How Many Pairs of Socks should you Carry?

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[@yellowdog762jb]

I'm on the Texas Gulf Coast. Summer temps are 95 to 105 with 90+% humidity. I wear 50-65% merino wool socks all day while working in the yard, hiking and even doing yard work. I don't even buy cotton socks anymore. One major tip: Don't wear goretex boots, they don't breath and your feet will parboil in the summer heat.

[@themodernminuteman2557]

I've always subscribed to the 3 pairs of socks rule. 1 pair on your feet, 1 pair that you just changed out of, and 1 pair to put on next and you just rotate as needed... Good stuff Randall!

[@brotherbrovet1881]

Quality wool socks... 3-4 pair are all you need. Wear one, drying one on outside of pack, 2 backups. Quality wool can be washed and dried on the go.

[@paullinkins8121]

Socks were a big problem for me in the jungle (Panama). You constantly get them wet from sweat, rain, swamps, sloshing through wet areas, etc. Swap them out and they're soaked again in an hour. Hanging them somewhere (including outside your ruck while humping) never got them dry. Jungle boots were quite necessary but I still needed socks to prevent my feet from getting torn up by the boots.

[@brotherbrovet1881]

Nylon socks... like dress socks.

[@Cursd281]

Quantity of socks = yes.

[@Cursd281]

@gruntproof - how do you exfil grunts that’re wounded? Have litters, drag bags, what do you recommend?

[@RedDawnReadiness]

I like 3 pair of Morino Wool… 1 on 2 extra / 3 extra if have room.

[@MichaelROC]

Civvie from Taiwan, where is always 25~35'C and 80% up humidity, and I sweat far beyond average. I wear Darntough to ruck march, hike, go to work or shopping, basically whenever I wear boots. I have no problem wearing them all day to ruck like 30km or ascend 1000m in the mountains. I do keep 1-2 pair in the pack but I don't change during the day. As far as I know, nearly nobody does that many changing in our military or climbing society. I would say 3 to 4 pairs of good wool sucks would fit most needs.

[@xc8487]

Darn Tough tactical merino wool. Covert Threads also makes a 100% synthesis mesh jungle sock which is great if your boots get soaked or you expect to be crossing water.

[@davidelzinga9757]

I take an extra pair of socks and boots to work, let my feet dry on lunch, and I still leave wet footprints when I’m done for the day. I use a boot dryer year around so I don’t put on wet boots every morning

[@yellowdog762jb]

Every shoe or boot I take off goes on my Peet shoe dryer for a couple of hours or all night. Then I put shoe trees in my leather dress shoes. My shoes last ages, they don't smell, and I don't have foot issues.

[@thehappyclam3942]

At least two pairs of socks and a Sponge Bob woobie to keep you warm and comfy.

[@joshuastender4871]

Agreed 3 is my happy number for socks, but 2 can cover it pending distance and time out spent

[@onerider808]

The woobie is key. I like plankton, personally

[@jimmyfields5831]

I have 2 pairs knee high darn tough T4033 that way I can keep the ticks off my legs, or can spot them. And I have a third pair to sleep in

[@michaeldoolan7595]

The French foreign Legionnaires don't wear socks. Russians used to use foot rags, and some maybe still do. British army issue socks used to spark with static if you rubbed them together and old British army boots from 1960 to mid 90's were called Dunlop Moulded Soles. Or DMS because the soles were made by Dunlop like our flammable mattresses were and the upper was made from a type of compressed cardboard that fell apart in prolonged wet periods or the Falklands war for example.

[@JONFATSARNOTT]

I always carried 3...i loved the wool. The green ones. On a march, i wore the black dress socks under....no blisters

[@fanman8102]

That was also the standard in cold weather training when we were still issued the old black cadillacs but it wasn’t cold enough to get the mickey mouse boots.

