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How To Prevent Altitude Sickness?

Do you like hiking or flying but get sick from it? Well, this is known as altitude sickness and it can have a variety of causes. The thing is, no matter what the cause, altitude sickness is not fun to deal with. It can take a good experience and make it poor. Well, luckily for you in this article we are going to talk about how to prevent altitude sickness. On top of knowing how to prevent it though after reading this article, you will also know the causes, and signs of it as well as what exactly it is. Read on to learn everything you need to know about altitude sickness and what you can do about it.

How To Prevent Altitude Sickness

How To Prevent Altitude Sickness?

What is it?

Before getting into how to prevent altitude sickness, it is first important to know what exactly altitude sickness is. Well, altitude sickness is a broad term that can mean different things. The main definition though is the same no matter the cause. That is a lack of oxygen at high elevations. The reason for lack of oxygen can vary, but that is the key component with altitude sickness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of altitude sickness can vary widely from person to person. Also, the exact cause of the altitude sickness can impact the symptoms. The main symptoms though of altitude sickness are headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Depending on your elevation these symptoms can impact you with various strengths. Also, the duration can vary. For some, it can last only 12 hours while for others it may last up to four days. Depending on if you are staying at the high elevation really impacts on how long the altitude sickness last. If the elevation change is only for a short period such as a flight, then you might only have symptoms while flying, but if it is from hiking a mountain and the elevation change persist, then the symptoms may also persist.

Causes/Types

So, what exactly are all the causes and different types of altitude sickness? Well, the first kind is called acute mountain sickness or AMS. AMS is the most common type and includes most of the symptoms people associate with altitude sickness or a hangover. Most commonly the symptoms are headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and occasional vomiting. Normally this kind of altitude last 24 hours up to 72 hours depending on how long it takes your body to acclimate to the new conditions.

The next kind is High Altitude Cerebral Edema or HACE. HACE is a progressed form of AMS. If your AMS last too long or is bad, then fluid can build up in the brain. This is what makes HACE different from AMS. Some of the symptoms match AMS with headaches, but other more severe symptoms that come with HACE are dizziness, blurry vision, and disorientation. One other problem is it is hard to keep water and food down. High Altitude Cerebral Edema can be life-threatening and the only real solution is decent since it is hard to keep liquids down and stay hydrated. Luckily, HACE is pretty rare, but it is important to take it seriously when it occurs.

The last type of altitude sickness is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. This kind of altitude sickness mainly occurs at high elevations above 8000 feet and for long periods. With HAPE fluid builds up in your lungs instead of your brain. Symptoms can vary, but mild symptoms include a dry cough and shortness of breath during or after mild exertion. More severe types of HAPE can include symptoms that involve shortness of breath at rest, confusion, and fever. There is not any treatment for HAPE except decent. This is important because if you don’t it is life-threatening. Your body needs oxygen, so if you show these symptoms you need to reduce your altitude.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness

Hikers on the way to Everest Base Camp

Hikers on the way to Everest Base Camp

So, now that we covered the different kinds of altitude sickness and some of the causes we can get into the prevention of them. The key thing to remember though is while you can do these things sometimes altitude sickness isn’t always preventable. The best athletes can suffer from HAPE no matter the amount of training they did for the higher altitude. Most standard altitude sickness that everyday people will deal with is preventable, however.

The first thing you can do is take ibuprofen. Motrin or Advil also helps. You can take 400mg in the morning and then more every 6 hours. In a double-blind study it was showed to significantly reduce the impact of altitude sickness. This is important to remember if you are going to fly and suffer from altitude sickness.The next thing to do is to make sure to stay hydrated. This means drinking two to three liters of water a day to prepare for your trip. Dehydration can greatly impact your ability to handle higher elevations. Also, if you drink coffee or rely on caffeine to get thru the day make sure to have your share before your trip because caffeine withdraws symptoms imitate that of altitude sickness. Also, you can bring Excedrin with you to get a fast dose of caffeine if needed.

If you are sick before a trip, then the best thing is to try to reschedule and stay home because being sick is magnified at higher levels. Also, take the right medication because some really impact your ability to handle higher elevations. Another key thing is to make sure you have snacks so your blood sugar stays at the proper level.

