[pct-l] How many socks?

[Bob Bankhead]

Totally agree with you, David.

Clean, dry socks - or relatively clean, dry socks - go a long ways toward
preventing blisters and keeping feet clean and dry.

I always carry at least three pair; two pair for hiking and one pair
reserved only for sleeping. Type and thickness change with the hiking
conditions anticipated. 

I change my hiking sock every other hour if hiking uphill or on the level;
every hour if hiking downhill (more slippage and friction on the foot going
downhill). I rinse out the pair not in use whenever possible and let them
dry on my pack as I walk. Unfortunately, the weather will not always allow
for drying. Damp and clean beats dry but dirty. Trailside laundry in camp as
needed - 2 drops of Dr. Bonners soap in a 1 gallon ziplock bag, add 2 liters
creek water, add socks, seal, shake vigorously. Let stand for a few minutes.
Repeat. Drain, Rinse well. Wring dry and hang to finish drying. My feet are
happier and the flowers no longer wilt when I walk past them.

Wandering Bob



-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of dnlcyclone at aol.com
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 5:56 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] How many socks?


I'd have to respectfully disagree on the one pair of socks for 300 miles,
than second pair for next 600.  For Skurka, that may work, but I think we're
getting a little carried away with the lightweight craze.  If there's
anything that you carry multiple of...carry multiple socks.  You don't need
multiple of any other article of clothing, but socks are one thing that it
never hurts to have at least three pair.  I used to do the 2 pair
method...but I realized this: they're socks.  They don't weigh much.  It's
nice to have dry, comfortable feet.  To each their own for sure.  If you can
get by on one pair of socks, by all means do it.  With four pairs of socks,
you can be more proactive with changing socks up through the day, and really
go a long way toward inhibiting blisters, etc.  Before our daughter was
born, my wife and I were in the ultralight category, but after our trip with
our daughter, we learned that it's not that hard to carry a couple more
"luxuries" and still pack  light, if those luxuries weighed as much as a
couple extra pairs of socks.  If you end up not using the extra socks...send
them home, but it's my guess that you'll be glad you had them.
Uber-ounce-counting often leads to uber-overthinking, and ultimately
sacrificing some basic necessities such as dry, healthy feet.  Only my two
cents.  Getting jealous of all you hikers hitting the trail here in the next
month.  Hopefully we'll see some of you out there this summer!

David Liechty (The Three Bears)
www.backcountryfamily.blogspot.com





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