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Hiking/Backpacking Socks

The best hiking/backpacking socks, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on July 8, 2023. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.

user rating: 5 of 5 (4)
Darn Tough Merino Micro Crew Sock Cushion
$18 - $25
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
$10 - $179
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Swiftwick Pursuit Four Sock Running Sock / Hiking/Backpacking
$20
user rating: 5 of 5 (7)
Darn Tough Merino Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion
$21 - $28
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show Lightweight Hiking Sock
$13 - $19
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
FITS Sock Medium Hiker Crew
$16 - $22
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (9)
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Mini Socks
$18
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
WrightSock Coolmesh II Crew Sock
$12 - $17
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Thorlo Trekking Sock - Thick Cushion Crew
$23
user rating: 3 of 5 (7)
Smartwool Mountaineering Extra Heavy Crew Socks
$25
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
FITS Sock Light Hiker Crew
$12 - $21
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Dachstein 4 Ply Boiled Wool Calf Socks
$55
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3)
Smartwool Hiking Ultra Light Crew
$18
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Darn Tough Mountaineering Over-the-Calf Extra Cushion
$26 - $639
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Sock Cushion
$24
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Bridgedale Endurance Trekker
$28
user rating: 4 of 5 (3)
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew Sock
$24 - $29
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Smartwool Trekking Heavy Crew Socks
$22
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Darn Tough ATC Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
$19 - $25
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1)
Bridgedale Hike Lightweight T2 Coolmax Performance Boot
$23
user rating: 3 of 5 (2)
Smartwool Hiking Ultra Light Mini
$15
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1)
WrightSock Escape Crew
$6 - $19
user rating: 2.5 of 5 (3)
Smartwool Hiking Medium Crew
$13
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (3)
Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Sock
$14 - $237
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Royal Robbins Bug Barrier Venture Crew Socks
$26 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Woolx Fearless Socks Crew Length Full Cushion
$19 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
DeFeet Blaze
$15 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
Smartwool Outdoor Sport Light Cushion
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Bridgedale Hike Lightweight Boot Coolmax Comfort
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Thorlo Light Hiking Sock - Moderate Cushion with Wool/Silk
$21 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Bridgedale Hike Ultra Light T2 Boot
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
REI Merino Wool Hiking Sock
$13 MSRP
user rating: 5 of 5 (2)
PowerSox Merino Wool Medium Cushion
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Zamberlan Trekking Medium Weight Socks
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Lorpen Merino Light Hiker Crew Sock
$18 MSRP
user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1)
Happy Yak Socks The Adventurist Socks
$35 MSRP
 
user rating: 5 of 5 (1)
Thorlo Mountaineering Socks - Thick Cushion
$23 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Mountain Lodge Merino Wool Outdoor Sport Socks
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (3)
Injinji Performance Crew Sock
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Feetures! Merino+ Cushion Crew Sock
$22 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Injinji Outdoor Quarter Crew Sock
$16 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (2)
Point6 Hiking Tech Medium Crew
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (2)
Point6 Hiking Tech Medium Mini Crew
$16 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Farm to Feet Ballston Spa Crew
$20 MSRP
user rating: 4 of 5 (1)
Keen Olympus Medium Crew
$22 MSRP
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1)
Point6 Hiking Tech Extra Light Mini Crew
$17 MSRP
user rating: 3.5 of 5 (1)
Point6 Hiking Tech Light Mini Crew
Fox River PrimaHike Socks
$16 MSRP

Recent Hiking/Backpacking Sock Reviews

rated 5 of 5 stars
Darn Tough Merino Hiker Boot Sock Full Cushion

Expensive but worth it. Excellent socks for winter use. I bought the midweight hiking variation in boot size. It's thick, but not too thick to be uncomfortable, and the seamless construction is the way to go for all socks nowadays. My only *real* complain is that there is no micro crew with full cushion option and I get light marks from the compression on my calve, hence the option micro-crew at the base of the calve. Getting a pair with shipping to Greece costed me roughly 39€ which is a lot… Full review

rated 1.5 of 5 stars
L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Performance Socks, Crew Height

