Durable and comfortable hiking socks can take you places. Photo: Pina Gruden//The Inertia

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A good pair of hiking socks is a game-changer. From moisture-wicking and comfort to long-lasting materials, we demand a lot of our socks on the trail. Fortunately, there are some amazing hiking socks on the market, and we’ve tested as many as we could get our feet in. Favorites from brands like Darn Tough and Smartwool performed admirably in our range of hiking tests. Check out the best hiking socks we’ve tested this year.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide 

Related Guides: Best Hiking Boots | Best Women’s Hiking Boots

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in November 2024 by rearranging our top picks (Darn Tough took the top spot from Smartwool), refreshing links, and improving navigation. 

The Best Hiking Socks of 2024

Best Overall Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Runner-Up Best Hiking Socks: Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks
Best Lightweight Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion
Best Compression Hiking Socks: Sockwell Compression Crew Socks
Best Budget Hiking Socks: Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Blend Sock
Best Full Cushion Hiking Socks: Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew Socks

Jump To More Hiking Socks We Love

Best Overall Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks ($25)

Pros: Astonishing durability, great fit, comfort, and temp control
Cons: None to note
Sock Height: Crew
Cushioning: Medium

The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks are the best socks money can buy for most people. In fact, the legendary Vermont brand’s most popular sock might be the best way you can spend $25… on anything. With astounding durability and tons of comfort and performance to boot, these hiking socks are unbeatable.

While Darn Tough makes a lot of good hiking socks, the classic Hiker Micro Crew is the best for a couple of reasons. First, the cushioning hits a sweet spot—it’s dense and comfortable without taking up too much volume or being overly soft and plodding. The crew length is ideal for almost all hiking boots and looks great with shoes too. And while $25 isn’t cheap for one pair of socks, the longevity of this mid-cushion pair more than makes it worth it.

Not convinced? Just ask one of our editors, Nathan Lemin: “I’ve had my first two pairs of Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks since 2016. That’s 8+ years of weekly use, 8+ years of hard hikes, winters, summers, puppy teeth, bike rides, desert cholla, rocky campsites, and on and on. Those two pairs are still in my weekly rotation (now I have 5 more pairs). Both of my original pairs still have plenty of elasticity to stay put and enough cushion to maintain comfort (though they have compressed some). The pairs still do everything I wanted them to do when I got them: keep my feet comfortable, temperature-controlled, and dry on hikes (and in everyday life). I’ll admit, I’m planning to send them back to Darn Tough for replacement soon, as they’re both about to wear through in the ball of the foot. But 8 years later, I’m happy to report I wouldn’t change a darn thing, plus, it’s free to replace them.”

In the end, these socks from Darn Tough edged out the Smartwool Light Cushion Crew socks below because of their incredible lifespan and awesome all-around performance.

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Runner-Up Best Hiking Socks

Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks ($22)

Pros: Lightweight and breathable, made from responsibly sourced wool
Cons: Not enough cushioning for longer treks or blister-prone feet
Sock Height: Crew
Sock Cushioning: Light

Smartwool has been one of our top hiking sock picks for years, and for good reason. Its socks are high quality and are made from responsibly sourced merino wool. The result is a soft yet breathable pair of socks with built-in odor control. The Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks provide just the right amount of cushion for day hikes while remaining lightweight and breathable. The mesh ventilation is nice for keeping feet cool, and the reinforced heels, toes, and soles ensure these socks will withstand the test of time.

If you’re doing a longer hike or are blister-prone, you may want to opt for socks with more cushioning, but these proved to be just right for most hikes. Our team has worn Smartwool socks for over a decade, and they are still in tip-top shape — one of the reasons the Smartwool Light Cushion Crew socks sit near the top of our list.

We gave the nod to Darn Tough in the latest tests because even though Smartwool socks last nearly as long, we found that the elasticity and amount of cushioning were less impactful after years of hard use. Sure, they’ll be on your feet for years to come, but we were slightly more motivated to replace the Smartwool Light Cushion Crew than the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew. That said, either pair is fantastic.

