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Author Topic: Summer Backpacking Socks  (Read 2407 times)
pedxing
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« on: July 28, 2010, 10:27:15 AM »

“My current sock quandry. For summer hiking, I don't want socks that are any longer they I need them to be. With mid height boots, 1/4 cut socks are just right - no need to carry anything heavier or that will make me warmer. Saddly, everywhere I check out socks - it seems the 1/4 length socks are thin and do little to cushion my feet. All the thicker socks (usu Hikers, backpacking or trekking) don't come in 1/4 length.

Has anyone faced this kind of dilemma - anyone found a happy solution?”
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chili
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« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2010, 12:16:12 PM »

I just fold them over a couple times to the top of the boot.  I really haven't considered the extra weight the top of the sock adds.
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« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2010, 01:03:06 PM »

It's not very complicated for me.  I wear rag wool socks year round and just push the excess down to the top of my boot. 
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« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2010, 07:09:02 PM »

Thanks fo the input.  I've done that, but I figure 1/4 socks would be cooler.  And if you carry a few extra pairs, its a bit much.  I figure this way I could save a couple ounces and get better function. 

Also, due to an injury I don't get good circulation and double socks can cause some swelling.
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Q
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« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2010, 07:51:14 PM »

Only gear winnies get jiggity about the length and weight of their socks.  Seriously, it means not.  When it comes down to an extra 8 oz for 3 pair either way, really ... obsessing is detrimental.   
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chili
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« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2010, 04:55:35 AM »

Keep in mind that some people cut the handle off of the toothbrush (I'm not saying pedx does this)
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« Reply #6 on: July 29, 2010, 08:40:47 AM »

I've put my toe in the water on some of that, Chili.  It was irrational, but some of the folks I was hiking with at the time were too competitive about that kind of stuff and I got caught up in keeping up with the Jones'.  Glad I found hiking bliss, primarily through separation from those "know it alls".
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pedxing
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« Reply #7 on: July 29, 2010, 08:57:46 AM »

Cut the handle off a toothbrush?   Don't be ridiculous.

Being a manly man, I snap the handle off.
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chili
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« Reply #8 on: July 29, 2010, 09:24:12 AM »

I know what you are saying Q.  I have been on hikes where people were standing around cold and had to go crawl in the sleeping bag because the fleece weighed too much.

If I were thru hiking the AT, I would probably count every ounce.  If I am doing a doing a 2 day hike in the Ozarks, I am inclined to think some "creature comforts" are worth carrying the weight.
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Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

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« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2010, 09:36:03 AM »

And 280 miles/ 3 weeks is somewhere in between the two (~10 X 2 days, 1/10 X 200 days).
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chili
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« Reply #10 on: July 29, 2010, 02:28:22 PM »

I would be cutting weight on 280 miles, but I am not sure I could get down to cutting off the handle of my toothbrush or the tops of my socks, lol.
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« Reply #11 on: July 29, 2010, 06:34:31 PM »

Snapping, not cutting!

Actually, I've never removed the handles from my toothbrushes.  However, I confess to carrying a kid sized toothbrush in the past.

There is also the question of which backpack I can squeeze my stuff into - I start looking for ways to get my stuff into the smaller one..
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Q
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« Reply #12 on: July 29, 2010, 07:43:22 PM »

The "Ray Jardine era" is over, folks.  While "it" was trendy at the time, it's worn out and passe in the contemporary context. 
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« Reply #13 on: August 01, 2010, 01:43:48 PM »

Cut the handle off a toothbrush?   Don't be ridiculous.

Being a manly man, I snap the handle off.

LMAO- thats too funny
I just push the tops of my socks down when in hot weather also. I'm thinking about pulling every other thread from my socks to cut their weight in half. Then maybe adding helium to my hiking poles so that they float in the air, lol
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hikerduane
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« Reply #14 on: August 10, 2010, 08:07:56 PM »

When I was using my Garcia Machine canister, I had to cut the toothbrush handle off some to get it to fit in the  canister as it was the last thing put away at night.  My other cansiter has a wider opening and can handle a regular toothbrush laid in horizontally.  My food is packed too tightly to try to push the toothbrush in vertically.  The canisters are only used in required areas here in the Sierra.

I wish the Smartwool socks came in a shorter length, a bit here and there helps, besides, I need a little sun on my  ankles.
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