Trailhead / Trail Diva Socks

At some point in our adult lives, we outdoor folk start paying attention to our socks. It's hard to justify that first $15-plus purchase, but after one day in the mountains with quality socks, there's no going back to those cheap cotton eight-packs from K-Mart. We recently tested Bridgedale's Trailhead (men's) and Trail Diva (women's) models, designed for hiking and trail-running, and found it among the best socks we've ever worn. Its height made it a good match for mid-cut boots, and it provided excellent cushion without feeling bulky-as one reviewer noted, "It feels like a built-in support system." The synthetic fiber / Merino wool combination gives them a soft and comfy feel, and they're surprisingly warm for their weight, making them a great choice for those chilly early-morning hikes. The best part, though, is the full mesh wrap in the middle that helped our feet breathe-as another reviewer said, "you don't get sweaty gnar feet in these socks." Available at Northern Lights and Barrel Mountaineering. $17; bridgedaleusa.com.