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Best Lightweight Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion ($19)

Pros: Extremely durable and breathable
Cons: Quarter is longest option
Sock Height: Quarter
Sock Cushioning: Ultralight

If you’re not a fan of thicker (and therefore warmer) hiking socks, we highly recommend the Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion socks. While this pair maintains just enough cushioning in the heel and forefoot, the rest of the socks is thin, well-fitting, and super breathable, with excellent moisture-wicking. This is our go-to warm-weather hiking sock, and if you prefer a closer-fitting shoe or are more familiar with thin, classic athletic socks, these are the perfect choice.

While the Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion socks are designed for running, we found that, for most hiking efforts, they provided all the necessary features. While the quarter-length might be a touch short for tall boots, for most light hiking boots and hiking shoes, the length is fine. Aside from that small drawback, the fit, durability, and breathability are superb. The socks stay firmly in place no matter how uneven the terrain is, and we found these incredibly effective at shedding foot heat and sweat.

The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew and Smartwool Light Cushion Crew are great socks, but in the summer we opt for something lighter and more breathable. That’s where the Run Quarter UL Cushion socks come in, and we love having these hiking socks in our rotation.

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Best Compression Hiking Socks

Sockwell Compression Crew Socks ($25)

Pros: Compression, breathable, fun patterns
Cons: Fit snug, sizing isn’t precise
Sock Height: Crew
Cushioning: Medium

The Sockwell Compression Crew Socks are the only compression-style hiking socks on our list. Compression socks have been found to promote circulation, minimize swelling, and reduce fatigue. These socks are labeled as medium cushioning, but the cushioning feels very light. The mesh sections allow the socks to be breathable while on the move and the wool/bamboo blend helps wick moisture away.

There are only two size options for the Compression Crew socks, so sizing isn’t as precise as some other socks we tested. Our tester found that these socks felt more snug than the others on our list but didn’t notice any huge differences in regard to fatigue and circulation while hiking. But, if you are someone who has poor circulation or whose feet and/or ankles easily swell, these may be a great option for you. They are also a great pick to wear while traveling or during prolonged periods of sitting.

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Best Budget Hiking Socks

Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Blend Sock ($36 for 6)

Pros: Very inexpensive, comfortable blend
Cons: Too warm/thick for hot weather, lacks some durability
Sock Height: Crew
Cushioning: Full

Let’s get real: Hiking socks are expensive. Maybe too expensive. If you were to buy one pair of our top-pick socks for every day of the week, you’d be shelling out nearly $200, and that can be tough to stomach. That’s why we love the Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Blend Sock; at about $6 per pair (and often much less, especially if you have a Costco membership), you get a reliable, warm, and comfortable Merino-blend hiking sock.

Of course, with such a drastically lower price, you’re going to make some compromises. Namely, with the Kirkland socks, you’ll be sacrificing breathability and versatility. While newer versions of the Merino Wool Blend Socks have improved the targeted cushioning, these socks are full-cushioned and therefore thick and warm. They work great in early spring, late fall, and winter, but aren’t ideal in the heat.

All in all, for such a great price, we’re consistently happy with the Kirkland Merino Wool Blend Socks. They remind us a lot of the Smartwool Full Cushion socks below but with less durability (the cushioning seems to compress more quickly). But for about a quarter of the price, that might be a worthy sacrifice.

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Best Full Cushion Hiking Socks 

Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew Socks ($23)

Pros: Warm, super cushioned
Cons: Bulky
Sock Height: Crew
Sock Cushioning: Full

Featuring Smartwool’s tried and true construction, the Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew Socks have been given a sustainable facelift and are now made with recycled nylon. Although these socks are labeled as medium cushioning, the full cushion means that they don’t feature any thinner, ventilated areas. As such, they are the warmest and most cushioned socks on our list, so we took the liberty of labeling them as heavy cushioning. The foot region of the socks is very cushioned and feels comparable to a ski sock. Despite their bulkier build, the Full Cushion socks have elasticized arches that ensure they still fit snugly.