During the Trip

If you are going to be at high elevations for awhile such as climbing a mountain, then there are some things you can do during the trip to help reduce altitude sickness. The first is climbing high, but sleep low. This means going higher than where you are camping so your body can get a taste of the thinner air before being in it. Also, acclimate yourself as you are on your trip. These means don’t go to high to fast. Get to 8000 feet and then camp a few nights. Then don’t go more than 1600 feet on each of the following days so you can acclimate correctly. Lastly, be sure to stay hydrated on your trip and stay warm. The thinner air is cooler and staying warm is a key part of not getting sick,

Conclusion

So, now you know that there are a variety of different kinds of altitude sickness and also a few different causes. If it is just from an airplane flight, then it won’t last long, but if it is from hiking up a mountain it could last for a few days. Luckily, now you know some key tips to prevent altitude sickness. You know to stay hydrated and acclimate your body. Also, you know some medicines you can take to help reduce altitude sickness. Next time that you are in a situation where altitude sickness might occur you should be able to prevent it with the tips from this article. If you can’t prevent it though, then you know how to deal with altitude sickness properly now.

What Pants To Wear Hiking?

Are you new to hiking and trying to figure out what to wear? Well, it is important to wear proper clothes for hiking. That is because the wrong clothes can take a fun hiking trip and make them miserable. You need to make sure the clothes fit, as well as match the trip you are going on.

All your clothes matter, especially shoes and pants. You can find more information on what shoes to wear hiking in other parts of our site, but in this article, we are going to focus on what pants to wear hiking. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the different kinds of pants that are available for hiking and the advantages and disadvantages of each kind.

What Pants To Wear Hiking?

What Pants To Wear Hiking?

Qualities to look for.

So, hiking can throw you into all kinds of different situations. That is why you need to have pants that can handle a variety of situations. You want pants that will be protective but also allow your legs to breath. You want pants that are flexible, but also durable. You want something that is lightweight, but also rugged. These qualities can be hard to find in normal everyday pants. That is why it is highly important to consider getting pants designed for hiking known as hiking pants.

Jeans

You may be thinking, well jeans are durable, rugged, and comfortable when broke in and yes these things are all true, but for long periods of wearing and a lot of movement blue jeans aren’t the best. The reason is even when broke in blue jeans tend to not have a lot of giving. Also, blue jeans don’t have many pockets. Pockets can come in major handy when hiking. The real reason though why blue jeans aren’t good for hiking is they are heavy. When walking long periods every little bit of weight adds up. If you are wearing heavy jeans, then you will get tired quickly. Also, blue jeans don’t allow for breathing. This means you will get hot and sweaty faster. Due to these things, it is best to avoid blue jeans when hiking.

Shorts

So, you want to stay cool while hiking, well then what about shorts? Shorts are something to consider because they don’t restrict movement as much, but they also don’t offer as much protection. Most shorts have a lot of pockets which is nice and most are lightweight. Some are more lightweight than others. The thing with shorts as hiking pants really depends on where you are going to be hiking.

If you are going to be hiking on clear trails or out in the open, then shorts can work just fine. However, if you are going to be hiking in dense woods or areas where your legs might brush up against something, then you might want to consider long pants. They actually make hiking pants that are convertible to shorts. These are your best options if you want shorts because they can be pants if you need them to be.

Athletic Pants

Okay, so you want to hike in long pants to protect your legs, but you also want something that is lightweight and cool, well what about athletic pants then? This is getting closer to what good hiking pants are because athletic pants are lighter material, but most don’t have the pockets that you would want from a good pair of pants to hike in. Also, most athletic pants can be real nosey when walking in them, especially the polyester ones. Not all are nosey though. Athletic pants do breath and stay dry, but they aren’t as durable as good hiking pants. They can rip easily because the woods are not what they are designed for. If you thought of athletic pants though, then you are on the right track of what to be looking for in hiking pants.

Hiking Pants

The best type of pant to wear when hiking is hiking pants. That is because they are designed for hiking and will give you everything you need. They have a lot of pockets and also offer your legs protection. However, they are generally made out of material to make them more lightweight and flexible than jeans. Most hiking pants are made out of a type of nylon, so they are actually even lighter-weight then cotton shorts. On top of this, the nylon that they are made from is quiet. This means that you won’t scare animals if you are trying to see them. Cotton and polyester can make noise when walking swiftly when it rubs together. With hiking pants, you can avoid this.

