles.

And higher but, Darn Tough’s socks will keep proper in place all through your hike, with no slouching or bunching to fret about. 

It additionally options an undetectable seam on the toes – it’s nearly seamless. And this manner your socks gained’t rub in opposition to the insides of your mountain climbing boot and trigger discomfort. 

It’s obtainable in a alternative of 8 completely different colours, specifically black, gray, taupe, and denim.

All of which look very masculine. It’s additionally obtainable in 5 completely different sizes, specifically small, medium, giant, X-large, and XX-large.

And fortunately the value doesn’t go up by a lot for the larger sizes. To see the scale chart, merely click on on “check price” to be taken to the product web page. 

And, offered you get the best match, there might be no slipping, no bunching, and no blisters. 

The Darn Tough Light Hiker Merino Crew Light Cushion hiker socks are made proper right here within the good outdated US of A. Specifically in Northfield, Vermont, the place it’s each designed and knitted. 

The different factor that impressed me about these socks is how they arrive backed by a lifetime assure. I don’t find out about you, however that was the primary time I’ve ever heard of an merchandise of clothes coming with a lifetime assure. Get a gap and return them, yep, it’s that easy.

The Darn Tough Light Hiker Socks are the most effective socks for thru-hiking, the most effective summer time mountain climbing socks, and the most effective light-weight mountain climbing sock. I’ve used them on each thru-hike I’ve performed.

Best Winter Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full Cushion Socks

Pros:
> Warm in Winter, cool in summer time
> High Merino Woll content material
> Lifetime guarantee
> Good at wicking moisture away from the pores and skin
Cons:
> A little bit too thick to make use of as a summer time mountain climbing sock

The Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion Socks are good thicker socks which are excellent for winter hikes.

The Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion Socks are a pleasant mix of 66% Merino Wool, 32% Nylon, and a pair of% Lycra Spandex. Add to that the complete cushioning for additional consolation.

They are tremendous comfy however all that consolation does add to a little bit of bulk. So bear in mind that in case your mountain climbing boots or winter mountain climbing boots are a good match then these socks will make them even tighter. But they’ll hold you heat when winter mountain climbing.

Overall, the Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion Socks are among the best winter mountain climbing socks for 2024.

Best Socks to Prevent Blisters

Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew Anti Blister Socks

Pros:
> Combined internal and outer layer sock
> Really works to stop blisters
> Made within the USA
> Wrightsock ensures these socks will forestall blisters
> Very sturdy and long-lasting
Cons:
> Hikers are reporting that the model has modified lately and they don’t seem to be as sturdy as they was once.

The Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew Anti Blister Socks are the most effective mountain climbing socks to stop blisters. This isn’t just a declare, it truly works and so they assure that they won’t provide you with blisters.

The Wrightsock Coolmesh II Crew Anti Blister Socks incorporate an internal and outer sock in a novel manner that every one the rubbing takes place between the sock layers and never between your ft and socks. By doing this these socks can forestall blisters. My associate has been utilizing these socks for a few years and has by no means had a blister whereas sporting these socks. Ever.

The internal layer is skinny and clean and wicks moisture away out of your pores and skin. The outer layer is a extra sturdy mix model of the identical materials used on the internal layer.

Overall, these are the most effective socks to stop blisters when mountain climbing and backpacking. If you appear to get a number of blisters and have tried all the pieces then attempt these. The firm will assure that you’ll not get blisters whereas utilizing these socks.

Best Hiking Socks for Australia and New Zealand

Macpac Merino Hiker Socks 

Pros:
> Prevents sock using down
> Moisture-wicking properties
> Thermo-regulating wool
> Breathable mesh paneling
> Full loop pile cushioning
Cons:
> Tight match across the decrease calf space
> Only obtainable in Australia and New Zealand

When I examined these socks I actually appreciated the elasticated foot arch to stop the sock from using down.

Like most of the socks on this evaluate, they’re made with merino wool for that all-important thermo-regulation and moisture-wicking properties. And it additionally options mesh paneling by way of the highest of the foot for breathability.

The sock is a pleasant top, one that may cease your mountain climbing boots from rubbing the pores and skin in your ankles.

It’s obtainable in 2 colours, specifically black, and darkish gray. It’s additionally obtainable in 3 completely different sizes, specifically small, medium, and enormous.

If I may discover something to criticize about these socks it might be that they’re tighter across the calf part than most different socks. This retains them in place higher than most and means they work somewhat like a compression sock. While I feel the tighter match is nice, it is not going to be for everybody.

