Let’s face it—with all of the amazing gear out there designed to enhance our outdoor adventures, a good pair of socks isn’t usually at the top of everyone’s gear wish list. But it just takes that one time, when you’re high up in the mountains, dealing with achey, wet feet, that you remember how important a good pair of tech socks can really be. That’s where Mountain Standard comes in. Based in Boulder, Co., Mountain Standard is small business-to-consumer company specializing in making affordable and durable premium goods for epic outdoor adventures—like the Merino Camp Socks. These mid-weight merino wool socks are soft and cozy, and feature welcomed padding on the sole of the foot, perfect for keeping your feet comfortable on extended outdoor excursions, or simply while warming up by the fireplace. And the extra padding on my tootsies wasn’t an issue when donning hefty snow boots or hiking boots, either. The fit was still comfortable and so weightless, most of the time, I forgot they were even on.
Pros: The warmth factor. These socks are great to have on hand for winter adventures. The merino wool material will keep your feet the right amount of warm whether you’re playing outside, or are posted up inside for a post-adventure adult beverage. The material is also moisture-wicking, so no matter hard how you’re working, you won’t have to worry about getting clammy, and ultimately cold feet. Perhaps the biggest pro for these well-made, comfortable socks, is the price point. Mountain Standard only sells their products directly to the consumer, eliminating the price increases added on at retail stores. So while these socks would typically retail at $40 for two pairs, they’re available for purchase on the Mountain Standard website for $15 for two pairs.
Cons: While the lower half of these socks were an excellent fit, the mid-calf rise of the sock was a little tight for my calf muscles, which aren’t exactly flat after years of hiking, mountain biking, and running around outside. A little extra give on the top half of the sock would have garnered a perfect score on my comfortability scale.
Where We Took Them: Winter fly fishing in Sun Valley, Id., and snowshoeing in Crested Butte, Co.