Backcountry Skinz Socks: Finding the Perfect Pair for Every Adventure

 

With so many options available, we often receive questions about which Backcountry Skinz socks are best suited for individual needs. To help, we’re reviewing some of our favourite socks and the best combinations for different conditions. Some of our customers creatively wear Skinz socks even into the depths of early spring and late fall, just like us—they prefer to avoid waders whenever possible.

 

To simplify things, let’s categorize our socks into two main types: waterproof socks and wet-wading draining footbed socks.

 

Waterproof Socks

We get a lot of questions about whether our socks keep your feet completely dry underwater and if they cause sweating. Great questions! We offer two types of waterproof socks: merino wool everyday socks and neoprene Liquid Lockz waterproof socks.

 

Merino Wool Waterproof Socks

 Available in crew cut and knee-high options, these socks feature a three-layer construction. The outer layer is durable nylon with 4-way stretch for an optimal fit. The middle layer consists of a 100% waterproof membrane that effectively releases moisture vapor, while the interior is made of merino wool for added moisture control. These socks are ideal for various activities since wet feet can be uncomfortable.

 

For anglers, they are perfect for small creek crossings, leaky waders, hiking to alpine lakes, or simply hiking on rainy days. It's important to note that while the technical elastic support at the ankle helps keep water out, if the water level rises above the sock, it can still seep in. However, these socks will keep your feet warmer than regular socks by trapping water and using your body heat to warm it.

 

At Backcountry Skinz, we wear our own gear because we are avid backcountry anglers. We love wearing these socks while hiking to lakes—either on our feet or packed in our bags. On hot summer days, they pair well with our UV pants. Even when river fishing, where some water may enter the sock, the three-layer construction cushions the foot like a pillow. In spring and late fall, we layer these under our Liquid Lockz for extra waterproofing and warmth, and in deep winter, they fit perfectly under leaky waders for added confidence and warmth.

 

We recommend wearing these with hiking shoes rather than wading boots, as they are thin and won’t take up much space. Having a couple of pairs on hand ensures you always have dry socks for multi-day trips or unexpected situations, although they dry quickly in the sun. They're also great for hikers dealing with snow in their shoes—your feet will stay dry!

 

Overall, these socks are often called game-changers and lifesavers in the backcountry.

 

Neoprene Liquid Lockz Socks

 

Next, let’s discuss our brand-new knee-high neoprene Liquid Lockz wading socks. We’re excited about these because they extend the use of Backcountry Skinz gear into early spring and late fall. Made from 3.5mm high-quality neoprene, these socks feature a rubber inner seal to lock out water. We recommend wearing them underneath our Z Series pants, as the pants help maintain a tighter seal against your legs.

 

While this seal is effective, some water may still enter if submerged for a long time. Recently, we tested the Liquid Lockz with our merino wool waterproof socks underneath in alpine conditions. With outdoor temperatures at 9°C and water at 5°C, we stayed warm and dry for 2-3 hours while crossing fast rivers, pin pointing our crossings for fast shallower entry's and exits.

 

The next day, after prolonged submersion, a small amount of water did seep in between the rubber seal and the skin, but anglers reported that it was hardly noticeable, and they remained warm despite the cold.

 

For those who dislike wearing waders, this is the best alternative—there’s nothing like it on the market. With our UV leggings for hot days and Z Series pants for cooler days, we rarely find the need for waders. By the time fall arrives, we usually wrap up our fishing and plan our winter getaway. These socks are also great for rolling up and packing light for fishing trips, providing added confidence.

 

Wet-Wading Drainz Footbed Socks

Now, let’s get into our wet-wading Z Drainz footbed neoprene socks: the Guidemaster, Streamline, and Quickflowz.

 

Guidemaster Socks

The Guidemaster is our most popular sock and the thickest, made from 4mm neoprene. The roll-down gravel guard prevents rocks from entering your wading boots, and you can wear them rolled up for extra thickness when paired with any of our leggings for added warmth. They are best paired with wading boots.

 

Streamline Socks

The Streamline sock is a regular 3.5mm neoprene sock designed for the agile angler. It has no gravel guard, making it ideal for wading boots or advanced hikers. This durable yet comfortable sock is our go-to at Skinz headquarters, as we like to keep our gear as light as possible. We wear them in Vibram rubber hiking shoes and, on colder days, with merino wool waterproof socks underneath.

 

Quickflowz Socks

Lastly, the Quickflowz is our budget-friendly option, made from 2.5mm neoprene. It features a sturdy Velcro strap at the top for a secure fit. This light, technical sock is popular among agile anglers and is also great for hikers.

 

 Z Drainz Footbed Technology

All three of these socks come equipped with our Z Drainz footbed technology—a perforated footbed that drains out water and keeps your feet light. All of our socks dry quickly, and any breathable wading boot or hiking shoe is the perfect choice to assist with water drainage, keeping you mobile and agile on the water.

 

Additionally, since they are neoprene, our socks help regulate your temperature while wet wading. We like to think of our "Z" logo as the Nike check-mark of fishing, helping anglers address common pain points we’ve identified while trekking in the backcountry for years. As more technology and apps make it easier to navigate crowded rivers, we believe more anglers will venture into the backcountry. We’re here to assist and help make your experience easier, providing protection and confidence.

 

We hope this helps answer some questions! Feel free to reach out with any inquiries. Tight lines!