Quick dry socks

My husband and I both like the Smartwool "PhD" socks. They come in various heights---micro, ankle, crew.

http://www.rei.com/item/835913/smartwool-phd-outdoor-light-mini-socks-womens

They dry overnight; after rinsing and squeezing out the water, I wrap them on a towel and press out more water by walking barefoot on the towel ( like grape stomping). Then hang where there is good air circulation.

I am currently having good luck with the thinnest smartwool micro crew socks. I dont remember what they are called but they have no padding or cushioning. I have always worn Thorlos but both my brother and the sales asst at REI talked me in to them. I wont go back. I got the thinnest as I wear orthotics and I did not need any more layers taking up space in my shoes.

Ive been traveling for almost 5 weeks and they have always dried overnight. The only downside I can find is that the hold no odor so it's hard to remember how many days they have been worn. TMI, right?

Nancy,

If you want to do some experimenting, try marino wool.

If you have time before you leave, buy a pair and give them a shot.

Remember you can do laundry ir have it done.

One thing to do is to squeeze out as much water as possible. Then put them in a towel, roll them up as tight as possible and then let them hang dry.

One comment/hint. Some places have towel warmers. You can use them to speed up the process. But in the morning my sox has been dry or dry enough to stow.

Happy trails

It turns out we three all recommended the same thing. Smartwool socks are merino wool, and I believe the PhDs are the same style Pam likes---thin and supportive, but no cushioning.

Lola I think you are right about the name as well. I cracked up when I finally posted my post and saw you beat me to it and were recommending the same!

I will say the negative is that I have been able to find the thinnest ones in charcoal, a teal color plus silver or a slightly darker light gray which look dingey to me. Was not able to find black in the lightest weight. Accidentally ordered the next heaviest pair in black and they are too thick for me. If you don't live in the back of beyond like some of us, go look at the goods in person.

In traveling thru Europe for a month for 12 of the last 13 years, I have always taken ExOfficio socks, under ware, shirts and pants. They all get sink washed as needed, hung up in the bathroom, and are all dry in the morning.
They may be more expensive than other ones but they last and do the job for me. If you are interested in buying some, check out their web site as they often have sales that make their products more reasonable.

Tilly socks. Canadian company. Lightweight and dry incredibly quickly. Also great for small women since they come in size s-m-l. The small is great for those of us with size 6 shoes! These are the folks who also make great hats.

Joining the crowd that swears by Smartwool, I like the less padded ones for wear in warmer months. Wring out excess water, roll in a towel and hang by individual clothespin-clips I got from Amazon (also good for panties). For a 14 day trip I brought 5 pair of socks, stopped washing when I had enough to last. I'll wear other cotton/wool sock brands as long as they don't have a seam across the toes that causes irritation.

Nancy,

I will add that i get the medium weight one for travel. I find they give me a little more cushion.

Like i mentioned if you have time try some and see how you like them.

Happy trails

Has anyone tried the stretchy rayon socks sold very cheap in CVS drugstores? I have bought a couple of pairs for regular wear; my husband especially loves how easy they are to put on & off because they are so stretchy. I keep reminding myself to try hand washing them before it's time to pack for travel.

Don't know about the rayon socks but I suggest you have your husband try sink washing them to check drying time. That way he can build up his skill level and be ready to do his own wash on your trip. Start him off using a 2 gal ziplock bag for his "washing machine".

Hey Pam, I love it -- training husband to wash his own socks!

"I love it -- training husband to wash his own socks!"

Aaaaaand good luck with that ;-)

Nancy, just a suggestion - have you considered wearing two pairs of thin socks? I don't know if you've ever worn thin wicking liners under your regular walking socks, but they keep your feet dry and pretty much blister-free. Hikers have been wearing these for eons. (Gross Alert - on days when my feet have reason to be particularly sweaty, instead: my socks are soaked, my wicking liners are DRY, and my feet are DRY. Perfectly dry. I finally learned what the fuss has been all about LOL! After a quick swish in the sink, those liners can dry within hours, too.)

Foot powder. One of the first things I buy when I get there.

Your husband does not do his own laundry? What up with that?

Based on all the positive feedback, I will definitely try Smartwool socks for my next trip. During our May trip in France this year we had several rainy days in a row and the only things that wouldn't dry were my Gold Toe cotton socks. They finally dried after about 4 days but were hard and stiff...

I offer classes in washing clothes and if you sign up within 24 hours, I'll toss in a session on cleaning bathtubs, showers, sinks and toilets.

I have Smartwool liteweight hikers socks and similar socks from EMS. I like the EMS socks better, as they seem to be softer, stretchier and dry faster, but you can't beat either one for a day of walking. I prefer walking all over the cities I visit, exploring side streets rather then taking public transport across town.