Lets talk socks

[wbednar]

Looking for advice on who is making the thickest warmest wool sock. Or what you recommend wearing with pac boots or mukluks.

[Scoutergriz]

I like the Canadian military issue cold or extreme weather socks made by Duray, you can buy the same ones under the civilian names Abenaki and Canoe

https://www.duray.com/product-category/socks/?lang=en

[Bothwell Voyageur]

Wigwam Ice Socks are pretty good and cheap too. I mostly use Smartwool Mountaineering socks expensive but frequently on sale.

[brianw]

Looking for advice on who is making the thickest warmest wool sock. Or what you recommend wearing with pac boots or mukluks.

The human foot produces more moisture than any other part of the body over the course of a day. So the trick to having warm feet is to make sure you insulating sock and boot insulation stay dry. For pack boots and other waterproof footwear, the best way I've found to do this is with vapour barrier socks (RAB makes them). I wear these over thin synthetic liner socks. I then put my insulating sock over that. Your foot will feel damp, but that microclimate around your foot will reach a humidity equilibrium and then you'll be fine. The next trick is to make sure your boots and socks are sized large enough to promote good blood circulation in the foot. Too tight socks and boots will make the foot feel cold.

Hope this helps.

Brian

[snapper]

I understand the principle behind vapor barrier socks but I'd rather change out my woolies and not bother with them. As for what I wear, I have two pair of LL Bean boot socks that are so old I don't know what they were originally called. They are my "go to" when wearing my mukluks. After them, I have a mix of Smartwool and Darn Tough wool socks that all can do the job. I would also like to second the suggestion made above to be sure you have enough room in whatever boots you wear to be able to freely wiggle your toes. Having your feet constricted in a boot is a sure recipe for cold feet. Some folks think if one pair of socks isn't enough, they'll put on a second pair. Unfortunately, there's only so much room in the boot so too much "filler" will cut off circulation. At best this can lead to cold feet. At the worst, it can lead to potential frostbite issues in deep cold.

That's all for now. Take care, good luck with keeping your feet warm and until next time...be well.

snapper

[Moondog55]

Since my normal winter footwear is a pair of plastic Telemark ski boots that have moulded Intuition foam liners worn with UL Injinji toe socks in the ski boot version plus a pair of very thin nylon ski socks I use a strong antipersprirant and wash my socks as often as I can. Bivvy boots in the tent or the hut. Intuition liners inside a plastic boot are good to about -25C I am told

[wbednar]

Wigwam Ice Socks are pretty good and cheap too. I mostly use Smartwool Mountaineering socks expensive but frequently on sale.

I think Smartwool discontinued their Mountaineering sock.

[Bothwell Voyageur]

I think Smartwool discontinued their Mountaineering sock.

Still listed on the Canada website fortunately.

https://smartwool.ca/en/mountaineering-extra-heavy-crew-socks-sw0sw133.html

[Bkrgi]

I love love love these socks in my winter mocs and for sleeping in

https://lureofthenorth.com/product/clothing/footwear/thermohair-winter-socks/

[Bothwell Voyageur]

I love love love these socks in my winter mocs and for sleeping in
https://lureofthenorth.com/product/c...-winter-socks/

Those look interesting. I’ll definitely consider a pair next time I’m looking for socks.

[Bkrgi]

Another great source for various wool socks including the Thermohair

https://eglifarm.com/collections/socks

[Hamingredient]

The LoTN socks that Bkrgi recommended are really really nice. Super soft, warm, fluffy... I love 'em as sleep socks but I wonder about their long-term durability in a boot or muk -- they don't have as much "structure" to them as some others.

But Darn Tough socks are my absolute favorites at the moment. Their Over-the-Calf boot socks (I have the Hunters, extra cushion) are SO so good for boots and mukluks! Just try a pair, and thank me later.

I used to be a die-hard Smartwool sock guy but I think they changed their formulation because I started wearing holes through them faster than ever before... that shouldn't happen to a $25 sock! I tried the Darn Tough socks as a backup option and I have become a raving convert -- I wear their different socks all year long. They're made in USA, and they have a lifetime unconditional guarantee... what's not to like?

[Minnesotian]

I have been using Smartwool and Darn Tough for my waterproof mucks and my below freezing muckluks. Like Hamingredient says, I think think Smartwool has gotten cheaper on their materials, so I have been getting more Darn Tough socks lately. However, my absolute favorite sock is this Alpaca Winter Subzero Sock. It is so warm I could practically wear it as a muckluk.

https://www.theabbeyalpacas.com/product/winter-subzero-socks/

Made at a little Abbey here in Minnesota. Yes, they are expensive but they are thick and warm and the quality has lasted me 3 years now without any holes or thin spots forming.

[Lonelake]

Big fan of Darn Tough Socks. Many weights to choose from. I tend to go with a lighter weight sock while trekkkng. Mukluks with wool liners. I wear a heavy pair while sleeping, and switch socks every day while on trail.

LL

[kiggy]

Was big fan of Red Head merino lifetime socks, Basspro stopped lifetime exchange policy and replaced them with https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/redh...-socks-for-men
So I can't recommend any
I have many pairs of different brands heavy wool socks, from smartwool , wigwam and hand made, they all good if they thick and dry, bring with me at least 4 pairs one pair is dedicated sleeping socks