Another benefit to hiking pants is they will keep you cool while still offering leg protection. They breathe which prevents sweat from being trapped. The material is also strong enough to protect your legs from getting cut or scratched by branches. If it is really hot though, like has been mentioned, you can get hiking pants that convert to shorts. These are better than actual shorts though because they only uncover the bottom third of your leg. That still keeps a lot of you protected and they are lighter weight than normal shorts. On top of all these hiking pants are comfortable. They are flexible and allow for quick movement that is unobstructed.

The last benefit to hiking pants that we haven’t really touched on is they dry fast. Since the material is thin it will dry off fast if you get wet. This shouldn’t be a surprise since they don’t hold sweat. Also, if it is just a little bit of water it will run off of them. Due to all these benefits of hiking pants, they really are the best kind of pants to wear while hiking. If you are going to be hiking regularly then it is worth the investment. Hiking pants can be worn in any environment making them the best option for hikers. It doesn’t matter if it is hot or cold hiking pants are the best outer layer you can get for the woods or mountains for your legs.

Cargo Pants

If you don’t want to get real hiking pants though, then the next best alternative is a decent pair of cargo pants. They offer lots of pockets and are rugged. They will protect your legs and keep them safe in any environment. They are hotter than real hiking pants though because most cargo pants are cotton and heavy. They don’t breath as well as hiking pants would. Cargo pants are typically comfortable though, and most don’t restrict movement too much. They are looser than jeans would be. In a lot of situations, especially if it isn’t really hot, then cargo pants would work. If you are new to hiking and just want to see if you like it, then cargo pants will give you an experience that will allow for a good trip to see if you have fun or not.

Other things

A few last things that you should consider when buying hiking pants is if you can wear a belt with them if they have an elastic waist if they are waterproof, and how many pockets they have and the size. These things will vary on the person and you will want to find what works for you. The key is that quality matters and you get what you pay for most of the time when it comes to hiking pants.

Conclusion

So, now you know all the different types of pants that you might consider to wear when hiking and the pros and cons to them. You know that you should look for lightweight and breathable pants that will protect your legs. You know the best option are pants that are made for hiking, but if you don’t want to invest in hiking pants right away than cargo pants would work. Also, cargo shorts are a good third option depending on the type of hiking you are doing. Now you know the best pants to wear while hiking and what makes them the best pants.

Trail Runners Vs Hiking Boots. Which One To Choose?

So, you may be getting into hiking and can’t decide what kind of shoe to wear. You may have seen that some recommend trail runners while others stand strongly behind their hiking boots. Well, just like with anything, they can be different options. In this article we will look at the question should you wear trail runners or hiking boots? We are going to go over the pros and cons of each to try to help you make an informed decision. After reading this article you should be able to pick which side you are on in the debate of trail runners versus hiking boots.

Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots

Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots

What is What

Before getting into the pros and cons of each type of shoe we will first give a description of each type of footwear. This way everyone reading this article will be on the same page of what is meant when we say trail runner or hiking boot. Because just like there are different opinions on what kind of footwear to wear, they can also be debates on what category each type of shoe can fall into.

When it comes to a trail runner shoe we are referring to a shoe that is a lot like a running shoe. A trail runner is a type of tennis shoe that is beefier and has good shock absorbing support. It is also typically breathable. The sole is a cushion and it has good grip for traction. They tend to be somewhat lightweight, but are heavier than a running shoe. Most trail runners are also more durable than running shoes for rigid environments and use. You can get some trail runners that are waterproof, but the thing with the waterproof ones is that they have less ventilation than other none waterproof ones. Most trail runners are cute below the ankle and fit firmly to the foot.

When it comes to hiking boots, they are a boot. This means that they come up over your ankle. Most go to about the middle of the shine area. They can be made of a variety of materials from all leather, to a leather and mesh combination. Most hiking boots have metal loops for the string, but they do still tie like trail runners. They can range in stiffness from being extra stiff to very flexible. Most hiking boots are waterproof, but not all. Some have a stiffer toe area to protect the toe but don’t get confused with steel toe because hiking boots are not steel toe. If you hiked in steel toe boots, it would hurt and is not recommended. Hiking boots have a thicker more rubber sole then trail runners and tend to not have as much padding in them on the sole. They are also heavier and typically are a few pounds for a pair.

