The Perfect Gift for Hikers: A Complete Sock Buying Guide

Serious hikers and backpackers have many different socks for various conditions and footwear. You’ll be surprised at the variety, and they’ll be grateful to receive one or more of them as gifts. In addition to normal socks, dry weather socks, hikers need waterproof socks, sleeping socks, compression socks to recover from injuries, splinter-resistant socks for cabins…and the list goes on. An army marches on its feet as the saying goes. Hiking socks are a gift that keeps on giving, and they make great stocking stuffers too!

1. Darn Tough Socks Microcrew Cushion Sock – 2 Pack

Darn Tough Socks are the hands-down favorite socks used by serious hikers because they’re so durable. If you do manage to get a hole in one or even wear it thin, the company will replace it for free! Just send it in and they’ll send you a coupon so you can order a replacement. I’ve replaced many pairs myself. A hiking and backpacking favorite is the Microcrew Cushion Sock, available in many colors in men’s and women’s sizes. Darn Tough Socks are manufactured in Vermont, home of the Long Trail, the first National Scenic Trail in the United States.

2. Smartwool Hike Crew Socks

When new Hikers try Smartwool Hike Crew Socks, they often stick with them for life. That’s brand loyalty! Lightly cushioned, Hike Crew Socks (formerly called PhD Outdoor) are made with Smartwool Indestructawool with extended durability zones. The crew height also adds extra coverage on the trails. These socks are available in a gazillion colors and patterns, so browse away!

3. Injini Trail Midweight Crew Socks

Injini Socks are great for people who get blisters when hiking. These unique socks encase each toe individually so they can’t rub together, preventing blister formation. They’re also good socks for people with bunions or hammer toes because they prevent toes from overlapping. They are a revelation for people who’ve never tried them!

4. CEP Hiking Merino Compression Socks

Compression socks have many uses. They prevent blisters, significantly reduce swelling, and can accelerate healing by promoting blood flow for lower leg ailments like sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendonitis. CEP is the gold standard in compression socks with medical-grade products for sports medicine. You don’t need these socks very often, but when you get injured, which happens to all serious hikers sooner or later, they’re the key to healing faster.

5. NRS 0.5 Hydroskin WetSocks

NRS HydroSkin WetSocks are the ultimate liner for hiking through snow, streams, or other wet and cold conditions. They are thin enough to easily slip into your boots, trail runners, or sandals. The neoprene core insulates and protects your feet even when wet, and the 4-way-stretch PowerSpan outer layer gives you enhanced mobility and greater durability. These socks are a must-have if you insist on wearing trail runners or light hikers when there’s snow on the ground. The added pairing snaps prevent you from hitting the river with only one sock.

6. Dachstein Boiled Wool Socks

Dachstein is the world’s foremost manufacturer of boiled wool clothing (including their famous boiled wool mittens, which also make a great holiday gift.) Boiled wool is very dense, warm, and effectively waterproof because it’s so thick and tightly woven. Made in Austria, these socks are worn for winter hiking, mountaineering, and sleeping in a -40 sleeping bag.

7. Possum Down Socks

These socks are made from New Zealand’s brushtail possum fur and New Zealand Merino lamb’s wool and are very thick and warm! They are rugged enough to hike in on cold days and make excellent sleep socks. The hair of a brushtail possum is hollow, just like Polar Bear hair, which provides incredible warmth and water resistance. While typical wool socks may stay warm when wet, they take forever to dry. If you get these socks wet, the water shakes right out, and they dry quickly. New Zealand’s possums are unrelated to the opossums found in the United States. For extra warmth, pair these with Possumdown Mittens, which are great for hiking on cold mornings!

8. Goose Down Socks

Cold feet sleeper? These down socks are the perfect solution. Made with 850+ power premium goose down and treated with DownTek for water resistance, these socks are designed to keep your feet warm and comfy all night long. Elastic ankle cuffs ensure they stay put and keep the warmth in. These socks are conveniently packed into a small stuff sack (included) that tucks into a corner of your backpack. Pair these with Goose Waterproof Over-Booties for use in camp!

9. Rab Vapor Barrier Socks

Winter hikers and mountaineers wear vapor barrier socks in subzero conditions to prevent the perspiration produced by their feet from making their socks and boots damp. Your feet sweat 1/2 cup of perspiration every day, and keeping your footwear dry is a significant challenge. These vapor barrier socks are worn next to the skin of your feet and then covered with warmer socks. Made with siliconized nylon they’re completely waterproof, so no moisture can pass through them. A curious thing happens to feet that are covered with a non-breathable material in cold conditions – they stop perspiring. It’s magic.

10. Acorn Slipper Socks

Acorn slipper socks are great for hiker hostels, a weekend at your hunting camp, or for home. NASA astronauts even use them on the space station! Their thick wool uppers keep your feet warm and toasty while a durable padded suede sole insulates from below. Acorn has been selling these socks for over 45 years and they are classics, for both men and women.

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