Forum Index » GEAR » Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight?


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Scott Simcox
(Simco) - F

Locale: Nashville
Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight? on 09/13/2012 22:16:56 MDT Print View

I really like my Darn Toughs, but they're 68 grams. How am I supposed to hike with all that weight forcing me to the ground?!?
Has anyone been able to put hundreds (or thousands) of miles on a pair of socks that are a little bit lighter?
Roger Caffin
(rcaffin) - BPL Staff - MLife

Locale: Wollemi & Kosciusko NPs, Europe
Re: Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight? on 09/14/2012 00:26:49 MDT Print View

well, DTV have a huge range of weights, so you need to be a shade more specific.

I have used the really padded Full Boot Socks in the past, but the ankle comes up a bit high and that can create a bit of a heat rash there. So I bought some of the new crew version, but missed that they are only 'really padded' at the bottom. The top surface is thinner. They lasted quite nicely for 2 months continuous walking in Europe this summer, and will be used for many more walks.

Mind you, the Full Boot Socks also last me for years.

Cheers
drowning in spam
(leaftye) - F

Locale: SoCal
 		Re: Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight? on 09/14/2012 01:28:56 MDT Print View

REI used to carry blue polypro liner socks that wore like iron, but last I checked, they don't have them anymore.
Snap Judgement
(kthompson) - MLife

Locale: Eel River Valley
Re: Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight? on 09/14/2012 07:03:47 MDT Print View

No.
David Chenault
(DaveC) - BPL Staff - F

Locale: Crown of the Continent
re: lighter darn toughs on 09/14/2012 10:10:16 MDT Print View

Defeet Wooleators are more durable and lighter than the thinner DTs.
Scott Simcox
(Simco) - F

Locale: Nashville
Re: re: lighter darn toughs on 09/14/2012 11:44:48 MDT Print View

Thanks for the heads up on DeFeet.
Warren Greer
(WarrenGreer) - F

Locale: SoCal
Woolie Boolie on 09/14/2012 20:52:36 MDT Print View

This DeFeet sock is also very nice. My favorite of the four or five brands I've tried. Probably not any lighter than the sock you mentioned. I haven't tried the Darn Toughs but would like to.
John Abela
(JohnAbela) - M

Locale: www.hikelighter.com
Re: Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight? on 09/14/2012 21:21:15 MDT Print View

You have two options:

Darn Tough Socks or WigWam socks
Gross Bob
(redmonk) - MLife

Locale: Bay Area
Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight? on 09/14/2012 21:32:23 MDT Print View

Dahlgren
Mike M
(mtwarden) - MLife

Locale: Montana
which darn socks? on 09/15/2012 08:43:20 MDT Print View

which ones do you have?

they make padded and non-padded ones (Mesh)- the Mesh are lighter and more breathable, but lack the padding- they also offer micro crew, 1/4 length and no-show- each a little lighter than the former

I've been using the Mesh 1/4's of late for trail running, longevity is good, but not as good as the padded; but then again they have a lifetime warranty :)
Say Raow
(lordrasov) - M
Re: Any socks of comparable quality to Darn Tough but lighter in weight? on 09/15/2012 09:17:25 MDT Print View

+1 defeet wooleators

I've alternated two pairs for ~3000 miles over 3 years, and there is only one small hole on one of the socks.
M B
(livingontheroad) - M
socks on 09/15/2012 09:53:36 MDT Print View

Any thin polyester running socks do fine. I use defeet wool-e-ators and various running socks, I dont prefer one over the other at all, they are interchangeable. Polyester dries quicker though.

3 things important in a sock, IMO:

1) Cuff. Need to cover ankles to protect from scraping from the other foot when walking in narrow & deep trail treads. Dont sacrifice 0.25 oz here to have a lighter sock.

2) roomy toes. Narrow socks that squeeze the toes together make the piggies uncomfortable after many miles.

3) keep them clean. Dirt permeates trail runners and socks and starts abrading the foot after only a day or two.