Women’s Hiking Socks
Have you ever felt crisp, cool air against your face while pushing your body to the limit on a trail filled with breathtaking scenery? Perhaps you prefer hiking flat trails in warmer climates? Or, maybe you like seeing little chipmunks dart back and forth across trails while walking through the wilderness. Either way, being one with nature on a scenic trail is absolutely amazing! America is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, and it has the most dramatic variations in geology. A weekend alone on a beautiful trail can be revitalizing, but with friends, it can be a bonding experience that each of you will cherish forever.
Hiking can be tons of fun when you have the proper gear, but it can turn into your worst nightmare if you get a small blister on just one toe. Sounds dramatic? Well, try hiking one mile with sweaty feet and a blister. You will think long and hard about the type of hiking socks you put on your feet, before planning your next hiking trip. Needless to say, it is super important to look at the many benefits of purchasing hiking socks, or athletic socks for women before going hiking. Did you know there are socks made for women hikers? Let take a closer look at the characteristics of the right kind of athletic socks for women. You should be thinking less about your feet and more about the breathtaking scenic views along the trail.
Hiking clothes for women includes a variety of pieces, but for this article, we will focus on socks. Comfortable socks and shoes are the utmost importance when hiking over terrain filled with rocks, dirt, twigs, branches, and more. Some folks only think of buying comfortable hiking shoes, but ultimately fail at purchasing athletic socks for women or socks that wick moisture. The last thing anyone wants is sore, achy feet with blisters on a trail. The worst-case scenario is a blister occurs midway through a hike. Even if you turn around, you will still have to make it back to the starting point in pain. Below you will specific things to look for in athletic socks for women.
Benefits of Hiking Socks for Women
Comfortable and Used for Hiking: The first characteristic of good hiking socks for women is to find socks made specifically for outdoor activities, sports, hiking, and more. There should be extra padding throughout the socks for cushioning and tightness in the right places to make sure the socks do not slide out of place.
Padding: There should be extra padding in four specific areas: the toe area, the heel, around the top of the sock, and in the crease on top of the sock where the foot meets the ankle. The extra padding in the toe area is extremely important because it is needed when walking, running, biking, hiking, skiing, etc. The top of the sock around your ankle should be padded for comfort, as well as the crease on the top of the sock where the foot meets the ankle.
Non-skid and Shock Absorbing: The extra padding in the toe and heel areas absorb shock when walking, running, and performing other activities. The padding combined with extra spandex around the foot and ankle keeps the socks from moving. The sock should fit firmly around your foot.
No Blisters: Another reason for the extra padding discussed above is to reduce blisters. There is also spandex in the sock that wraps around the foot and the ankle, this keeps the sock tight so it is less likely to slip, no sliding, and therefore less likely to cause blisters since it is not rubbing against your foot.
Breathability: Hiking socks are designed to regulate your body's temperature, but simultaneously reduce friction that occurs between your foot and your hiking boot. All good-quality hiking socks are made from breathable materials that are designed to keep your feet dry.
Durability: Women’s hiking sock should be durable. The durability depends on the number of miles being hiked, how a person walks, the terrain, and how hard the foot strike against the ground.
Dries Quickly: You may encounter water at some point when hiking various trails. For example, it may start to rain, or you could encounter a beautiful stream filled with rainbow trout or other types of fish. You want a pair of socks that will dry fast which helps prevent those pesky little blisters. Some hiking socks are known for their quick-drying capabilities but usually are lightweight socks. Two common materials used to make thicker hiking socks are merino wool and polyester, which are also known for their wicking abilities.
Five Beautiful Hiking Trails Located in National Parks
The United States has some of the most diverse landscapes in the world and covers some of the most breathtaking views on the planet. The National Park Service has worked hard to preserve natural trails and scenery in places all over the United States. If your time is limited, then you may want to opt for a day hike but many offer multiday treks if you have more time.
1.Yosemite National Park: This park is located in California and covers nearly 1,200 square feet. Yosemite Park stretches across stunning granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada and is home to glaciers, like Lyell glacier. The park has countless waterfalls and nine of the waterfalls have drops cascading over 1,000 feet. You will also find groves of ancient, giant sequoia trees, some of which are estimated to be around 1,800 years old and stand at over 200 feet.
2. The Grand Canyon: This park is located in Arizona and is over 270 miles long, but 18 miles wide in some areas, and some places up to a mile deep. The Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Although hiking will offer a unique experience, there are helicopter rides, rafting, and cycling as well. Hiking gives you the ability to experience different weather systems. Most people only think of heat, sand dunes, cactus, and rattlesnakes when hiking in the Grand Canyon. Many do not realize that a lot of trails have cool, balmy weather at high elevations. So, pack warm breathable socks!
3. Isle Royal National Park: this park is located mostly on the largest island within the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Superior. These trails are in a remote location and can only be reached by boat or by seaplane. This park offers the ultimate adventure because wheeled vehicles are completely prohibited. The only way to get around is on foot or by boat, canoe, or kayak.
4. Zion National Park: is a national park located in Utah. It offers a wide range of hiking opportunities and has something for every age and experience level, during every month of the year. This park gets four million visitors a year, and you can wander from one scenic overlook to the next aboard the Zion Canyon Shuttle. There are plenty of activities to do such as helicopter rides, horseback riding, hiking, and more. Zion has a large area of low-elevation desert which is enjoyable to hike during winter. The Chinle Trail in the Coalpits and Huber Wash area offers outstanding hiking opportunities even during the coldest months of the year.
5. Kenai Fjords National Park: This park is located on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska. It is a frozen wilderness with icefields, glaciers, and fjords which is how the park got its name. A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland. Fjords are usually set in a U-shaped valley with steep walls of rock on either side. This park has a popular trail that stretches an 8.2-miles round trip called the Harding Icefield Trail, which can be completed as a day hike. The trail starts on the valley floor but winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passing through heather filled meadows. The views are amazing!
A hiking trip can be versatile because it is an activity that can be done alone, or with a group of friends. Trails in National Parks vary and depend on location, time of year, and weather conditions. Some places offer helicopter rides, horseback riding, kayaking, and much more. It is important to be safe, comfortable, and prepared when hiking which includes wearing proper hiking gear. Women’s athletic socks can make or break a good hiking trip because one small blister can make walking hard. Socks should be properly labeled as hiking socks, outdoor cushion socks, or athletic socks for women, that wick moisture away. The last thing anyone wants to deal with on a hiking trip is sweaty feet, blisters, or socks that do not dry quickly. Wearing the wrong type of socks may seem trivial until you are walking over rocks, pebbles, or splashing through streams. It is wise to carefully select hiking socks that prevent foot problems so that you can have an amazing time hiking.