Overall, these are the Best Hiking Socks for Australia and New Zealand which is the one place you should buy these socks. Having used them on a number of hikes I really like the complete cushion on these socks. They work nicely in chilly climate and heat climate too.

Best Toe Socks for Hiking

Injinji Liner Toe Socks

Pros:
> Good at stopping blisters
> They make good liner socks
> Lightweight Socks
> Comfortable
> Quick Drying
Cons:
> Most folks will both love them or hate them.
> Can be uncomfortable for some folks

The Injinji Toe Socks have a big following of devoted hikers and backpackers who love these socks. I have to admit that I believed they had been a little bit of a gimmick and never price making this checklist however I bought a pair and took them out on a number of hikes.

The first time I attempted them on, I seen that the Injinji Toe Socks include particular left socks and proper socks that are particularly molded to suit every particular person toe. It took some time to guarantee that every toe was completely fitted into every particular person toe pouch. So there’s a small studying curve that takes a little bit of time to grasp.

Once the Injinji Toe Socks had been fitted, I discovered that they felt tremendous comfy and appeared to permit extra airflow round every particular person toe. This additional breathability appeared to help in stopping blisters because the sock materials will rub up in opposition to one another as a substitute of the pores and skin of the toes rubbing. In truth, when testing these socks in scorching humid summer time climate I didn’t get any blisters. I examined them path working, day mountain climbing, and wore them for a number of days round city with out washing them.

There are a number of completely different choices of Toe Socks however the Coolmax Liner Toe Sock is the best choice. Especially as a liner sock or as a summer time sock that may be worn underneath different socks. These are made with a mix of 75% Coolmax, 21% nylon, and 4% Lycra spandex.

Some hikers and backpackers will discover that these toe socks is not going to work for them. Most folks complain that they’re simply not comfy. There is one solution to discover out. Buy a pair and also you would possibly simply be a kind of people who wouldn’t think about using the rest. Maybe you can be pleasantly shocked at how good they’re. While they’re not so good as Darn Tough Socks, they’re price a attempt. I used to be as soon as a skeptic and after making an attempt them for this evaluate I’m an Injinji Toe Sock lover. Maybe you’ll too.

Overall, in case you are trying to attempt a toe sock to see if they’re for you, then these are those for you. The Injinji Toe Socks are the most effective toe socks for mountain climbing and backpacking and among the best baselayer socks.

Best Full Cushion Socks

Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion

Pros:
> Comfortable
> Full Cushion
> Heavy obligation
> Best suited to boots in cool climate
Cons:
> Not as a lot stretch as a few of the different socks

If you spend extra time mountain climbing in boots than path runners then the Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion is a candy possibility. I bought these socks and my first impressions had been that these have a delicate really feel on the within. This plush pile helped wick moisture away from my ft and assisted with the complete cushion really feel of those socks. They are fairly thick socks and greatest suited to colder climate though I examined them in heat summer time climate with none points as a result of temperature regulating Merino wool.

With a beneficiant mix of 66% merino wool, 25% recycled nylon, 8% nylon, and 1% elastane they strike a great stability between sturdiness, delicate really feel consolation, heat, and moisture-wicking means. The low elastane contributes to the low stretch of those socks which isn’t essentially a detrimental level however one thing to pay attention to. I most well-liked this sock with mountain climbing boots though I additionally examined them with mountain climbing sneakers and path runners.

Overall, the Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion Socks are the go-to possibility as the most effective full cushion mountain climbing socks.

Best Budget Hiking Socks

REI Co-Op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks

Pros:
> Certified to Responsible Wool Standard
> Plenty of strategically positioned reinforcement
> Light cushioning for long-wearing consolation
> Sweat-wicking properties
> Machine washable
Cons:
> They are described as summer-weight which suggests they aren’t suited to use in winter

What I really like in regards to the REI Co-Op Merino wool socks is how a lot merino wool they use, 79% no much less. This manner they actually benefit from the wool’s properties, corresponding to sweat-wicking, fast drying, and odor resistance.

And there’s additionally somewhat nylon and Lycra spandex to present it somewhat stretch the place wanted.

I additionally love that the wool is licensed to the Responsible Wool Standard, very reassuring.

There’s additionally gentle cushioning and loads of reinforcement on the heels, toes, footbeds, and Achilles for that all-important long-wearing consolation. And they’re machine cleanable as well.

If you might be in search of a price range sock then the REI Co-Op Merino socks are the most effective backpacking socks for price range hikers.

The Icebreaker Hike Light Crew is a superb pair of liner socks or skinny summer time socks.

They include a considerable proportion of merino wool, 70% actually. This provides it glorious thermo-regulating and sweat-wicking properties.

