Thursday, September 10, 2009

Personal Protection Items - Socks for Survival



One of the great things about the end of summer and the start of a new season is all the bargains that are available. Summer close-outs and pre-season specials are a great way to save some money on clothing items that can be critical to your survival and protecting my size 10’s has always been a big priority. The best way to do it is with a good pair of wool socks, especially if you can get a special summer markdown or a pre-season deal.





Now Mrs. RW has her cute little “booties” that she likes to roam around in the house when those unexpected “cold fronts” blow in and the temperatures suddenly change by 30 degrees and drop down below 70 degrees (just kidding!). But let’s be realistic, I’m not wearing any type of “bootie” on my precious size 10’s, even if they are “cute”. My apologies in advance to the ladies because I really have nothing against cute little booties, even the pink ones, as long as I don’t have to wear them. Give me a good pair of wool socks any day of the week and I’ll wear them out! I think it’s a “macho” type thing with us guys or something like that.





It actually gets pretty cold even in South Central Texas and when its 35 degrees and raining those wool socks come in real handy. Mrs. RW also doesn’t take well to me stomping around in my boots and leaving mud, wet leaves and grass burs behind on her clean floors and rugs and makes me take my boots off when I come in the door. These particular socks are made with Merino wool and they are really soft and don’t make your feet itch like some wool socks. I’ve got a wool sweater that’s made from Merino wool and it’s become one of my favorite sweaters mainly because it is very lightweight and soft. The no itch factor is also a big plus. You might as well be comfortable when you’re trying to survive the cold weather or Mrs. RW’s wrath (she can get really upset about her clean floors). If your feet are as old as mine are, that’s a pretty big deal. These caught my eye because they have a special ribbed bottom that is supposed to help wick the moisture away from your feet. I haven’t been able to fully check this feature out yet (waiting on the next big cold front!) but they sure make it comfortable to walk around the house in something besides my bare feet. They’re also made in the USA and I really prefer to buy American made products whenever possible. I got these wool socks in a four pack on a summer special from http://outersports.com.

Winter’s on its way and will be here quicker than you realize. So get out there and look for some of those bargains. If you wait until you get cold feet, you and your feet may have to pay a bigger price.

Got bare feet and cold floors?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker


16 comments:

SurvivalTopics.com said...

Wool is the way to go as it remains relatively warm even when damp or wet - but cotton is just plain cold and clammy

Anonymous said...

Great post RW! Merino wool is the only way to go. I have some merino socks as well and they're very warm!

matthiasj
Kentucky Preppers Network

riverwalker said...

To: SurvivalTopics.com

I forgot to mention that wool socks are way better than cotton if they get wet. Thanks for the reminder!

RW

riverwalker said...

To: matthiasj

These new wool socks are working out great. They make my old boots feel like they've got a new cushioned insole. Got to love the "no itch" part too. Thanks Matt!

RW

Double Tapper said...

Wool is hard to beat. A bit too hot for serious walking in temps above 20F, but for milling around and non aerobic activity, a good wool sweater is hard to beat!

riverwalker said...

To: Double Tapper

Wool for warmth and durability is hard to beat. My feet can only take so much cold weather before they start to give me problems and a good pair of wool socks is the best solution I've come up with so far.
If it's too warm though you are probably going to have to go with something a little cooler. Thanks.

RW

Double Tapper said...

RW,

Wool socks work well nearly all year long IMHO (I live in Louisiana). They provide and excellent cushion bed for the feet and actually "breathe" better than the supposedly "breatheable" syths. Whenever I wear boots, no matter what time of year, I usually put on a pair of wool socks.

Anonymous said...

I favor merino wool too for all the same reasons. Good point RW.
YeOldFurt

Anonymous said...

Man, I've also been gathering in some socks this past year as well. Footwear and socks are two things which are pretty necessary (though I'll pitch a hissy fit without my Teva Sandals). I've got some socks but need to add more - THANK YOU for the reminder. And remember - they are claiming that Texas winter 2009 will be wetter and colder than normal, so might as well get a few extra pairs.

riverwalker said...

To: Double Tapper

I like the cushion thing also and wear wool socks most of the time. they are absolutely the way to go and are worth the extra cost over synthetics.

With my current promotion at work, I'm going to have to give up my boots and BDU's for dress clothes.

RW

BTW, I lived and went to school in Louisiana for a number of years. First in Marrero, on the other side of the river from N.O. and later in Sulphur, not far from Lake Charles. My sister still has a little bit of a Cajun accent! LOL

riverwalker said...

To: YeOldFurt

Total agreement on the Merino wool.

Guess I need to start growing Merinos.LOL

RW

riverwalker said...

To: anonymous 7:52

It looks like the wetter part has already started and the colder won't be far behind. I'm doing a little extra stocking up. Just in case!

Don't want to get cold feet!

RW

idahobob said...

Many years ago, when I first went into the Army, we learned to take care of our feet. Later, in the early 70's. the thought was reinforced when I read "The Complete Walker" by Colin Fletcher. His premise was, that our feet are our foundation, and if you did not take care of the feet, with the best available product, basically, we were screwed!

So, as I have lived in the PNW and Rocky Mountain region for the past 30 years, I have tested just about every wool sock made.

Long story short, I go exclusively with "Smart Wool". I came to that decision about 18 years ago while working for outfitters in Wyoming.
IMHO, the best socks made, bar none. They seem to have model for every occasion. LOL!

Bob
III

riverwalker said...

To: idahobob

Thanks for the short story. Our feet are out foundation and should be taken proper care of at all times.

Thanks.

RW

Phil said...

Never forget,
If Momma is unhappy, EVERYBODY is unhappy!

riverwalker said...

To: bustedknuckles

So true! Keeping Mrs. RW happy IS a survival priority!

Thanks busted!

RW

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