[@christophertipton2318]

I started wearing women's nylon knee high's under my boot socks when I was in the Air Guard (security police). No more blisters. Laugh all you want, but I'm comfortable and not hurting. I also carried three extra pair of wool socks, always turned inside out (I learned that trick in the Marines), plus one pair of knee highs for each pair of boot socks. I also wear Merino wool socks now, not GI socks.

[@TennGrizz]

Same

[@AdventureswithB.O.B.]

Yeah today, 2 pair of Darn Tough is all that's really needed. One on your feet, one in your pack. Change when needed, clean and dry the other pair.

[@GruntProof]

Darn tough is woke. Grip6 is the same quality and not woke

[@AdventureswithB.O.B.]

@GruntProof I haven't heard of Grip6 until just now. I just did a little search and see both Darn tough and Grip6 are about the same price, materials and life time warranty and both made in usa. What's the difference, why is Darn Tough "woke"

[@GruntProof]

They fund anti-2a legislation and politicians

[@AdventureswithB.O.B.]

@@GruntProof Roger that.

[@stevescuba1978]

​@@GruntProof Unfortunately grip6 aren't as good. I have both, and I have put several years of wear on the darn tough. They're the best socks, hands down. I'll be taking full advantage of the free replacement, but I won't be buying more.

[@Beartron.actual]

Literally have spent the last few months changing over all my socks to Cover Threads brand. Life changing socks. Worth every penny. Take care of those feet gents. Cheers

[@BlueJayWaters]

As a former Hospital Corpsman and foremost experts on socks and their benefits, I can tell you modern socks are much more functional and utilized to be worn for continuous use. A pair of extra socks is an absolute must simply for sleeping, or as a back up for truly saturated socks, OR if you have open sores. More than 2 spares is absolutely unnecessary unless you're in extreme environments. For context, I've just worn the same pair of darn toughes for 2 days, 1 in rain and saturated ground while hiking for about 3 miles and camping, the other day was 14 miles of trail and back under muddy conditions. Feet are fine because I barefoot run and take care of them. Your feet should be taken care of beyond changing socks, and there's no quick solution, whatever sock brands or some other non-informed people will say.

[@DRFelGood]

Too prevent blisters, you should consider wearing 2 pairs of socks-daily. Placing the cotton pair of socks on first thmy wool socks. Wear *1 pair of cotton covering the skin. Then cover the cotton pair with 1 pair of wool socks. The wool socks will keep your feet dry, next 😢cover the wool from RG feet will feel like sweat, however, you should keep on 5pairs of pure cotton, 3 pairs of wool change every day !😮

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

I do like the liner approach, but cotton is garbage. Polypropylene liner socks are the ticket. Keeps your woolys clean, allows the foot to move but transfers that friction to the socks, wicks moisture much faster than cotton and won't retain the moisture.

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

I carry 2 pairs of Fox River 85% wool socks as backup to what I'm wearing. But I also wear waterproof over-socks. Never had a problem.

[@milesmoyers]

I travel for a week at a time, i have two pair (smart wool) and wash and cycle through the two. I’ve been out for 3 weeks at a time with same routine

[@SouthernArmsChannel]

Hows it goin dude im kinda new to all of this ive always aired out blisters on my feet by sitting em infront of a fan after working landscaping and they get white sometimes but how can i treat this on the go ? Do I need new shoes and socks? If so what are some good brands you know of ?

[@Cooldude-sc1eu]

⁠@@SouthernArmsChannelDeo Vindice brother.

[@joshuastender4871]

​@@SouthernArmsChannel if your hot spots aren't callousing over after a few months of routine, then yeah it's either your boots or your socks.