These socks are expensive, but they lost most of their cushion after a week of active use. It is a good idea, but needs a lot of improvements. This will be a short review, since the socks failed on me after a week of use. Therefore, I didn't have time to test drying time, wicking, and other aspects of the sock. I am not sure if I received an exceptionally bad model, but I would not recommend this sock to anyone. I have some L.L. Bean gear and it is all functional, so I was surprised to see this… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show Lightweight Hiking Sock

A cushioned Merino wool sock that works as well for running as hiking, long on comfort and by all accounts as tough as they come. Superb. Sometimes, in my sartorial existence, there are articles of clothing that are just so comfortable, so right, that I kind of don’t want to wear anything else. Blue jeans in general, for sure, but then there are certain pairs of blue jeans that I just reach for day after day. Or my NRS river runner’s lightweight hoodie, which is so light and comfortable I wear… Full review

rated 5 of 5 stars
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Hikers know Smartwool as one of the best-known Merino wool brands on the market. I have owned several Smartwool products over the years, and I have never been disappointed with any of them. The Hike Light Cushion Crew Sock is no exception. As a lighter cushioned sock, it is perfect for day hiking or backpacking with an ultralight setup. With Smartwool’s improved warranty and a commitment to sustainability, these are definitely hiking socks worth considering when making your next purchase. The… Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Royal Robbins Bug Barrier Venture Crew Socks

Described as a “travel sock” Royal Robbins claims that this crew sock is a versatile sock, suitable for wearing while traveling on planes, hiking, exploring cities, or relaxing at a hotel or restaurant. Its construction (hemp blended with recycled polyester) is reported to be durable, odor controlling, breathable, and temperature regulating. One of Royal Robbins’ group of Travel Hemp Socks, this version is also treated with Permethrin and labeled as an “Insect Shield” garment. I have used… Full review

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Happy Yak Socks The Adventurist Socks

These are amazing socks. Of course they are comfortable and thick...but they also don't need washing for days and days, and still keep all of their cushion. I took two pairs of these socks on a four-day backpacking trip that included plenty of thunderstorms. We got wet the first day, hiking first in the rain, and then on a narrow trail through rain-soaked bushes. These socks were so wet that I squeezed out as much water as I could and left them in the tent vestibule overnight. They did not really… Full review

rated 4 of 5 stars
Darn Tough ATC Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

Darn Tough midweights give you fit, comfort, and durability, plus a lifetime warranty in a reliable sock.   Terry loops are close knitted in the footpad and higher on the heels and ankle for comfort and protection.   61% Merino wool, 36% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex These  are used for winter in my boots. They have lasted 11 years with very little wear. They are form fitting, comfortable on long hikes, which average 50-100 miles. Wick perspiration away. They are comfortable with the knitting loops… Full review

rated 4 of 5 stars
Bridgedale Hike Ultra Light T2 Boot

A well-cushioned pair of hiking socks that are designed for warmer temps. The cushioning makes for a very comfortable wear, while the non-wool Coolmax fabric (polyester) doesn't quite wick moisture as I had hoped. Still, a very comfortable and durable sock that is best worn during low-to-moderate energy-burning activities. Conditions I’ve worn the Bridgedale Hike Ultra Light T2 socks in a wide range of temps and conditions from April to October in the mid-Atlantic, USA. From cold, wet hikes to… Full review

rated 3.5 of 5 stars
Bridgedale Hike Lightweight T2 Coolmax Performance Boot

A well-made pair of socks that have ample cushioning, but run a little warmer than I had expected. The non-wool Coolmax technology has its pros and cons, but is overall favorable. Best worn when hiking in cooler temperatures. Conditions:I’ve worn the Bridgedale Hike Light Weight T2 socks in a wide range of temps and conditions from April to October in the mid-Atlantic, USA. From cold, wet hikes to midsummer humidity, I’ve worn the socks on countless occasions with four different pairs of footwear—sandals,… Full review

Other Types of Socks

Find more socks reviewed in these related categories:

Liner Socks

Compression Socks

Running Socks

+3 more types