What is Trail Runners and his cons

So, now we will get into the individual pros and cons of each type of footwear. First, we will again start with the trail runner.Pros of trail runners

The pros of the trail runners are that they are lightweight. This means that you won’t tire out as fast from picking up heavy feet. They are also more breathable. This means that your feet will not sweat as much which means you are less likely to get a blister. Also, being lighter wet and more breathable means you will be able to walk at a quicker pace. This is good if you need to cover a lot of ground in one day. Another pro to trail runners is if they get wet they dry out faster. Boots when they get wet take longer. The last pro to trail runners is there is no break in period, this means you can start hiking with them right away.

Cons to trail runners

The first con to trail runners though is they don’t last as long. Since the rubber is thinner which allows for immediate wearing, it also means they break down faster and have to be replaced. Also, trail runners don’t offer as much support. Since they don’t come up the ankle your ankles can get sore or weak over long walking. Also, trail runners don’t offer as much protection. Your legs and ankles can get scraped as well as sharp things can penetrate them easier. Lastly, they have less traction when compared to boots. This means rough terrain can be hard to climb.

Pros and Cons Of Hiking Boots

Pros to Boots

Pros and Cons Of Hiking Boots

Pros and Cons Of Hiking Boots

So, the pros of boots are basically the cons to trail runners. Boots offer a lot of protection and stability. The thick rubber keeps your feet safe from punctures and the higher tops keep your ankles and shins safe. Them also being mostly waterproof helps keep your feet dry from water. They can be used in snow and mud and it will just come right off. Also, boots offer more support meaning that you can carry a heavy load easier. They are also more durable and last longer. These are all the main advantages to boots, now we will look at the cons.

Cons to Boots

The negatives to boots are that they are heavy and can be overkill sometimes. The extra weight means you will most likely walk at a slower pace. Also, they have a break in period since the material is more durable. This can be a problem for some people. The pros to trail runners are the cons for hiking boots.

Which to choose

So, which one should you wear between trail runners and hiking boots? Well, what if we told you the answer is it depends? That might annoy you, but this is the honest answer. The type of shoe you choose to wear while hiking really should come down to you and the type of hiking you are doing. If you are thru-hiking and need to go fast and don’t have a large load, then trail runners are the way to go. They are light wet and the breathability will keep your feet from blistering so you can cover large distances fast.

On the other hand, if you are hiking slowly, carrying a large pack, and on rough terrain, then hiking boots are probably best. This is because they offer more ankle support for crying this, better grip for the rough terrain, and are more durable for the environment. When choosing your hiking footwear, it should really come down to the hiking you are doing and also you and your build. If you have small boney feet, then the support of the hiking boots might be important. If you have large durable feet however, they might not need as much protection.

Conclusion

So, the debate of trail runners versus hiking shoes was not able to be answered in this article. Both types of hiking footwear have their pros in cons. After reading this though, you now know the pros and cons of trail runners as well as pros and cons of hiking boots. You also know that choosing what to wear really comes down to you and the type of hiking you are doing. After reading this and knowing the differences between trail runners and hiking boots you should be able to make an informed decision, not the type you wear the next time you go hiking. Base on the type of hiking it is and your needs will help you determine if trail runners or hiking boots are the best for you.

What To Wear Hiking In The Fall?

The fall can be a perfect time to go hiking because the temperatures are typically cooler than in the summer. However, it can also be an annoying time to go hiking because you can have such a range of temperatures from day to day.

This is kind of like how the spring can be, but the fall generally has fewer clouds and rain. Since you can have such a wide swing of temperatures throughout the day in the fall it can be hard to figure out what to wear while hiking.

Good thing you found this article though because we will cover tips to dress while hiking in the fall. We will also break down the different things you should wear while hiking in the fall.

What To Wear Hiking In The Fall?

What To Wear Hiking In The Fall?

What to Wear Hiking in the Fall?

