Backpacking socks are a very important piece of backpacking equipment used by backpackers. They spend a lot of time on their fit when backpacking whether walking in the hills at altitude or waiting for a bus connection. It’s therefore vital that you have a collection of backpacking socks that are comfy and won’t cause your feet any harm.

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There are four main types of sock. Before you decide which type to purchase it’s important to consider what type of activity you will be doing in them. If you are going to be away for a long time and be doing lots of different activities then it might be wise to take a number of different types away with you. The for main types of backpacking sock are:

• Liners - These are very thin socks that are designed to be worn right next to the skin. They can be used on their own in hot conditions or as a base layer in colder climates and will help keep any moisture away from the skin.

• Lightweight Backpacking Socks – These tend to be thicker than liners and are perfect if you plan on doing some light trial walking. They are still relatively thin so can be worn in warm climates.

• Mid-weight Backpacking Socks – These socks are quite thick and provide a lot of cushioning to the feet as well as warmth in cold conditions. High end variants tend to have extra padding in high impact areas such as the heel and the ball of the foot. If your budget can stretch, they are definitely worth it.

• Mountaineering Socks – These are the thickest socks available and provide the most cushioning and insulation. They should be warn when serious miles are being walked as they will offer by far the best protection to the feet.

Another consideration when buying backpacking socks is the material they are made. A lot of people have allergies to certain types of fabrics so always read exactly what they are made of before you make a purchase.

If you are in doubt about any of the above factors, always take a walk in the socks before you buy them. This will ensure the fabric is pleasant on the skin. Always ensure you are getting the right size for your feet as this will prevent them from rubbing.

Click here to see Amazon.com’s range of backpacking socks

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