[@joshuastender4871]

Treating blisters on the go? Yeah, no easy answer for you. You deal with the pain or you're out till they're dealt with properly. Foot health is crucial for movements. Without it, you're stationary

[@SouthernArmsChannel]

@@joshuastender4871 well when I'm working all day in the muggyness I dont actually think there's a way to avoid swamped out feet , but thankfully I'm not a soldier or id be havin a hard time

[@jserran2]

Didn’t wear socks in nam everything was always wet

[@StevenRoberts-m8v]

Fox River,and Darn Tuff for me. Both brands are outstanding for durability, and long life. Thanks for sharing this with us!! ✌️👍🤝👊🙌🫡🥾

[@Jordan-ql6tm]

Absolute best socks I've ever experienced my life is from a veteran owned company called covert threads. All American made all American source their wool beast line is absolutely amazing it's meant for boots it's meant for rocking it's meant for military use they're fantastic, and right now they're on a 50% off sale LOL they're over the calf sock is fantastic for boots. They are also very thick in the place they need to be thick and thin in the places they need to be thin I can wear them in all leather comfortable work boots all day long without any sweating

[@zplitterz]

October-April, 3 pairs of smartwool medium weight socks in northern U.S. living fully outside all day everyday. Hiking everyday, in Sorel boots. Just dry them out end of day along with sorel liners and insoles.

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

A drastically under mentioned need is camp "shoes". Sandals, crocs, etc... Some sort of lightweight alternative to allow your feet to breath *and your boots to dry.* They just won't have enough time to do so overnight. Ideally you'd have 2 pair of boots, but that's not practical on the march.

[@erikstrausmann6428]

It's the same thing like ammo. You can never get enough.

[@Elizabeth-tg7jo]

I like Darn Tough as I prefer wool. A few years ago, I bit it crossing a stream. My boots were sloshing around but my feet were 100% warm. Gave me enough time to hike the 4 miles back to my truck.

[@MJFacas]

Some people are just prone to blisters. Some people don't know or can't afford boots that properly fit them. If you didn't know; boots (shoes) are built on a last and different makers uses different shaped lasts. Sometimes one maker will use different shaped lasts. So don't assume their last version will fit the same as the next one.

[@Subdood04]

I had terrible athletes foot on my first boat in the 1980s. Our Doc was a FMF trained corpsman before going Submarines. He got me to wear a light weight liner and a wool sock. Back then it was USMC or USN issue wool. Problem solved. Now my preference is Darn Tough. Their warranty is superb. I have replaced all of the original ones I bought like 7 or 8 years ago for free. I have lightweight for summer and heavier for winter.

[@Fightosaurus]

Three pair here. Swap every day and let the old ones air dry, throw the extra pair on at night if your feet get chilly.

[@resolute123]

Many years in the Army (granted I'm a POG) but you continue to change my perception of what I was taught. Keep it up bro!

[@briangrant2005]

I have 2 pair in the pack, but I do need to upgrade my socks. It's the little things that make a huge difference

[@andrewpayne2811]

3 pairs of fox River socks is the ticket. 1 on, 1 ready to go and 1 drying from getting washed.

[@onerider808]

Now THIS is interesting. I can get by with a couple pairs, even for long moto-camping and hiking trips. You just gotta wash one pair when you get into camp, and it is ready for the next day. But for the longest time, I wanted a fresh pair every day, regardless of the (small) weight and space penalty. This was spot on, as far as I’m concerned.

[@blzahz7633]

1 on, 2 extra pairs. One can be wet from washing while still having one pair to switch to if needed. I personally can't wear 1 pair too long, the joint of my pinky toes develop lesions if I ignore feet hygiene for too long. It's some type of infection that can be avoided with switching socks and wet-wiping the feet during that process.

[@Radagast49230]

Three total pairs of socks, one on my feet, the pair I wore last on outside of pack to dry out from foot sweat. Reserve pair in ziplock bag in pack in case of sudden drenching. You swap out at the end of each day and give the ones you just wore a day to dry out.

