Reddit reviews Injinji 2.0 Men's Liner Crew Toesocks, Gray, Large

I asked this question after my first GoRuck event and got multiple answers, I did some searching of my own after looking at sealgrinderpt.com they list the Top 10 boots for GoRuck events.

Well I went above and beyond. In a 2 week period I ordered 19 pairs of boots/trail shoes/hiking shoes which was about $2700 worth (it wasn't all at once) All of which got returned.

What I wanted was comfortable, light weight, and good drainage.

If you want a boot, I would go with the Oakley LSA or LSA Water. Both are super light weight good ankle support, both drain water well and the LSA water drain very well (the have holes in the bottom with screens to drain the water. A buddy of mine did a Tough/Light back to back without changing socks and had no issues. Also try the Nike SFB 6 or 8 inch very light, drain well.

If you want more of a hiking boot, I would go with the Columbia vent freak, they are light weight and drain reasonably well. You can also go with the Merrill Ventilators they are a bit on the heavy side but drain well and are comfortable but do take about 20 miles to break so get some training rucks in.

If you want a shoe, Columbia Drain Makers are awesome, light weight, drain very well, no break in needed. Also try any non gortex salomon they were once sold on the GoRuck website and it the show that most Cadre wear.

Last but not least my newest discovery .... Nike Chukka SFB flyknit. They are by far the most comfortable "boot" shoe I found ankle support isn't great but it's more than a low cut shoe. So far I've done 2 training rucks and numerous "boot camp" and gym sessions with them and they feel great! Only downside ... They are pricey!

One last tip, make sure you double sock .. I HATE double socking but I found that injinji "liner" toe socks with thin smart wool over helped my feet more than ever. Let me be clear I hated toe socks and double socking until I found each of those.

Injinji 2.0 Men's Liner Crew Toesocks, Gray, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK8EE4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_tFKDwbQ77KPEG

Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Crew Medium Grey Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008K7NMS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_6FKDwbK73298K

That makes sense. I need to redo my layering system then I was under the impression wool was best for base layer before this due to its ability to stay warm while wet / sweating.

Still learning how to layer for summit attempts (6000m+) such as Acongagua etc. So I'd appreciate any advice on the below

My current layering / what I have now is:

Top:

MERIWOOL Mens Base Layer 100% Merino Wool Heavyweight 400g Half Zip Sweater

Mid layer is an Arcteryx Atom LT hoody.

Arcteryx Alpha SV for a hard shell. Figured this is better than Beta SV since it's higher pockets and more climbing / alpine focused to my understanding.

Arcteryx Cerium LT for a puffy / base camp.

Bottom:

Marmot precip pants as rain shell.
Standard Columbia ridge zip off hiking pants for approach
400gsm wool base layer long johns
Arcteryx polyester AR briefs and merino

Know I'm missing soft shell pants here... Not sure which to get. I've heard the outdoor Research cirque are good.

Feet:

Polyester / Nylon liner socks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK8EE4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PL7QDb93KT3MG

Heavy thick alpaca socks. My feet get cold very easily. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018IY2K1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pK7QDb2W2EWE3

Lighter weight merino / darn tough and some kinesiology tape for wrapping blisters etc.

Not sure what I'm missing out of this and how to improve besides on obvious expedition parka for clothing. Boots etc excluded obviously.

I think the heavyweight merino base layer, mid insulated layer, and 800 fill down cover needing an expedition parka with a hard shell for potential wind on summit assuming it stays around 6000m?

If drying is a problem with merino.. I can add polyester / polypropylene base layer under and this, merino base layer, shell should be good for approach and anything under summit?

Higher altitude / cold add mid layer and shell in harsher conditions?