I examined these socks in hotter climate and located them to be nice summer time mountain climbing socks. The skinny sock has been specifically sculptured for every foot with a selected left foot and proper foot sock. These socks are amongst a few of the best-fitting socks you could find wherever. And in case you might be questioning they arrive with a generously sized L or R on every sock that can assist you put them on the right foot. When testing these socks I attempted them on the unsuitable foot to check their match and located that the reduce across the toes is unquestionably very particular to every foot.

Overall, this can be a nice Merino Wool Hiking Sock and among the best liner socks for mountain climbing or summer time mountain climbing socks.

The Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew mountain climbing sock is made within the USA and is made with 100% US-grown merino wool. This merino wool has glorious thermo-regulating properties (extra on that in our purchasing information later).

But what I actually love in regards to the Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew mountain climbing sock is their focused high-density cushioning, which is ideal for lengthy hikes within the countryside. It additionally includes a bolstered development for added sturdiness.

It’s a pleasant top that stretches past the higher lip of your mountain climbing boots, so you recognize they gained’t rub. And there’s a seamless toe closure, so it gained’t rub there both. 

Overall, the Farm to Feet hiker socks are good worth, good high quality, and comfy to put on.

Macpac Merino Crew Socks

Pros:
> High content material of merino wool
> Loop pile cushioning
> Moisture wicking
> Full crew top
Cons:
> Color choices are somewhat boring
> Only obtainable in Australia and New Zealand

Like the opposite Macpac socks I confirmed you earlier, once more there’s a really excessive content material of merino wool. This is what provides it each its thermo-regulating and moisture-wicking properties.

But that’s not all. There’s additionally a luxurious loop pile cushioning alongside the bottom of the sock, which is nice for lengthy hikes. I additionally love that it has a really clean toe seam that won’t chafe.

The Macpac Merino Crew Hiking Socks are available 3 shade choices, black, navy, and light-weight gray. There are 3 sizes obtainable,  small, medium, and enormous.

I’ve been utilizing and testing these socks as a part of a long-term sock take a look at. So far I’ve been utilizing these socks for greater than 4 years and they’re nonetheless going robust. They usually are not as thick as once they had been new however in any case this time and a whole lot of miles of use, there are nonetheless no holes. So on the subject of sturdiness I can verify that these are tremendous robust.

They are some of the sturdy mountain climbing socks for Australian and New Zealand hikers as a result of firm Macpac being so big in each these nations.

Other Quality Hiking Socks

Here are a pair extra high-quality merino wool mountain climbing socks that haven’t made the checklist:

• REI Co-Op merino wool ultralight crew – The REI Co-Op merino wool ultralight crew is now discontinued so let’s wait to see what the alternative socks are.
• Darn Tough Coolmax Socks: With so many prime quality Merino Socks it’s generally straightforward to miss the Darn Tough Coolmax Socks.

Hiking Socks Comparison Table

Socks for Women

All of the socks talked about on this evaluate are unisex and can be utilized by both males or ladies. A variety of the sock firms talked about within the opinions above make socks ladies’s socks. But total there’s little distinction to the unisex socks. Some supply a wider alternative of colours and a few could go all the way down to smaller sizing.

Women’s Socks usually are not a lot completely different than males’s socks. If you select to purchase a pair of socks then the entire firms that promote them have a dimension chart that matches both US Sizing, UK Sizing, or EU sizing. You can remember to discover a sock that matches your ft.

Sock Size Guide

It’s necessary that you simply get the best dimension mountain climbing sock on your ft dimension. A stretched-out mountain climbing sock might be uncomfortable to put on, as will one the place the material will get bunched up in your mountain climbing sneakers.

When you see a great mountain climbing sock that you simply just like the look and sound of, I strongly suggest that you simply examine in case your sock dimension is out there and in addition examine whether or not the socks are true to dimension as a result of they’ll generally be bigger or smaller.

Wherever potential, it is best to look on the product pages for a dimension chart, so you possibly can see whether or not your shoe dimension is classed by the producer, as small, medium, giant, and so forth.

You can get to the product web page of the socks you wish to try by clicking on “Check price”.

Height of the Sock

We suggest that you simply go for socks which are at the very least as tall as your mountain climbing boots, that manner the boots gained’t rub the pores and skin in your ankles.

Crew Socks

For most individuals which means shopping for Crew Hiking socks. Crew socks consult with the peak of the sock which suggests they are going to be lengthy sufficient to rise simply above the peak of Lightweight Hiking Boots.

Crew Socks are the preferred backpacking socks and probably the most featured on this mountain climbing sock evaluate.