Because these socks are so cushioned, they are less breathable than the others on our list, but they still offer reliable moisture wicking. The Full Cushion socks are well suited to chillier hikes and backpacking trips. Just be sure to try them on with the boots or shoes you plan on wearing to ensure you still have a comfortable fit.

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More Hiking Socks We Love

Our top six hiking socks are easy to recommend to anyone, but the rest of our list still features awesome pairs. Some of them are more specialized (like the Injinji) or less performance-oriented (like the Paka), but we still have tested these hiking socks and recommend them for specific uses.

Another Great Mid-Cushion Sock

Stance Divided Crew Socks ($25)

Pros: Fun pattern, soft
Cons: No extra cushioning on the toes
Sock Height: Crew
Cushioning: Medium

Stance has been in the business of making skate and stylish socks for years, but it was only recently brought to our attention that they make performance hiking socks as well. The Stance Divided Crew Socks not only look good but they feel good too. These socks offer medium cushioning and are cozy warm, making them perfect for backpacking trips and cooler weather day hikes.

The Merino wool blend wicks moisture away as you hike, allowing them to keep you warm even when you’re good and sweaty. The Divided crew socks are super soft and have extra cushioning on the heel for blister prevention (we wish they included extra cushioning on the toes as well). Stance has quickly become a favorite hiking socks option thanks to the design and performance on display here.

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High-Performing Toe Socks

Injinji Trail Midweight Crew ($17)

Pros: Helps prevent ingrown toenails/blisters, comfy material
Cons: Difficult to get on, not for everyone
Sock Height: Crew
Sock Cushioning: Medium

There’s something a little uncanny about the look of toe socks, but we promise: Once you try them on a hike you’ll be a believer. One of our editors is an avid trail runner and hiker and has dealt with persistent ingrown toenails. At the request of some friends, he decided to try the Injinji Trail Midweight Crew, and now highly recommends them.

Injinji took the silly toe sock trends of the early aughts and turned them into a serious performance sock. Their material blend is comfortable and breathable, and the individual toe pockets fit snugly around each digit. The top of each sock features a breathable section, with mid-weight cushioning throughout the rest of the sock. While toe socks take more time to get on, they really do help ease the discomfort of ingrown nails and toe blisters because they help prevent your toes from rubbing directly against one another. They won’t be for everyone, but if you experience frequent ingrown toenails or blisters, the Injinji Trail Midweight Crew is well worth trying.

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Softest Socks

Paka Inca Crew Socks ($22)

Pros: Super soft, breathable
Cons: No color options
Sock Height: Crew
Sock Cushioning: Light

Holy soft. The Paka Inca Crew Socks are the softest and most comfortable pair of hiking socks we have ever stepped into. The Inca Crew Socks are incredibly lightweight and breathable, making them a great option for lengthy day hikes. They are moisture-wicking and have built-in odor control. The cushioning is light but is reinforced in blister-prone areas like the toes and heels. These socks are amazing — we wish they came in more colors and cushion options.

And don’t sleep on Paka’s recently released Performance 3/4 Crew Sock. It does come in a range of colors and features some nice compression to boot. We’re testing it out for possible inclusion in the next update to this guide.

Good Value

SockGuy Hiker Sock ($16)

Pros: Fun graphic, cushioning throughout
Cons: Not super breathable
Sock Height: Crew
Sock Cushioning: Light

SockGuy makes all kinds of socks in lots of fun prints. The SockGuy Hiker Socks sport a mountain graphic, perfect for hitting the trails. The lightweight socks are made from merino wool, making them perfect for hot and wet days alike. Created with biking in mind, the SockGuy Hiker socks double nicely as hiker socks as the height hits just above hiking boots, offering reliable protection and cushioning. We’d say these socks are slightly on the heavy side when it comes to breathability, but they offer generous cushioning throughout.

Merrell Zoned Hiking Socks ($21)

Pros: Lots of color options, mesh ventilation on foot portion
Cons: Calf portion of socks isn’t very breathable
Sock Height: Crew
Sock Cushioning: Medium

Merrell has footwear dialed in and the Merrell Zoned Hiking Socks pair with its hiking shoes/hiking boots nicely. Constructed from merino wool, the Zoned Hiking Socks are comfortable, breathable, and wick sweat away as you hike. The foot portion of the socks has mesh ventilation, which is nice for added breathability, but the calf portion of the sock isn’t very breathable, making it a warmer sock.

