There’s one piece of digital nomad hiking gear I’ve been so impressed with, that it’s the only piece of gear I’ve got two of: the Darn Tough midweight cushion boot sock. After 9 months of marching it up mountains and down city streets and through country road puddles and across mezcalarias, I’m even more impressed because they look exactly the same as the day I bought them. I’ve obliterated other supposed travel socks during the same time period but these Darn Toughs remain immaculate and incorruptible. They come with a lifetime guarantee and I can’t guarantee I’ll outlive them.
For big hike days, like trekking up to Marampata on the way to Choquequirao, I always wear a pair. And I’m not the only one that’s impressed. Check out that 4.8/5 rating after nearly 4000 reviews.
Why are these Darn Tough socks so great?
Besides the fact that they don’t show any wear yet after getting used a lot, there are a couple of other key points that won me over…
What are they made of?
64% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex. The higher wool content seems to really help these socks compared to other travel socks I’ve tried out this year, including other Darn Tough socks.
So are they hot and itchy?
They’re warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. I initially got a second pair just because the socks felt so comfortable wearing them around my apartment.
Can you only wear them hiking?
These socks have been much more versatile than just a hiking sock. They’re just as comfortable wearing them on a street food tour in the city as they are on a cold mountain.
Are they worth the price?
Similar to what I mentioned in my review on the Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 hiking boots, when you consider the cost-per-wear, and the comfort you get, they’re so affordable. I paid $35 CAD and it looks like they currently retail for between $20 – 30 USD.
Some travel sock due diligence. These are the four types of socks I started out with this year: the Ministry of Supply travel sock, the Western Rise, the Darn Tough midweight, and then a Darn Tough Coolmax fabric sock. The Ministry of Supply sock blew holes in both socks within months. The Western Rise has been great but it’s better for urban environments. I’m not a big fan of the Darn Tough Coolmax material. I would definitely go for the higher wool content in their midweight cushion boot sock.
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