What socks do you recommend????

I used to think my Smartwool socks were the best, but if you want warm, Cabela's has a wool blend hunting sock (grey top, red stripe, white bottom) which is reasonably priced and holds up better than Smartwool IMHO, and it's warmer.

[ksbowman]

Coil spring, I always look for socks that are around 80% wool, the remaining % are the components that give the sock it's memory and elastisity so they don't strech out and sag. The worst thing I can think of is fighting sagging socks and trying to climb mountians.

[scedvm]

I always wear a light wool blend or a poly blend sock.  I usually change midday and do avoid 100% cotton for sure.

[longbowray]

Red head wool socks get my vote , that what I wear all the time , work are play ! I work out side in az . I look at it this way if you feet are cool are it hot the wool sock work the best by keeping your feet dry .

[longbowray]

Red head wool socks get my vote , that what I wear all the time , work are play ! I work out side in az . I look at it this way if you feet are cool are it hot the wool sock work the best by keeping your feet dry .

[Allan Hundeby]

Use wool, but avoid "just any ole" wool.  A lot of it is scratchy, and that's why wool gets a bad rap.  

Like was stated above, CostCo sells Kirkland Outdoor Trail Socks: 71% Merino wool, 21% Nylon, 7% Polyester 1% Lycra Spandex.  They are extremely comfortable and have now become my preferred sock all year round, and they're only about $12 for 4 (four!) pair.  They last and last.

As I recall, Smartwool brand uses merino wool in their socks.  This wool comes from a specific sub-species of sheep - merino sheep.  

[easyup]

Merino wool is the key for me and New Zealand merino is the best, super fine wool.  Learned this when I was traveling for work between Northern China and South Australia, extremes of -10 in Xiangguang and then fly down to 122 in Roxby Downs, with the same boots and socks.

[bentpole]

Wigwam [still made in the U.S.A.] or Carhardt. They last almost forever. They come in different varieties too.Wool etc etc. Check'um out.

[Michigan Mark]

Filson Merino Wool

[eidsvolling]

Smartwool and Thorlo are hands down the best, IMO. I wear these year round, in all kinds of thicknesses and heights and in all kinds of footwear. The fit is fabulous and they're very durable, especially if washed and dried properly. (No regular detergents -- use Woolite or an equivalent, and always line dry.) I haven't figured out how to wear out a pair of Thorlos yet.  

Wigwam used to have a terrific liner called the Ultimax, but they've changed the construction and I can't vouch for the new version yet.

[SwampWarrior]

All I wear year round is smartwool, (they make an awesome Xmas gift, thats how I acquired my 14-15 pair.) I have a couple pair that are meant for running that are short that I use for summer. Feet never get hot. I refuse to wear cotton socks.

[Kentucky Jeff]

Good advice about socks--Merino Wool.  Danner sells a very nice line of Merino wool socks that I feel are comparable to Smart Wool and cost about half as much.

I also highly recommend a lightweight synthetic sock liner.  They do a great job of keeping you feet dry and also protecting you from blisters.  If you've never tried sock liners you will probably be surprised at what a difference they make over a single pair of wool socks.  Here's the one's I like:

 http://thesocksite.com/odor-preventing-x-static-sock-liner-p-462.html

[Aunty]

Green mountain boy i wish i had feet as small as yours my boot size is 15.

[Shawn Leonard]

Merino wool, best socks I know. Cabelas has several different brands in a variety of weights! Shawn

These are 50% merino/30%wool and a bunch of other good stretchy things; $10/pair if you buy 3 at Cabela's and they LAST!