The Zoned socks provide generous cushioning throughout, with added cushioning on the toes and heels, which we found helpful in preventing blisters. These socks are unisex, so they’ll work well for everyone.

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Made in USA

Swiftwick Pursuit Crew ($22)

Pros: Moisture-wicking, mesh paneling throughout
Cons: No fun colors, grass sticks to the material
Sock Height: Crew
Sock Cushioning: Light

Made in the USA, the Swiftwick Pursuit Crew sports a blend of merino wool and olefin fiber, for maximum moisture control. These socks wick away sweat as you hike, keeping your feet comfortable and blister-free. Reinforced cushioning on the toes and heels works further to prevent blisters, and the mesh paneling throughout keeps feet cool. Grass and burrs seem to be attracted to this material, and our tester regularly found herself picking off grasses post-hike. The color choices aren’t terribly exciting, but the socks are comfortable to hike in and get the job done.

Excellent Light-Cushioned Women’s Hiking Socks

Smartwool Hike Light Cushioned Ankle Socks ($22)

Pros: Breathable, sustainably made
Cons: Don’t work great with high cut hiking boots
Sock Height: Ankle
Sock Cushioning: Light

Unless you’re wearing high cut hiking boots, ankle height socks are a great pick. Ankle socks hit high enough to prevent rubbing from your boots but are cooler thank crew cut socks. the Smartwool Hike Light Cushioned Ankle Socks feature light cushioning along the bottom for a minimalistic design with just the right amount of support. The socks sports a women specific fit with strategically placed mesh zones for maximum breathability. Made from a blend of merino wool and recycled nylon, the Hike Light socks are comfortable, breathable, and work to keep you warm even when they’re wet.

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Best Hiking Socks Comparison Table

Hitting the trails in our hiking socks. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

How We Tested Hiking Socks

In order to test these socks, you guessed it, we hit the trails. Testers included Rebecca Parsons and Nathan Lemin, both avid hikers, backpackers, and proponents of good hiking socks.

Parsons lives on Oahu, Hawaii, which is where she did the majority of her testing. As such, she typically opted for the lighter, more breathable sock options. But she’s spent lots of time on frigid multi-day hikes, so she knows what to look for in chillier conditions as well (she’s a proud alumnus of the UC Santa Cruz backpacking club). Oahu has been having a wetter and colder winter than usual — temps have actually had the audacity to drop below 70 degrees … brrr! That being said, the trails are often wet and muddy, with multiple stream crossings along the way. Hiking in wet shoes and socks can often lead to blisters, so our tester truly had the opportunity to see if these socks could combat moisture-related foot issues.

Lemin lives in Tucson, Arizona and recreates around the Southwest and Mountain West. As an obsessive tester of “basics” (think socks, t-shirts, underwear), he has strong opinions on hiking socks. His testing experience with the pairs on this list spans states, countries, and even continents.

We first ran this test in February 2024. We updated the guide in May 2024 by adding three new styles of socks, updating links, and adding additional information to our Buyer’s Guide. We updated it again in November 2024 by cutting a couple of picks that were no longer easy to find, and rearranging our list. The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks took over the top spot from the Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks.

Some of the best hiking socks in the biz. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Hiking Socks Buyer’s Guide

Hiking Socks Material and Design 

Sure, you can hike in any old pair of socks. But well-designed hiking socks will make a world of difference. As the name suggests, these are socks specifically designed for hiking. Typically, these styles are made from performance fabrics like wool, nylon, tencel, and more. They usually feature extra padding or cushioning in sensitive areas such as the heels, toes, or balls of the feet. Hiking socks also tend to sport a performance-style (read: tighter) fit, helping them avoid slipping or bunching.