[@TheAnnoDomini]

As an 11B20 in 1984, I was part of the conversion of the 7th ID into the Army's first light infantry division. They took away almost all of the vehicles, exchanged our ALICE medium rucks for ALICE large rucks. We carried all of the necessary fighting equipment on our backs for weeks or months without showers and few hot meals (once or twice a week). I carried 14 pairs of the issue OD wool socks and no spare uniforms. My feet were fine. If your trousers are properly bloused, your socks can't fall down to your ankles. That includes training exercises in Panama. We replaced the 82nd ABN as the nations RDF, so we had what we needed.

[@lawerencelinton6596]

I went on a 24 mile backpacking trip once. I only had 3 pairs of darn tough socks and I made it thru with only a slight blister on one of my feet. What I did is I'd swap after every hour and tie the ones I just took off to my ruck and let them dry in the sun as I walk

[@dortywings7217]

You can extend wearing one pair of socks to 2-3 days, if you dont have time to change them, but that is for a high danger environment. Having a spare at hand is for not freezing in winter or for changing soaking wet socks for comfort after a rivercrossing or rain or sth. If you are marching a lot, you should carry one fresh pair for every day of marching. Three days of marching is already 60 miles so how far do you really want to go before resupplying? Seven days in the field normal duty you probably want 7 pairs of socks, so it kind of depends what you are doing exactly. It is probably more hygienic and more dry to change your socks every 4 hours, but I dont really see a big advantage in that for combat or marching. I would rather use footpowder in the morning, so you get a good 3-4 hours more beeing dry in your boot, so no need to carry or change socks during a 8-12 hour day. High quality of socks and footpowder is happy feet, also dont forget march training for toughen your feet, and well worn in boots.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Wigwams were my go too. I carried 3 pairs for my needs.

[@George_Lewis]

Grip 6... Number One! Two or three pair and I'm set.

[@jasonbailey9302]

Wet feet, change socks. Darn tough socks ROCK!!! FOOT POWDER IS A MUST.

[@realpropertymangement7640]

I have some Paka socks made from a blend of alpaca wool. Thin (which I prefer) and very comfortable.

[@williamestep5473]

If you want an explosion to shrink wrap to your skin and take skin with it when in the hospital wear synthetics. I used to use the wool cotton cloth and wrap my feet just like the Russian soldier. Never had an issue with staying in place and it’s extra bandages.

[@mtnbound2764]

1 pair on and 2 in the pack. I usually only do 2-3 day camp trips, but i like a fresh pair each morning, and the ability to double them up at night. usually 3 pairs is enough. also if your socks get wet, hang them off your pack so they dry as you walk throughout the day

[@christophermitchell7925]

I carry 2 extra pairs of either Darn Tough or Smartwool. That way you can wash the pair you were wearing, put a clean pair on, and have 1 pair of backups.

[@GruntProof]

Darn Tough is woke. Grip6 is the same quality but not woke

[@TheKATON132]

@@GruntProof shit for real? I didnt know that. Damn I JUST bought some of their military pairs

[@yellowdog762jb]

​@@GruntProofI'm about to pick up some Grip6 based on one of your previous vids. I've been wearing Darn Tough, but no more. That's a shame, because I like them.

[@greglincir9037]

@GruntProof thanks for the heads up. I could sense that Darn Tough was going woke. Recently they sent out an email with the “opt out of Mother’s Day” option because apparently Mother’s Day is too triggering for some people. Also Darn Tough discontinued the Desert Tan color of their Tactical Socks (which was the best color for my environment), very foolish business decision. That was the last straw for me. I will check out Grip6.

[@galkinator]

As a backpacker, I take one extra pair of socks and that works perfectly well.

[@66block84]

Summer of 1979 I worked on a railroad section gang and lived in railroad bunk cars. There were only two shower stalls for about 40 guys and I got a case of serious athletes foot, cracks between the toes. I got a mostly alcohol based treatment (can't remeber the brand) at a drug store. After 3 days of pain I went back to the drug store and the pharmacist recommended tolnaftate based anti-fungal. That did the trick. Now I wear closed toe sandals in the house all year and outside in the spring, summer and fall.