Layers

The first tip and most important thing to remember when dressing for hiking in the fall is to wear layers. This way you can stay warm if it is cool, but then cool down if it gets hot. For those that don’t know, dressing with layers means that you have essentially multiple outfits on, on top of each other. That way you can stay warm if it is cool, but then take off layers if you get hot to cool down. Dressing in layers is key for having a successful hiking trip in the fall. However, wearing layers isn’t the only tip you need to know. Read on to learn more of the top tips for how to dress while hiking in the fall.

What about material

So, outside of dressing in layers, it is also important to wear the right material of clothing. If you are wearing the wrong materials, then it doesn’t matter if you are layered or not. Having the wrong material can make any hiking trip miserable. That is because the wrong material of clothing can lead to rubbing or moisture being held where you don’t want it. The wrong things to wear while hiking in the fall are jeans or denim and cotton.

You may be thinking, but jeans are rugged and won’t get tore up. While this is true, it is a material that doesn’t let your skin breath. It is also stiff and makes moving hard. Cotton can do the same thing with allowing your body to breath. Yes, cotton is soft, but it holds moister. This means if you get wet it will keep you wet and if you sweat, then it will hold that on you. This will make you cool if it is windy and sticky and uncomfortable if it is hot.

What kinds of material should you wear then if you aren’t wearing cotton and jeans? Well, it is key to wear microfiber things, polyester things, and other moisture wicking materials. Merino wool is popular as well as silk or nylon. These things are good because it lets your body breath and keeps you from getting too hot or cold. It also provides sun protection and insulating. Also, water-resistant materials are important, especially for outer layers. This way if you do get in the water it won’t soak you and if you get wet, then it will be easy for you to dry off.

Lower Layer

So, now that we have the material covered of what you should wear, and know that you should dress in layers we can start looking at what each layer should look like. The lower layer should be athletic type garments. Think of things you would work out in and performance wear type things. You want your underwear, bra (sports bras are best), and those things, but you also want a tank top, camisole, or undershirt. You also might want to consider some long underwear. This is especially true if it is colder.

Head to Toe when hiking in fall

Head to Toe when hiking in fall

Head to Toe when hiking in fall

The next layer after the undergarments is the head to toe or base layer. For this layer, you want a similar type of material for things. You want this layer to be breathable, moisture-wicking, and insulating. You can wear a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt and rugged pants for this layer. Zip-off pants are really nice for this layer because if it gets warm, then you can have shorts, but you got the protection of pants for your legs if you need it.

Some things not to forget about this layer are hats, gloves, and socks. Socks are very important when hiking as you are on your feet a lot. You want a pair of socks that are durable, moisture wicking, taller than your boot, and comfortable. Also, it is a good idea to pack an extra pair as wet socks can really cause the hiking trip to be miserable. For gloves mittens are always warmer, then regular gloves.

Other Mid-layer options

Sometimes depending on the conditions you also might want to add a fleece jacket, fleece pants, or a puffer jacket or vest to your mid-layer. This can help create more warmth for you if needed, but deepening on the temperatures when you take your hiking trip will determine if you need these.

Outer-Layer

The last layer to look at when going on a hiking trip is the outer layer. This is where a coat falls in, and your shoes. Shoes and footwear is another very important item when hiking. This goes back because you are on your feet a lot when hiking. You want a pair of boots that are durable and going to support your feet. You want to make sure your shoes fit well and are broken in good before going on a hiking trip. Some things to look for with boots outside of fit and support is how much grip they have. You want a pair with good traction so you don’t fall. Also, a pair that is waterproof is really nice for if you have to cross streams.

For your coat, you want something that is warm and also waterproof or resistant. Rain jackets are a good idea to have if rain is in the forecast or a possibility. That is because getting wet can make you uncomfortable and not enjoy the hike. There are a lot of factors that go into determining what to wear during a hike in the fall, however.

Other factors

These basic clothing tips will help you figure out a good start to what to wear while hiking in the fall, but a lot also comes down to the weather when you are hiking. If it is cold, then you want warmer things, and if it is hot, then you want cooler things. You just have to look at the weather before you hike and match things up accordingly. Also, if you are hiking in a buggy area, then you should wear bug resistant things, and if it is sunny, then you should wear more sun protection things.