Hiking Socks Price

Why, you might ask, should I spend $20 or more on a single pair of socks when I can get a five-pack at Costco for the same price? This is an extremely valid question and one we used to ask ourselves. The simple answer is quality. We feel like the top end of the price spectrum (about $25 for our top picks) is well worth it for an investment in your hiking comfort. Especially if your hikes include river crossings and varied weather.

Crew-cut hiking socks are the most popular option. Photo: Pina Gruden//The Inertia

Hiking Socks Cut

Like most things, hiking socks come in many shapes and sizes. Okay, maybe not shapes, but they do come in different cuts/heights. The four primary heights of hiking socks are knee, crew, ankle, and no-show.

Knee

The highest of all the hiking socks, knee-cut socks come all the way up to the knee. This cut of socks is best suited for hiking or mountaineering in extremely cold climates or skiing/snowboarding. The high cut will help protect your legs in your mountaineering boots and will add some much-needed warmth.

Crew

Crew-cut hiking socks are one of the most popular styles of hiking socks. They hit about mid-calf and are a good three-season hiking sock (they even work in the summertime if they’re a lightweight, breathable sock). The crew cut offers protection if your boots hit higher on your leg, and they add a bit of warmth as well. Our top two picks, the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks and the Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks both feature a crew cut, and we think this is the most versatile style.

The Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks are a top option. Photo: Kip Touseull//The Inertia

Ankle

Ankle socks hit just above the ankle bone and are a great option for warmer weather. These aren’t going to do much by way of warmth, but if you need socks to keep your feet covered and prevent your hiking boots from rubbing (unless they’re super-high cut), these will get the job done. The Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion is an example of a well-made ankle sock.

No-show

Are they there, or are they not there? That is the question. These socks are cut more like a traditional running sock and either can’t be seen in boots/shoes or peep just above the shoe. No-show socks don’t offer any warmth and should only be worn with hiking shoes or trail runners. They aren’t a good option to wear with boots because they don’t do anything to prevent the boots from rubbing against your ankles/legs.

These lightweight hiking socks are perfect for warm-weather adventures. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Hiking Socks Material 

Although there are endless possibilities for what socks can be made from, there are four main materials typically used to create hiking socks. Most hiking socks are made from wool, polyester, nylon, or spandex. Often they feature a blend of two or more of these materials.

Wool

Wool is a popular choice for hiking socks. And for good reason. Wool regulates temperature well and will continue to insulate slightly when wet. Wool is also moisture-wicking and naturally antimicrobial, so it helps to keep the stink at bay, making it a good pick for multi-day hiking trips. Most sock brands use Merino wool, which is derived from a particular group of sheep breeds that originated in Spain and are known for their high-quality (read: soft) wool. Many of our top picks feature Merino, but the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks and the Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks seem to have the blend down just right for optimal hiking performance.

This is what decade-old socks look like… if you buy the right ones. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is often used in socks because it insulates, is moisture-wicking, and dries quickly. It is often blended with wool or nylon to create warm, comfortable, quick-drying, and durable socks.

Nylon

Nylon is also a synthetic material that is commonly found in socks thanks to its durability and quick-drying properties. It is often used in combination with polyester or wool to create high-performance hiking socks. The Kirkland Signature Merino Wool Blend Sock features a solid blend of nylon and Merino wool.

Spandex

Most socks have a small amount of Spandex (also known as elastane or Lycra) in them. Spandex gives the socks their stretch and helps them maintain their shape, which works to prevent bunching and wrinkling.

Hiking socks help protect your legs from your hiking boots and jungle debris. Photo: Pina Gruden//The Inertia

Hiking Socks Cushioning

Before you purchase a pair of socks, you’ll want to consider your intended use for the socks as well as the weather and conditions you’ll be hiking in. Some socks are geared more toward warm weather and day hikes, while others are designed for multi-day hikes in chilly weather. Most socks are labeled ultra-lightweight, lightweight, medium, or heavy in regards to cushioning.

Ultra-lightweight

Although these are designed for hiking, they are best suited for short day hikes or trail runs because of the limited cushion and warmth they provide. These are ideal for warm or hot weather hikes and also dry more quickly than heavier-cushioned socks. The Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion is far and away our favorite in this category.

