FITS

Socks are the most underestimated piece of hiking gear. On my first thru hike on the Appalachian Trail, I had blistered, bleeding feet that had all the signs and stench of trench foot. Finally when I arrived at the rocks of Pennsylvania, otherwise known as "Rocksylvania," I switched to a pair of wool socks. My feet have been better ever since.

A breathable, wicking pair of wool socks should be in every hiker's pack, and on her feet! On my A.T. Record hike in 2011, a journey where every ounce mattered, I almost always had a pair of extra socks in my day pack (bonus: they make good mittens if it gets cold.) But I was frustrated when all my expensive wool socks started to wear out after just a few weeks. Half-way through the endeavor I switched my well-known name brand hiking socks to a new brand called FITS. I have never looked back.

FITS aren't really new. In fact, FITS are made at the oldest sock manufacturing plant in the U.S. It is the same plant that used to make those popular name brand hiking socks (you know who I'm talking about), before they were completely outsourced to China. When that happened, the four-generation family owned textile mill in Niota, TN decided that they would keep making hiking socks - and that they would make them even better. Thus, FITS!

Full disclosure, I am now sponsored by FITS. But that is not because they came to us and offered us a lot of money to tell people how great there socks are. (For the record, that has never, ever, ever happened with any company.) Instead, we went to them and said, "hey, we already love telling people about your socks! Would you consider donating some giveaways and contributing towards gas and lodging when we speak at outdoor stores?" They thought about it. We waited... Then, they agreed!

This past week, our lil' family got to stop by the FITS factory in Niota and take a tour. We immediately fell in love with the down-to-earth, hardworking folks at the facility. It is amazing how much work goes into making a good socks! Here are some scenes from behind the scenes:

BREW AND CHARLEY CHECK OUT THE SOCK MACHINES.

Watch the sock machines make socks!!! - click here.

QUALITY INSPECTING THE SOCKS.

They are seamed separately. Click here, and watch this lady go!

THE SOCKS ARE WASHED AND DRIED, SO THEY ARE A TRUE FIT IN THE STORE. (THAT DOESN’T HAPPEN IN SOCKS PRODUCED OVERSEAS.)

Here, they are stretched and sorted in packages. Click this link to see the final stage.

I learned that a lot goes into making a great sock, but then again, a lot goes into hiking the A.T. So if you want a great sock - and if your feet give you fits - get FITS for your feet!