[@markhaywood7307]

4 4 thick- wool 4 thin mixed 2 are dry you work the rest out

[@dimitriskaradimos6538]

Congrats for your advices!!!! You are ""old school " SF !!!! Ammo-Shocks-Baby Wipes.

[@erickaesman4001]

And with todays sock you have 100s of size/thickness options. I bought super thick socks for skiing, medium socks for insulated winter boots and lightweight 'hiker' socks for Spring/Summer hiking.

[@akatsukiawsome13]

now these are the real discourses worth having

[@jacklawson9613]

I like to keep 2 extras in my 3 day pack and then 3 extras in my large rucks for long sustained travel. What matters most though is keeping your feet dry and rotating out wet clothes.

[@Fish-ub3wn]

at last someone pointed out the obvious, but not for all it seems.. 10/10

[@oldsoldier181]

Grip6-have been wearing them for 2 years now. My go to socks. I ALWAYS have a dry pair. Fortunately, with these-they dry out quick. Combine those with REAL breathable boots-not Goretex-and you will be good most of the year. Goretex is great, if you are in a cold environment. Outside of that, goretex is a myth

[@RedDevil5081]

"Back at Bragg" in the 80's we hardly ever changed our socks during 72hr missions and only had one pair in our buttrucks. Jungle and desert also. Winter, I carry a azzload of socks. Not changing your socks will put you in the hurt box. You can't convince otherwise. 🥃🍻🪂🫡🇺🇸

[@asmith7876]

Darn Tough is my first exposure to really good socks, I love them but this Grip6 sounds interesting.

[@sombra6153]

Green wool socks issued in the 80s were better than they get credit. I’m surprised the Army issued cotton socks when they obviously know better.

[@sumkidincali]

Yes LT Dan sir!

[@JimRodgers]

Compare that to backpacking - I carry only one extra pair of socks no matter how long the backpack trip.

[@WoodyXRay]

I backpack wearing a pair of Darn Tough Marino wool socks with two more pairs in my pack. Pretty much get thru at least two weeks. Then I like to wash them.

[@williamk1452]

Grip6 is IT. 3pr. 8 pairs of grip 6 , same color, 2.5 years. Guaranteed for life. American wool, American sheep farmers.

[@alphawolfgang173]

i keep 2 spare pairs in their own ziplock bags in a ziplock bag. i want them dry. its easy to get wet in washington, even when its dry.

[@jerryj3047]

Add silica Gel Packs inside or rice 😎😎

[@traillesstravelled7901]

Quality socks = happy feet. Not even I can find anything to complain about on this subject.

[@chrisMackenzie-m2x]

Wish I had a squad leader or PSG like you. Good info!

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Yuuuuuuuuuup, the Wool blend ones are the best, Under Armor performance socks for the summer/ hot stuff are good too. Season and region matter for sure. Long range and long term stuff, 4 pairs will last you a long time, short term stuff you can get away with a spare pair, yup.

[@GruntProof]

Under Armor is woke though

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

@@GruntProof And they are also anti-2A, which puts them on my permanent sh!t list, I'm a GOA life member. I never compromise with those who would compromise my liberty!

[@Nightdiver20]

@@GruntProof So is YT

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@GruntProof Unfortunately.

[@GruntProof]

I'm not trying to reach 1.3 million people every week on the UA website though, and can easily buy clothing from other companies. Until another platform steps up, youtube is awesome.

[@ZIC_lone_bee]

and if you waer Barefoot shoes it helps a lot to avoid trenchfoot. why? because of the whide toe box. and also the blisters because the shoes flex with your feet.

[@pathfinderairborne920]

3 pairs, wear one, dry one, spare.

[@PabloVelasco-hr3ko]

dont forget talc powder

[@seratbushcraft6979]

What about lucky socks

[@robg8433]

Much 👉🏽👉🏽Gooder...Sox ... New brand?

