Alpaca Wool Hiking Socks: Soft, Durable and Odor Resistant

The Benefits of Alpaca Wool Hiking Socks

When gearing up for a big hike, choosing the right hiking socks can make all the difference in keeping your feet comfortable on the trail. In recent years, alpaca wool hiking socks have become an increasingly popular option among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Alpaca wool offers many benefits that make it well-suited for hiking socks. Compared to socks made from other materials like cotton or synthetics, alpaca wool hiking socks excel at moisture wicking, temperature regulation, and durability.

Moisture Wicking Capabilities

Effective moisture wicking is crucial for hiking socks. As you rack up miles on the trail, your feet sweat. If that sweat and moisture gets trapped next to your skin, you’re likely to develop hot spots, blisters, and other irritations. Alpaca wool hiking socks are naturally moisture wicking, pulling perspiration away from your skin so it can evaporate.

Keeping Feet Warm...or Cool

Hiking socks also need to maintain a comfortable foot temperature whether you’re hiking on a hot summer day or in crisp winter conditions. Alpaca wool hiking socks have tiny air pockets that trap heat next to your skin in cold weather. But when temperatures rise, those same air pockets allow ventilation that keeps your feet cool.

Durability on the Trails

Hiking is tough on socks, from scrambling over rocky terrain to forcing feet into sweaty boots day after day. Alpaca wool hiking socks are surprisingly durable for their soft feel. The fibers resist shrinking and pilling even after repeat wear and washes. Known as “steel wool” in the Andes mountains where alpacas roam, alpaca fiber stands up to thorny brush and mountainsides without tearing.

Comparing Alpaca Wool to Merino Wool

When researching the best wool for hiking socks, you’re likely to come across merino wool in addition to alpaca wool. Both make excellent hiking socks, but they have a few differences worth considering.

Softness and Comfort

Softness can impact hiking comfort over many miles. Alpaca fiber is softer than most sheep’s wool, feeling luxuriously smooth against skin. The softness comes from finer fiber strands—alpaca wool averages a 22 micron diameter while merino wool runs between 17-24 microns. The smaller the micron count, the finer and softer the fibers.

Odor Resistance

On longer treks, keeping hiking sock odor at bay is a challenge. Merino wool hiking socks retain less odor thanks to sweat and bacteria-resistant properties the wool contains. However, alpaca fiber also fends off odors well with increased airflow and reduced moisture trapping. For multi-day hikes, merino wool hiking socks may maintain freshness slightly longer.

Breathability and Warmth

In colder conditions, alpaca wool hiking socks excel at trapping heat and keeping feet insulated thanks to naturally higher lanolin content. Merino wool breathes a bit better, making it edge out alpaca wool for temperature regulation during high exertion activities like trail running or hiking on hot days. Alpaca wool boots and socks can lead to sweatier feet on warm weather hikes.

Both fiber types strike an effective balance between breathability and warmth as temperature fluctuates on the trails. It comes down to personal preference and hiking style for determining if alpaca or merino wool socks are best suited to keep your feet comfortable.

Caring for Alpaca Wool Hiking Socks

To retain warmth, softness, and durability for many seasons, alpaca wool hiking socks require a bit of care. Here are some tips for keeping your socks in great condition hike after hike:

Avoid Fabric Softener

Skip the fabric softener when laundering alpaca wool socks. The ingredients coat the fibers, diminishing the natural softness and temperature regulating capabilities over time. Washing in pure soap or wool specific detergent keeps the beneficial lanolin intact.

Reshape While Damp

If your alpaca wool socks lose their form, you can lightly reshape them after washing and while they’re still damp. Avoid wringing or twisting them dry to prevent stretching out of shape. Simply smooth or lightly pull them back into form before allowing to fully air dry.

Store Properly Between Uses

Ensure your alpaca socks maintain their elasticity and shape by storing them properly after each wear. Fold or roll the cuffs over to reduce creasing of the cuff and leg. Keep them in breathable cotton sacks or boxes between hikes rather than airtight plastic containers.

Ready Your Feet for the Trails

Sliding a pair of soft, comfortable alpaca wool hiking socks over your feet before a long hike can make all the difference when it comes to energy and foot feel. Whether you’re looking to regulate temperature, wick sweat, or prevent blisters and irritation, alpaca wool delivers reliable performance hike after hike.

Pair your socks with breathable hiking shoes or boots, grab your trekking poles, fill your water bottles, and hit the trails! Your feet supported by alpaca wool will be ready to go the distance in comfort.

FAQs

Why choose alpaca wool over merino wool?

Alpaca fiber is typically softer than merino wool, providing next-to-skin comfort on long hikes. The fineness of the alpaca fibers contributes to this luxurious softness. Alpaca wool also insulates in cold weather, keeping feet warmer than merino on chillier hikes.

Can you wear alpaca socks in hot summer weather?

Yes, alpaca wool hiking socks can work well in summer thanks to ventilation from tiny air pockets in the fiber. The breathability helps regulate temperature to prevent sweaty, overheated feet in warm conditions. Merino may be slightly more breathable, but alpaca regulates temperature effectively too.

How do you wash and care for alpaca socks?

Alpaca wool socks require gentle care to extend their lifespan. Wash them in non-detergent wool soap and avoid fabric softener which diminishes softness. Dry socks by laying flat or hanging, and store them folded or rolled in breathable containers. Reshape while damp if needed.

What thickness of alpaca socks is best?

Light or medium weight alpaca socks typically work best for hiking to fit comfortably into hiking boots and shoes. Go lightweight for warm weather treks to enhance ventilation. Choose medium weight for cooler hikes to provide ample insulation and cushion underfoot.