Hiking – Page 6 – Glad Outdoors

People believe wool is a heavy, itchy fabric suitable for winter clothing and blankets. At the same time, cotton is a superior, breathable fabric that can hold up to rough conditions. This idea, however, is based on outdated information. Wool today is a superior fabric that works across all seasons and weather conditions and is durable enough to handle even the most difficult situations. Hikers should especially explore the many benefits of wool, mainly using wool for socks over the more common cotton. Are cotton socks the best choice? Hiking is popular today, especially with young people trying to escape crowded urban environments. When trying to dress correctly for a hiking trip, many people may choose cotton socks, thinking they are making the right choice. Cotton fabrics are thin and lightweight, so hikers may prefer them, thinking they will be breathable. Cotton is absorbent, so hikers may think that cotton socks will keep their feet dry. Cotton socks are inexpensive and easy to find. If they are so easily available, they must be the right choice. Wrong. The Advantages of Wool Socks for Hiking Wool socks hold many advantages over cotton socks. Wool fibers are thick and springy, and a sock made of wool has a lot of cushions. A thin cotton sock will wear through and leave the hiker with painful blisters from the constant rubbing of a hiking boot, but a thick wool sock will provide comfort and protection. Often, hikers worry that their feet will become too hot and uncomfortable in thick wool socks, but they should not be worried. Wool is one of the most adaptable fibers and can keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You no longer need to spend money on different types of socks for different hiking seasons! Wool socks are usually knit from a thicker weight yarn, and the resulting sock will stretch quite a lot. You can be sure that a wool sock will comfortably conform to your feet, regardless of size. Cotton socks may stretch out and become uncomfortable over time. Impact on foot health Foot health is a crucial topic for hikers. This is especially true for people who go on long-distance, multi-day hikes. Improper equipment and foot care can lead to injuries such as blisters or stress fractures or problems such as fungal infections. Unhealthy feet can ruin or even end a hike early. Cotton socks cannot absorb much moisture and can cause a hot, damp environment inside hiking boots, leading to common foot problems. Wool socks offer not only comfort and temperature control but also moisture control. Wool fibers can hold their volume in moisture many times before they even start to feel damp and are much better at keeping feet dry, even in wet hiking boots. Wool socks are also much more resistant to fungal and bacterial growth than cotton socks are. Choosing wool socks over cotton socks could mean the success of your hike, especially for multi-day hikes. Price difference Some people might be sticking with cotton fiber socks due to concerns about cost and the lifespan of wool fiber socks. A good pair of wool fiber socks will cost about the same or slightly more than a pair of cotton fiber socks. Don't be afraid to pay a little more, however. Wool fiber socks are thicker and more durable than their cotton counterparts and last at least twice as long. You will not have to spend time hunting for wool socks in many different stores or ordering them online and waiting for shipping. Wool socks are famous, can be purchased in any sporting or hiking store, and can even be found in many department stores. On top of all this, wool is flame resistant. It does not hold on to smells which is an obvious benefit for socks, especially when you may be planning on wearing them multiple days in a row on a long hike. Wool fabric can be as soft as or even softer than cotton. Eco-friendly For the eco-friendly and green-minding hiker, there is even more good news. Wool is a sustainable solution. Wool-producing sheep are efficient animals that can be grazed on relatively poor land and do not require as much water as cotton plants. These sheep are well cared for and are not harmed during the shearing process. Wool socks are strong enough to be produced without additional fibers such as nylon which means that after they are disposed of, they break down quickly and can even be added to an at-home compost bin. This is in strong contrast to how cotton is produced. Cotton takes a large amount of land and water to grow and is sprayed with massive amounts of toxic pesticides to prevent insect damage. Cotton produces a large amount of industrial waste during processing. Cotton socks are also often knit with nylon for strength, so they are not compostable and will not break down after disposal. Wool is the apparent winner in the ecological contest. Conclusion There are plenty of good reasons to switch to and stick with wool socks and no good reasons to wear cotton socks when hiking. Wool socks provide a superior fit. They provide a thick cushion and protection from blisters and rubbing. Wool can hold its volume many times in water without feeling wet and will keep your feet' temperature regulated even while wet. Wool socks are durable, cost-effective, and resistant to fungal and bacterial growth, which can help prevent fungal infections and other damage to your feet and nails. Wool is flame resistant and will not hold onto smells. Wool is far more ecologically friendly than cotton is. Since both types of socks are easy to find and sold at the same stores for nearly the same price, wool socks are the best choice for severe or casual hikers.