[@chuckfinley3152]

Synthetic wool blend mountain bike socks

[@pyeitme508]

I bet dozens😂

[@Swish82]

Good topic, brother.

[@adamwaughtal4748]

Currently running 4 pairs of

[@Togster1064]

I bring 2-3 pair with me. Always merino wool

[@TennGrizz]

1-6 pair LL bean Merino wool. Vaseline your feet and change your socks.

[@DJTruth_1970]

Hands, feet, neck, balls, extra socks will warm them all…

[@timjohnson8390]

We are doomed when the important question is about how many socks one needs. If one cant manage to take care of his/her feet then there's no help

[@JacobJohn-rc4sx]

👍👍

[@neilcastell6951]

i would carry 3 pairs ... the wool type ... and 20 some years later, i still have and use them, lol

[@mollyhogen5036]

Can tell your a old school grunt any body that use the word (Gooder) is a bad mofo in my book. Lol. I like the RedHead brand of socks they hold up well and never had a problem with them. Much love to ya bro.

[@preacher1776]

You need four, minimum. Feet, neck, hands, balls, extra socks warm them all! You're welcome.

[@hiramhaji7813]

great value

[@steakwilliams4448]

I really appreciate your vids and the knowledge you pass on to people that don't have your background and experience. Did you say you pee on your feet?

[@easygroove]

at least 3 or 4 - most part MERINO - and now im gonna watch this.... Edit: Pack em in somethin waterproof!

[@_DEFCON1]

Plz reply are darn tuff tactical socks good?!?

[@ColemanOutdoors]

WTH...7 pairs?!? That's ridiculous. Yeah...1 extra...that's it.

[@GruntProof]

Go Army 🏳️‍🌈

[@zaynevanday142]

I know a soldier who never used socks in his entire military career including 22 years in SASR 😂😂😂

[@Variable19]

7 pairs of socks seems excessive....that takes up too much room where you could carry extra beer

[@zaynevanday142]

7 pairs is just a waste of space 😂

[@Sw-nv4hw]

Keep your head and feet warm.

[@thomas_jay]

Just use footwraps.

[@MikeTyson-il5gn]

Wait...? Why are we peeing on our feet?

[@marcrud1250]

6 pair of goooood socks. Take care of your dogs if you are rucking... Be an asset, not a liability

[@jerusalemcats3177]

I had Athlete's foot which turned into Blood poisoning. Very Bad

[@christophertipton2318]

I got serious athletes foot in Vietnam and have never been able to get rid of it completely. Tried everything known to man. I have to be careful of getting blisters as the athletes foot fungus can and will infect those blisters. I got blisters from a new pair of jungles boots when I was in the Air Guard (not the Vietnam issue, but the crappier version issued later). Several days later, the lymph nodes in my groin (both sides) blew up to the size of tennis balls (no pun intended). A trip to the ER was indicated and I was loaded up with prescriptions. When I went to the drug store, the pharmacist immediately knew why I had the scrips I did. He had been a grunt in the Marines and suggested I soak my feet a couple of times a week in a bleach/water bath (a weak solution). It worked. This blister avoidance is why I wear women's knee highs under my boot socks. That works too. Luckily, at 71, I'm not trooping around the woods as much any more, but I do still wear combat style boots much of the time. Danners. Worn them since the infected blister event. Non-gortex.

[@BIG_ASS_MOOSE]

Zero. You should be going barefoot lol

[@mdog1615]

how many condoms ? ...

[@AntiFederalist58]

Your socks were made by the lowest bidder.

[@Grizzly907LA]

7 pairs of socks is outrageous. My stupid question of the day, how do you wash socks out in the field. I don't think I can get by with two pairs of socks. Maybe 3 or 4. Cotton is comfortable but your feet sweat and the socks stick to you feet. I did buy a couple pair of grip 6 socks, and will do my best to purchase some every month.