Quick dry socks
Sep 29, 2015, 4:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 212
Quick dry socks
When travelling, I like to pack light and just wash my grundies as necessary. This works well for the tees I wear and the ex-officio underwear, but I'm having trouble in the sock department. Since I like to hike, I need a comfortable trail sock, but for the most part, they take at least 2 nights to dry, sometimes more, which is fine if I remember that I'm going to need clean socks in 3 days time, but I'm not always so aware of my laundry needs when on holiday.
Anyone had any success with a quick drying but comfortable hiking socks (think Smartwool)?
Anyone had any success with a quick drying but comfortable hiking socks (think Smartwool)?
Sep 29, 2015, 7:28 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
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I use smartwool and as long as I'm not using the heavier ski sock versions, they dry pretty quickly. I've also used polypro sock liners for warmer temps but if I'm very active they can rub. These days I usually prefer the thinnest smartwool I can find for the warmer temps...
Sep 29, 2015, 7:47 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 8
I use smartwool and as long as I'm not using the heavier ski sock versions, they dry pretty quickly. I've also used polypro sock liners for warmer temps but if I'm very active they can rub. These days I usually prefer the thinnest smartwool I can find for the warmer temps...
Sep 29, 2015, 11:01 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
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They offer a variation called the ultralight http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sma...colorFamily=03
(this happens to be a compression version but they offer "regular" as well)
My husband and I have some similar to these: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sma...colorFamily=01
Lots of options at Sierra Trading Post - I get all ours there, esp when they offer a 40% discount coupon on their facebook page.
Also on STP, Icebreaker offers lite merino wool socks too http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ice...colorFamily=03
(this happens to be a compression version but they offer "regular" as well)
My husband and I have some similar to these: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sma...colorFamily=01
Lots of options at Sierra Trading Post - I get all ours there, esp when they offer a 40% discount coupon on their facebook page.
Also on STP, Icebreaker offers lite merino wool socks too http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ice...colorFamily=03
Sep 29, 2015, 11:27 am
#6
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Hint about drying the heavy wool socks: roll them up in a towel after washing to squeeze them as dry as you can, then turn them wrong side out, do it again, and let them dry. If they are slightly damp, don't worry about it - your body heat will finish the job pretty quickly.
Sep 29, 2015, 11:34 am
#7
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^ to Smartwool socks. I use then when I am on the field with NGO work.
^ to rolling them in towels post-washing to get as much of the water absorbed out of it as you can.
My $0.02
^ to rolling them in towels post-washing to get as much of the water absorbed out of it as you can.
My $0.02
Sep 30, 2015, 1:29 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 212
Thanks for the tips folks. Always rolls my socks (and everything else) in a towel and squeeze, but never thought about turning em inside out too, so will try that, but now I know there are lighter alternatives, I know what to look for.
Sep 30, 2015, 12:18 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: LHR
Programs: BA Executive Club Gold
Posts: 92
When travelling, I like to pack light and just wash my grundies as necessary. This works well for the tees I wear and the ex-officio underwear, but I'm having trouble in the sock department. Since I like to hike, I need a comfortable trail sock, but for the most part, they take at least 2 nights to dry, sometimes more, which is fine if I remember that I'm going to need clean socks in 3 days time, but I'm not always so aware of my laundry needs when on holiday.
Anyone had any success with a quick drying but comfortable hiking socks (think Smartwool)?
Anyone had any success with a quick drying but comfortable hiking socks (think Smartwool)?
Oct 1, 2015, 4:31 pm
#12
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Anything with Merino wool usually dries quick. You can also get the "wicking" socks that dry quick, drymax are pretty good.
Oct 3, 2015, 8:55 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 16
I have some Smartwool socks from Sierra Trading Post (I look for socks labeled closeouts rather than 2nds) and have nothing bad to say about them.
However, I am beginning to buy more Darn Tough. They have a lifetime warranty so while I save my Smartwools for travel I'll wear Darn Tough to work because even if they get worn out, they are still covered by their warranty.
However, I am beginning to buy more Darn Tough. They have a lifetime warranty so while I save my Smartwools for travel I'll wear Darn Tough to work because even if they get worn out, they are still covered by their warranty.
Oct 3, 2015, 9:10 pm
#14
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Find a "dollar store" equivalent where you are and buy some throwaway socks. Save the hiking socks for the hikes.
Or stick the socks on the end of the hotel hairdryer for a while.
Or stick the socks on the end of the hotel hairdryer for a while.
Oct 4, 2015, 2:58 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2008
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psychokilla: "smartwool" is a brand, not a unique description. You'll find comparable thinner socks made by other companies such as Keen and Icebreaker. Keen in particular makes several different weights of merino socks, and you could easily solve your problem by wearing their "lite" socks layered two at a time. The "lite" socks dry faster.
Also, you could try wearing lightweight silk socks (which dry rapidly) as liners inside either wool socks (so you'd need to wash the wool ones less frequently) or Polartec socks (which dry very rapidly).
wg
Also, you could try wearing lightweight silk socks (which dry rapidly) as liners inside either wool socks (so you'd need to wash the wool ones less frequently) or Polartec socks (which dry very rapidly).
wg