Best wool socks for hunting?

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Dec 30, 2014
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9,590
I've had bad luck with a number of brands' "hunting" lines of socks not being built for high activity and bunching up. The biggest offender in my memory being smartwool. Maybe the darn tough hunting socks are a looser fit as well?

I have a bunch, I like first lite and Filson merino quite a bit but best for me have been darn tough hiking and mountaineering socks. Depending on your needs for warmth and volume, the hiking cushion (thinner on top of foot), full cushion (thick all around foot) work well, mountaineering are even thicker yet, I just wish they made them in a boot fit because those suckers are tall. The cushion is much appreciated in keeping my feet in good shape. The cool max lines work well too but are not as warm and get stinky pretty quick.

I can usually find what im looking for discounted on amazon.
 

wncbrewer

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Feb 14, 2016
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I haven't experienced any problem with bunching or slipping at all. They do come in a couple different size ranges, so I'd check to be sure you have the right size. I was also hesitant about spending the money, but hellfire, if you wear them out they'll send you new ones. Like I said in my previous post I've been rotating though 7 pairs for a year and they all still feel as good as new. I know I sound like a raving fanboy over here but I didn't think I was capable of being so impressed by a pair of socks.


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mtwarden

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I own a couple dozen pairs of Darn Tough socks- short, tall, thin, thick- I wear them running, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and hunting

I typically end up sending a pair or two back each year- if they are just thread bare from wear I don't, but if they develop a hole prematurely (rare but does happen) they go back for new ones
 

GKPrice

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I was all giddy on KUIU OTC socks when I first began wearing them but, and I always wash by hand and hang dry, after 2 washings they're too short and they feel different - I "discovered" Darn Toughs this year, between them and Smart Wool hikers I'm good and if it gets really cold I have a couple pairs of Smart Wool Extra Heavy Duty Hunters OTC in reserve
 

5MilesBack

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I just ordered some new Smartwool socks from Shoebuy. Free shipping, 20% off the order, 13% kick back through Active Junky, and 1.5% cash back on my card. Good deal. I'm sure they have other brands too.
 

oldillini

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My vote is for Darn Tough #1461. Sometimes wear a thin liner (Fox River X-Static Liner).

To avoid potential blisters, make sure you have a very good fitting pair of boots. I am fortunate that Lathrop & Sons is in the community where I work. They did fantastic, tweaking heel cups, lasts, etc. every time I felt rubbing. I also use Leukotap on those areas (heels) which are prone to blistering.
 

blackovis

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Jul 30, 2013
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Utah
I have every type of sock First Lite has ever made and they are mostly good but some of them start to slide down and bunch up at the top of my boots now. The Kuiu socks worked really well last year and the fit is good but they are rather pricey and also tend to fall down my leg after a few days of use. I've been very impressed with the new GORE socks since I started using them.

They have all the benefits of merino but wick moisture away from the feet. Alot of full merino socks tend to hold sweat and cause my feet to feel cold and clammy once I sit to glass or rest. My feet feel alot drier and more comfortable with the Gore Socks than any sock I've worn yet.

I would encourage anyone to try a pair out if they haven't already. They are available in three different heights (OTC, full crew, and 3/4 crew) Remember to use your Rokslide discount code Rokslide10
 

TheCougar

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I got a pair of kuiu socks for Christmas. Interesting feel with the areas of increased padding. I will be trying them out next week.
 

Frito

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Dec 28, 2016
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Darn Tough for me. I use the tall heavy Scentlock ones. I've got some back up Smart Wool that are really comfy and warm but aren't holding up like the Darn Tough. Can't beat the Darn Tough guarantee either....says on the sleeve they come in that if you wear them out, they will give you new ones. Anyone ever used that guarantee?
 

mtwarden

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few posts above; I've sent in probably a dozen pairs in over 5-6 years- occasionally I'll get a pair that prematurely develops a hole, but I still have several pairs from 5-6 years ago that are still going strong. I've had several pairs that just plain wore out, still in one piece but thread bare- I've never sent any of those back
 

Frito

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few posts above; I've sent in probably a dozen pairs in over 5-6 years- occasionally I'll get a pair that prematurely develops a hole, but I still have several pairs from 5-6 years ago that are still going strong. I've had several pairs that just plain wore out, still in one piece but thread bare- I've never sent any of those back
Ok...missed that. Cool to know that they honor that. I've only started caring about my socks since I moved to Colorado but if I have a pair last me 5 years I might call it good! I'll probably send them in with some cash and have them send and extra pair back. Just to add to the post....I've worn some Wigwams out in about 10 wears. Luckily I didn't pay much for them but I was definitely disappointed.
 

rgrmike

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Sep 2, 2016
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Colorado
I love my First Lite socks. They offer a few different styles. I'm slowly phasing out my other socks and going to the First Lite exclusively. I haven't tried Darn Tough yet but they seem to have great feedback as well. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
 

Schnee's

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The new socks from Gore are fantastic! Check them out here: GORE. We also have a duo sock system with a liner sock and outer sock. It is a good setup and plenty warm:Men's Socks - SCHNEES Duo Sock System

I have been wearing the Gore socks around a bunch this winter and they are my new favorites. However, when it gets to 0F or colder, my go-to sock is the Mammoth Sock from Klim. From my experience, it is the warmest, most comfortable sock out there. Definitely worth trying a pair.

Matt
 
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Apr 22, 2012
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Chugiak, Alaska
The new socks from Gore are fantastic! Check them out here: GORE. We also have a duo sock system with a liner sock and outer sock. It is a good setup and plenty warm:Men's Socks - SCHNEES Duo Sock System

I have been wearing the Gore socks around a bunch this winter and they are my new favorites. However, when it gets to 0F or colder, my go-to sock is the Mammoth Sock from Klim. From my experience, it is the warmest, most comfortable sock out there. Definitely worth trying a pair.

Matt

Made in USA, warranty?


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