Conclusion

Dressing for hiking in the fall can be a challenge, but if you remember the key of dressing in layers, then you should have an enjoyable hike. Also, make sure to wear the right materials when hiking will make the trip better. If you stick to these basic tips that we outlined here, then you should be well on your way to having a great fall hiking trip. Don’t be afraid to just do it, and get out there and explore. Remember when dressing for hiking it is about the practicality of what you wear and not the fashion of what you wear. You want comfort and protection to make your hiking trip the best it can be.

What Are Liner Socks Used For?

Have you ever been out camping or doing outdoor activities and got your feet wet?

Well, this can be really frustrating. Also, have you gone long days hiking and then ended up with sores and blisters your feet? This is a pain too and can ruin your next days activities.

How can you fix this problem? Well, you could buy expensive hiking boots, but this might not be the best option.

An easier option is to use sock liners. After reading this you will know what sock liners are and also if they are right for you.

What Are Liner Socks Used For

What Are Liner Socks Used For

What are Sock Liners?

First before getting into what sock liners actually do, we will cover what sock liners are. Sock liners a a thin polyester or light wool sock that is worn inside your other sock.

You put the sock liner on first, and then you put your other sock on over it. It doesn’t matter if the other sock is a normal sock or a thicker hiking sock.

You can use sock liners with both. Some sock liners are even made out of a smooth silk or polypropylene, so they can come in all kinds of varieties.

What are Sock Liners for?

Now that we have gave a simple explanation of what sock liners are we can get into what sock liners are used for.

Sock liners are mainly used when hiking or doing other outdoor activities to prevent getting blisters. The way the sock liner works is it helps wick moister away from your feet which helps keep it dry.

Having wet sweaty feet is one of the main cause of blisters. You would think having two pairs of socks on would cause your feet to get sweater, but because of the material the sock liner is made of it helps keep your foot dry and transfers the moister into your outer sock.

Sock liners also help prevent friction. This is because it keeps your foot from sliding around inside your boot or shoe.

Besides your foot getting wet, another cause of blisters is repetitive rubbing on the same spot. Having two layers to protect your foot from rubbing helps prevent blisters. Sock liners are also wore tighter than normal socks, so it keeps your foot from rubbing the inside of your sock or your sock rubbing your foot if it is too loose.

These are the two main ways that liner socks help prevent blisters, which is the main cause.

Should you use?

Using sock liner when hiking

Using sock liner when hiking

Should you use liner socks then?

Well, the answer is maybe. Some people are more likely to get blisters and if you have sensitive feet, then liner socks might be the solution for you. However, it can be hard to find the right combination of sock liners, socks, and shoes.

Sometimes that extra layer can cause your shoe to fit uncomfortably. Also, if the liner sock gets wrinkled or causes your other sock to get wrinkled, then not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also lead to blisters. Your socks being wrinkled can cause extra rubbing and friction.

The key if wanting to wear sock liners is to just experiment with different combinations of liners and socks to find one that works comfortably. It is a good idea to do the experimenting before going on a hiking trip.

Experimenting in the field on a trip can lead to a miserable trip. Also, you got to remember that when you get a new set of boots you might have to experiment all over again. The real key to preventing blisters when hiking is to make sure you are wearing socks and boots that fit properly and vent well to keep the sweat from building up.

Another tip is if you get your feet wet, switch your socks and sock liner as soon as possible because you don’t want moister being held to your feet,

Another Use for Sock Liner?

One final use for liner socks is wearing them while you sleep. You may be wondering why and thinking that it is to keep your feet warm with the extra layer, but that is not completely the reason. It will help keep your feet warm which should lead to better sleep, but it will keep your feet warm because it will wick the sweat off your feet away. This way your feet won’t get wet and get cold during the night. Also, by keeping your feet dry during the night it will help keep your feet in a healthier condition to keep them from getting blisters later.

Conclusion

Liner socks are for wearing when you are doing outdoor activities. They are mainly worn when hiking. A sock liner or liner sock is just a thin sock that can be made of all kinds of materials. It is worn under your normal sock.

The main purpose is to prevent blisters from forming. It does this by moving the moister away from your foot and also reducing friction.

Choosing to wear sock liners is completely a person choice and some people love them, while others don’t. T

he key is to just fine some that work with your current socks and boots and are comfortable.

After reading this though, you now know what sock liners are and have the information to determine if you want to try wearing them or not. You also have a better idea of how they should fit based on what they are used for and a better idea how to find a pair that is right for you.