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[fishyfish]

Just got back from Costco.  I don't have a membership. I got in no problem. Wanted to see if they had these Merino socks before I try to get a one day or visitor pass. Find the socks in a big bin in a row with other socks. They had lots. Got in a return/sign up line with socks in hand. Strike up a conversation with a lady who is wondering why I am "returning" socks. Explain to her I fish and want to buy the socks for fishing. Interestingly her husband was at the Cheakamus yesterday fishing. Get up to the desk and am basically told I was s out of luck. There is no one day or visitor pass. The lady from the line is next to me and offers to buy them for me. So as advertised by Tadpole but not entirely correctly. He said 3 pairs for around 12 bucks. They actually had 4 pairs for $12. Can't wait try these out. They also had next to the bins a Merino underarmour I was close to buying but jammed at the last second. Thank you for the suggestions.

[Tex]

One pair of your basic tube socks, one pair of wool socks.  Good to go till it's -10c.  

This might work for you but I would definitely not recommend anyone else following this plan if they want warm feet.  Assuming yoiur "basic tube socks" are made from cotton, as every tube sock I've ever seen is, then that's far from the ideal base layer you want against the skin of your feet.

Cotton does not wick away moisture, and gets cold when wet. It isn't bad to wear when it's hot and you want to stay cool, as it takes longer to dry out and hence cools you down more efficiently, but if we're talking "staying warm", it's not a good bet at all.

I used to wear tube socks as a base layer for years, and my feet are miles warmer and more comfortable now than they ever were in the days I wore cotton socks under wool socks.

Just my 2 cents.
Tex

*edited to add... here's a great link comparing some base layer materials for staying warm:  http://thenextchallenge.org/2012/05/comparison-base-layer-materials/

[Sandy]

thin wool socks and wool/ice socks from Marks.

 I also learned years ago to ensure you are not cutting off circulation around the hips as well as at the ankles and also on occasion have used those disposable hand warmers tucked into the sock at the calves, though that was usualy when tending to a rocker or sluice box. I also try not to allow my feet to get sweaty or ovely warm when driving out , and if they do; I put a fresh pair of socks on.

The old saying if your feet are cold, put on your took, bares thinking about.

[purplehelmet]

I agree w/ Chummy above...  Then wool sox come off & can slide on runners & go for dinner once the waders are off!  I find the neoprene booties on the waders quite cold resistant.

[hotrod]

The socks that Simms makes are the best I've tried. Actually borrowed a pair from a buddy and never gave them back haha

just bought a pair of these and put them to the test! Super comfy and keeps really warm! in fact will most likely go get a second pair.


  hotrod

[adecadelost]

Another big vote for merino wool socks.  I also wear a thin sock liner under the wool socks on cold steelheading days and it makes a big difference.

[troutbreath]

Sprinkle chile peppers in your socks.

[scouterjames]

Merino wool for sure - I also go for the sock liners (they are also very helpful to keep the blisters away!). 

Keep your head covered too - you lose the most heat from your head and once you start getting cold it can take a long time to warm up... 

Stay away from wearing cotton - this goes for socks, long underwear, t-shirts etc.  Stick with moisture wicking base layers and cotton or polar fleece.  Cotton Kills (it gets wet from sweat or from the elements, doesn't dry or wick moisture.  This turns into a refridgerator situation and lowers your core body temp.

[Sandy]

Tell me, and I might forget;
  Show me, and I might remember;
    INVOLVE ME, and I'll learn.



good quote!!

[scouterjames]

Good old wool socks plus these inside have never let me down.

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/Socks/Womens/PRD~4002-218/wigwam-gobi-liner-socks-unisex.jsp

This has been my set up for 10+ years of snowboarding and about 5+ fishing. Nice thing is wool still insulates if wet/damp and the liners can be dried out on your car dash heater in a few minutes. That's a plus if your waders spring a leak. Only happened to me once so far.   The IceBreaker stuff is tops. I have a couple of there Merino T's and plan on getting some of their long underwear in the future.

X2 on the liners - Running Room also has liners if MEC is too far a drive.  Also X12 on WOOL.  stay away from anything with cotton or cotton blend - turns your boots into a refridgerator if/and or when they get wet!


jsut noticed I already answered - but it bares repeating - keep your head warm and stay away from cotton!  Also, it's been mentioned in the above posts, but keep boot size in mnd when purchasing - when it was getting close to time to replace my boots, i kept them for warm days and bought a pair 1.5 times bigger for the colder days, to accomodate the extra thick layer of wool socks....

[DanJohn]

I got my merino socks from walmart. Kodiak, 2 pair, 9 bucks. They are a little thicker was they are work socks, but keep my feet very warm in wading boots that are a size too small. Marks also has 100% merino pants, but 65 bucks per pair. If costco has them for cheaper, and they are pure merino, id get them.

[HOOK]

I have the Simms heavy duty Merino socks and liner socks

I read the "ingredient" list for the Simms liner socks ($12.99/pair) i then went to Wholesale Sports to see if they sold liner socks. they had the exact same liner socks but only $9.99/pair. These liner have CoolMax technology so you feet stay warm but not too warm. WS also had a different type of wader socks with this in them which im sure would be even warmer.

I only wear the liner socks when im fishing for steelhead in temps around 6degrees or under. anything over that and just the Simms socks are fine

[adriaticum]

1. Wool
2. Wool
3. Wool

[gw105]

Checked the Costco in Abby about the Kirkland brand marino wool trail socks the other day, couldn't find them.  I checked with customer service and apparently none in Western Canada have any and they are not planning on getting any more in.   

[skaha]

--smartwool... not cheap but form fitting and due to processing not likely to cause alergic reaction or itching if wool is an issue for you.
--great for hiking as well come in different thickness and style