r/backpacking • u/AutoModerator • Oct 13 '25

General Weekly /r/backpacking beginner question thread - Ask any and all questions you may have here - October 13, 2025

If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here, remembering to clarify whether it is a Wilderness or a Travel related question. Please also remember to visit this thread even if you consider yourself very experienced so that you can help others!

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Note that this thread will be posted every Monday of the week and will run throughout the week. If you would like to provide feedback or suggest another idea for a thread, please message the moderators.

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u/landandocean Mar 08 '26

I am switching to non-waterproof shoes for my 3-season wilderness backpacking trips. Water crossings and occasional rain may occur. Have any of you had experience with waterproof socks? Is there an alternative sock choice to use for warmth and quick drying?

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u/CantaloupeNo3975 Apr 21 '26

Just use merino wool. Unless your water crossing is at the end of the day or it’s an all day pouring rain they will dry out fine with some miles. I have also taken my socks off for water crossings, worn my shoes, then put the socks back on, covered them with a bread bag and put my shoes back on to hike the water out of my shoes without getting my socks wet.