What About Socks?

[Mondo]

As my children have (mostly) flown the coop over the last two years and I can travel more, I have gained a great deal of info concerning camping equipment and packing light for longer trips thanks to this site. I really appreciate budget minded ideas. I have the nylon convertible pants, shirts, underwear, etc. that can easily be washed at camp or in a motel sink and dries quickly. My question is, what about socks? I need cushioning or my boots will create other problems and wear size 12. A pair of my cotton socks doesn't pack much smaller than a pair of the nylon pants and take forever to dry. What's out there? Thanks!

[G wizz]

Maybe nylon stockings ??? They wouldn't take up much room. :D
Actually, I sometimes save sox that had seen better days, just for camping. I'll wear 'em for two days, and then pitch 'em.
Pack size gets smaller as ya go, this way.

[canyonman]

There are lots of wicking socks available. Check Walmart.
They are just as cushy as cotton if not more so. They are all I use any more and not just riding.

[VFR]

I use the wicking socks for hiking & also take along some bamboo socks (lighter weight). If you wash socks & they are not quite dry, put them in a mesh bag & tie it to your pack. They will air dry while you ride. Note that this method does not work really well in the rain.... :D

[VRider75]

for packing socks/clothes... I like to use space saver bags... packs down to a fraction of the original size and keeps clothes clean until use... I'll use the smaller ones that fit a pair of socks, underwear and t-shirt and take 2-3 along. This way I'll always have 3-4 sets - 1 I'm wearing and 2-3 spare... usually lasts me 4-6 days until I need to do laundry. (I just can't seem to make washing out socks a daily event while I'm riding) I even keep one on the bike in case I decide to do an over-nighter. I also use one for dirty clothes to keep them packed tight until I can get them cleaned... works so well I use them when traveling by plane, too... also, keeps airport security from rifling through my clothes...

https://www.spacebag.com/

[Mr. Guy]

Smartwool :

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#/Search/socks/

Ever since I bought my first pair, they're the ONLY socks I wear. All different styles and weights and I've not found a pair I don't like. The only down side is they are a little pricey.

Guy

[VFR]

Do you have brand names that we can look up?



I have Thorlo, Fox River, Wigwam..... Go to a store that has hiking stuff. They have wick-dry, cushioned sole, light weight, mid weight, heavy weight. If they work for hikers, they will work on a bike.

REI, Campmor & Cabelas also have them, sometimes on sale.

[nyener]

I buy my socks from www.duluthtrading.com

Best socks I've used & they're relatively inexpensive. I buy 4 at a time to get the price break.

[VFR]

I buy my socks from www.duluthtrading.com

Best socks I've used & they're relatively inexpensive. I buy 4 at a time to get the price break.



I have some of theirs also, along with jeans, wicking tee shirts, long johns, etc. They definitely have good products & they also have sales from time to time. Ooops, forgot the jackets & vests.....

[Dusty Boots]

I ordered a couple of pairs of their Side Clip Suspenders (http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/clothes-workwear/mens/mens-belts-mens-suspenders/92992.aspx?feature=product_2), when they were on sale($8.95) and like them as they don't dig in to your back/belly while riding and they do an excellent job of holding up either my mesh, or textile riding pants. P^

For a good wicking liner sock(no soft foot padding!) to wear inside a snug fitting boot(I also use them as a sleeping sock to keep my bag clean), the Wigwam Gobi Liner (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 2979&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302734307&bmUID=1269997336904) sock is excellent at wicking. They are also very lightweight(so somewhat delicate) dry very fast and are very compact. I used to wear them under thicker socks for winter hiking/backpacking and alone in a trail runner for lightweight backpacking. P^

[SidecarMike]

I ordered a couple of pairs of their Side Clip Suspenders (http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/clothes-workwear/mens/mens-belts-mens-suspenders/92992.aspx?feature=product_2), when they were on sale($8.95) and like them as they don't dig in to your back/belly while riding and they do an excellent job of holding up either my mesh, or textile riding pants. P^

P^

Do yourself a favor and get the metal free version. The metal clips are really hard on expensive riding pants.

[Dusty Boots]

Do yourself a favor and get the metal free version. The metal clips are really hard on expensive riding pants.

I've put on 45,000 mi the last two seasons wearing them and have not noticed any 'wear' from the clips. I don't remove them(clips), which is the reason I bought 2 pairs of them, so that may mitigate any/some of the 'wear' you warn about. :confused:

Dusty

[SidecarMike]

I've put on 45,000 mi the last two seasons wearing them and have not noticed any 'wear' from the clips. I don't remove them(clips), which is the reason I bought 2 pairs of them, so that may mitigate any/some of the 'wear' you warn about. :confused:

Dusty
That could be. I ruined two pair of Draggin Jeans in one season, but I pulled the suspenders off when I put them in the washer. They literally cut through the denim. I still like the side clip suspenders. I usually buy them from Duluth, because they're a Wisconsin business. Sometimes I go direct to the manufacturer, Perry Suspender (http://www.perrysuspenders.com/oupesu2.html), where they have a better selection of styles and colors. Duluth is cheaper though.

[red rambler]

If anyone happens to be traveling through/near Statesville, NC, there is a Thorolo outlet store. Seconds, etc, great prices. Comfortable wear.

[Indianscout]

I need cushioning or my boots will create other problems and wear size 12.



Would an foot pad/insert help any? I have a pair in my boots and it has helped alot.


.

[bobalou]

Try stuffing an old rag in them after washing (at the house). See how long they take to air dry. Maybe try blowing a balloon in them instead of the rag idea.

I do like G wizz's idea of tossing them. W"holey" cow :D