For plenty of outdoors people, wool socks are the gold standard. They’re comfortable, wick moisture, regulate temperature, and fight odor. They’re also expensive, which means they need to last for a long time. After a lot of research, testing, and trail miles, we rounded up seven leading options that we think can hold up to serious hiking adventures.

Getting the fit right is a big part of how well these socks perform. They need to fit snugly enough to prevent the cuff from slipping down but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable. They also need to be the right thickness for the terrain and your preferred footwear.

In general, wool socks are a bit thicker than cotton and synthetic options and come in varying levels of cushioning. For example, if you’re planning on doing some high-alpine backpacking you’ll want something with extra padding and insulation like Smartwool’s Hiker Boot Full Cushion. Meanwhile, if you’re headed out for an overnight hike in warm weather, a lighter sock with less padding might be all you need to get by.

Breathability is another important consideration. The most breathable contenders feature ultralight construction and use stitching or panels to enhance ventilation. The Darn Tough Light Hiker tops this category for its thin construction and instep ventilation design.

The Icebreaker Hike+ Light Crew and Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight also do a good job of wicking moisture and drying quickly. However, they don’t offer the cushioning and underfoot ventilation that our top picks do. wool hiking socks

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