Socks for a camping holiday in rain and damp

Short answer: On a camping holiday in the rain, clothes get damp and dry slowly, so socks should be soft, changed often and dried whenever there is a chance. Pack more pairs than usual, and keep one pair completely dry for the night and the morning.

Damp is worse than cold

Cold feet are bearable, but wet feet quickly become a nuisance. Damp socks cling to the skin, rub inside the shoe and can cause blisters after a few hours. Camping in the rain is therefore more about having dry socks to change into than about wearing the thickest socks from the start.

Pack more pairs than you think

At home you manage with one pair a day, but in a wet tent nothing dries quickly. Expect to change twice a day and pack accordingly, with a little spare for the days when the rain does not stop. If in doubt, add one more pair, because a dry pair is rarely wasted.

Change as soon as you are inside

The most important habit is to take off the wet socks as soon as you are under a roof and put on a dry pair. Your feet warm up again quickly, and the damp does not chill them all evening. You can see the choices among socks for men and women if several of you are packing.

Always keep a pair for the night

The most important pair is the one you sleep in, and it must never have been wet, so keep it in a tight bag with other dry clothes. Dry, soft socks at night help you sleep warmer and wake without cold, clammy feet. Use them for nothing but sleep so they stay dry.

Drying in the tent and the car

Hang the wet pairs on a line under the awning, where air moves, or in the car if it is nearby. Do not hang them close to an open fire or a harsh heat source that can scorch the thread. Wring them out gently and let them dry while you cook or eat, so they are ready again.

Shoes and damp go together

Socks only get dry if the shoes get a chance too. Take the insoles out in the evening and stuff old newspaper or a dry cloth inside so the moisture is drawn away. Do not put fresh, dry socks into dripping wet shoes, because then you are back where you started and blisters come quickly.

Cosy clothes for the evening

While the socks hang to dry, it is nice to wear something soft and dry on the rest of your body. A set of comfortable clothes in the tent or camper van makes the rain less dreary. See for example bamboo jogging sets for women, which are soft and easy to pull on and off when you crawl out of the sleeping bag.

The rest of the packing list

Socks are only the beginning, so think also about layers that dry quickly and a bag for everything wet. Keep fresh clothes apart from worn ones so the damp smell does not spread. You can find inspiration among bestsellers for women when you put the packing list together for the holiday.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs of socks do I need on a camping holiday in the rain?

Expect two pairs a day and add an extra pair on top, since nothing dries quickly in a damp tent. A pair for the night should never be worn during the day.

How do I dry socks in a damp tent?

Hang them on a line where air can move, and wring them out gently. Do not use open fire or harsh heat, which can damage the thread and be dangerous in a tent.

Should I sleep in socks on a camping holiday?

It is a matter of taste, but dry, soft socks can make your feet more comfortable on a cold night. Only put on a pair that has not been wet, and talk to your doctor if you have poor circulation.

See our range of bamboo socks for women.