PMNW Gear Review

Sealskinz Socks

Huddled up in our sleeping bags, trying to will away the bad weather, we were unsure whether to push forward or pull the plug. Deep in the backcountry on a weeklong ski traverse, we were tired and worn down. One thing was clear, we did not want to put on our wet socks and cram them into frozen ski boots.

Whether it is a matter of safety, comfort, or purely psychological, having wet feet is one of the most dreaded and unfortunate realities we may face while recreating outdoors. Sometimes it is just a nuisance as in the case of a short trail run, where stepping in a puddle gives you that jolt of unwanted adrenaline. Other times it is a real pain, like having wet feet on a long backpacking trip where the moisture, rubbing and dampness cause blisters and agony. In more extreme cases, wet feet can be a case of survival, as in high altitude mountaineering where hypothermia is a real possibility and wet feet can cause frostbite. Whatever the case may be, having wet feet while recreating outdoors is universally agreed on as unwelcome.

Introducing Sealskinz waterproof socks. Never heard of them? Sealskinz is a UK based company (yes, they have a lot of rain there) that makes waterproof socks, gloves and hats. The products are made with a hydrophilic waterproof membrane which “releases perspiration steam and warm air from inside the sock.” Each sock is individually hand tested at the factory by filling up the socks with water from the inside to ensure 100% waterproofing. Not even a pin prick of water escapes the socks.

The logic of waterproof shoes makes sense, until you look down at your feet and realize there is a 6-inch hole (the opening in the shoe that allows your foot to get in and out) that enables water to enter your footwear. A waterproof sock on the other hand, may encounter water and may even get wet, but the water will not penetrate the Sealskinz socks even if fully submerged under water. It’s magic! Don’t believe me? Here I am, “field testing” some Sealkinz socks. I pulled my foot out and it was bone dry! Consider adding Sealskinz waterproof socks to your arsenal. You won’t need them every day, but when you find yourself deep in the backcountry on a rainy day, you’ll thank me.