Quarter Socks

Quarter Socks are decrease and higher suited to use with Lightweight Hiking Shoes. If you like to make use of Trail Running Shoes for Hiking then quarter socks are additionally a good selection for you. I like to make use of quarter socks for path working. I discover them higher than ankle socks. The quarter socks are decrease than Crew Socks and also will work nicely with a pair of ultralight gaiters.

Ankle Socks

Ankle Socks usually are not so frequent to be used as mountain climbing socks as they don’t work with Hiking Boots and usually are not comfy with most Hiking Shoes. Ankle socks work nicely with path runners however solely when working. Wearing a pair of ankle socks whereas mountain climbing simply doesn’t really feel as comfy as quarter socks or Crew Socks.

Toe Socks

Although not technically associated to the peak of the sock, a Toe Sock appears to be its personal model and is worthy of mentioning individually. These socks have particular person pouches for every toe. Initially regarded as a gimmick by many (together with myself) they’ve confirmed to be very succesful and comfy mountain climbing socks which are price a attempt, even for those who assume they don’t seem to be for you.

Material

One of the extra standard supplies utilized in mountain climbing socks is merino wool. But there are additionally artificial sock materials corresponding to nylons and spandex supplies

Merino Wool

Merino wool socks are moisture-wicking, which implies that they’ll disperse any sweat in your ankles and ft by way of the sock and out the opposite facet.

That manner, irrespective of how a lot mountain climbing you do, your sweaty ft will stay dry.

Hiking Socks made with Merino wool can also be thermo-regulating, which suggests it’s going to retain the identical temperature and never turn out to be too scorching.

It’s additionally flame resistant, so for those who had been to take your mountain climbing sneakers off on the campfire, you don’t have to fret about your socks getting burned.

Nylon and Spandex

All high quality backpacking wants some quantity of nylon in them. This materials provides energy to the weave of the socks. While you would possibly wish to have 100% merino socks they’d not final very lengthy. Spandex or some kind of stretchy materials will help the weave of the socks with stretch will is equally as necessary as energy.

Cushioning

Cushioning alongside the bottom of the mountain climbing sock is a really good function to have throughout a protracted hike, however this doesn’t should be extreme. Light cushioning might be adequate for most individuals and most conditions.

I’ve used each the sunshine cushioning mountain climbing sock and the Midweight cushioning mountain climbing sock. I desire a lightweight sock for path runners and sneakers and mid-weight cushioning on the hiker sock for boots. That is my desire and suggestion.

Brands

As with many different kinds of merchandise, there are some manufacturers of mountain climbing socks that outperform others. And these manufacturers shaped my start line as I put collectively my shortlist of the most effective socks for mountain climbing. 

These manufacturers embrace the likes of Darn Tough Socks, Smartwool, REI Co-op, Icebreaker, and Macpac.

Value for Money

I’m going to stage with you right here. Good, correct mountain climbing socks can typically value far more than normal common socks. In truth, you possibly can typically get a pack of 10 common socks for lower than the price of one pair of socks which are good high quality for mountain climbing.

My recommendation to you is to examine the costs as you go alongside in order that you recognize what to typically count on, and resolve in your price range accordingly. All the most effective strolling socks for 2024 are prime quality and can final for 100s of days of powerful backpacking on the paths

Warranty for Socks

Having a guaranty on a pair of socks won’t sound just like the kind of factor that an organization would possibly supply. You put on a pair of socks on a few week-long backpacking journeys and ask the corporate on your a reimbursement.

Maybe you might be sad with them otherwise you managed to tear a gap in your almost-new pair of mountain climbing socks. Some firms again their product and supply an alternate or refund in case you are not completely happy. I’ve used this with Darn Tough’s guarantee to alternate a pair of hiker socks that acquired a gap for a brand new pair. The Darn Tough Socks guarantee is that good.

REI Co-Op Socks are additionally good as the corporate gives a no-questions-asked 1 12 months guarantee on all of the stuff they promote.

Sock Care

Hiking Socks can put on out in a short time if you end up mountain climbing in muddy, sandy, or rocky terrain. I like to hold two pairs of mountain climbing socks which I swap out throughout the day. If I’m fortunate sufficient to return throughout a stream or river then I’ve the right alternative to clean the socks and provides them time to dry.

When you might be residence out of your backpacking journey it’s best to line-dry the socks and keep away from utilizing a tumble dryer. If you do, be certain that you keep away from utilizing excessive warmth. Most of the supplies in socks don’t like excessive warmth corresponding to Merino Wool. They will shrink for those who do that.

Conclusion

Overall, the Best Pair of Socks for Hiking are:

Frequently Asked Questions

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