Lightweight

Lightweight socks have minimal cushioning and are a good pick for day hikes or running. They offer a little bit of warmth, making them a good choice for warm to cool weather. They are breathable and moisture-wicking, with a little bit of cushioning in the places you need it the most. The Smartwool Light Cushion Crew Socks feature an ideal lightweight level of cushioning.

Medium

Medium cushion hiking socks are the Goldilocks of sock cushioning. They work well for short hikes, long hikes, or multi-day treks. They are warm yet breathable and have added cushioning in the heels and toes to help prevent blisters. Medium cushion hiking socks are a good pick for warm to cold weather. Our best hiking socks pick, the Darn Tough Run Quarter Ultralightweight Cushion have a comfortable but poised medium cushioning.

Heavy

Heavy cushion hiking socks are the warmest and most cushioned of all hiking socks. They are designed for a day or multiple days on the trail in cold weather. Heavy cushion socks have padding in the heels and toes to keep your feet protected and warm. Heavy cushion socks typically have extra material throughout and, as a result, aren’t as breathable, moisture-wicking, or quick-drying as other options. They could be a good choice for people with blister-prone feet. The Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Crew is an awesome full-cushion sock with lots of comfort and warmth.

The Patagonia Wool Crew Socks. Photo: Pina Gruden//The Inertia

Hiking Socks Performance Considerations

Breathability

Regardless of whether you plan to hike in hot or cold regions, you’ll want your hiking socks to be breathable, because getting moisture away from your skin is a crucial part of blister prevention and temperature management. Look for breathable panels throughout the socks, but especially around the arch of the foot, as this is where you’ll sweat the most.

Durability

A good pair of hiking socks should last you multiple seasons if you care for them properly. The material used to make the socks is one of the biggest factors that determine durability. Synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester tend to be the most durable. Oftentimes, wool socks will include blends of these materials to increase the lifespan of the socks.

The Merrell Zoned Hiking Socks come in fun colors. Photo: Julia Borland//The Inertia

Warmth

Depending on where you hike, you’ll likely be expecting your hiking socks to provide some warmth. Consider the conditions you’ll be hiking in and check the type of cushioning the socks offer to decide which is best suited to your needs. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, it can be worthwhile to bring an extra pair of heavy cushion socks for sleeping in.

Fit

A good fit is essential to a comfortable hiking experience. Some hiking socks are specifically designed for men or women, which in our opinion is ideal. But almost every brand offers some sort of a size chart or sizing guide. Be sure and check those charts and order accordingly to ensure a proper fit. Also, some socks can be worn on either foot, whereas others are specifically designed for the left or right.

Seamless Construction

Most hiking socks these days opt for a seamless construction, which greatly enhances the comfort of the socks and will help prevent blisters. The flat stitch minimizes bunching and chafing, and if you’ve ever experienced either, then you know this is a game changer. You’ll want to make sure the seam sits on the top of the foot and not at the tips of the toes to ensure maximum comfort and performance.

A comfortable pair of hiking socks makes a world of difference. Photo: Pina Gruden//The Inertia

Comfort

In our opinion, if your hiking socks aren’t comfortable, then they aren’t worth it. Consider all of the factors we mentioned above to find the ultimate pair of comfortable hiking socks. Your socks should be breathable, moisture-wicking, warm (when necessary), and help prevent blisters.

Men’s Hiking Socks / Women’s Hiking Socks

Many hiking socks are unisex but there are also quite a few that are men’s and women’s specific. Aside from sizing, there are some slight differences between men’s and women’s socks. Gender-specific socks will take into consideration foot length, width, and heel shape but the biggest discrepancy between men’s and women’s socks is typically the cut (aka the height) and the color offerings. That being said, your best bet is to simply check the sizing charts to make sure you’re getting a sock that fits your foot, regardless of whether it’s gender-specific or unisex.

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Editor’s Note: For more in-depth reviews of hiking gear, check out our guides to The Best Hiking Boots, The Best Hiking Boots for Women, The Best Hiking Shoes, The Best Hiking Shoes for Women, and The Best Hiking Sandals. And for even more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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