I'm looking for a pair of thermal socks for my trip to Everest Base Camp in January.
Temperatures could drop to -30°C at night and I need some warm thermal socks to wear at night. Will be hiking with some lighter socks (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/112171984368)
American sites seem to be recommending SmartWool and Wigwam but I was wondering if there was anything made in Australia that would be better value.
Anyone tried Mongrel?
https://www.mongrelsocks.com/pure-wool-mongrel-socks
I assume you have booked with a tour / guide to get you there?
If so, what are their recommendations?
Stay away from Explorer Extreme Impact. I bought quite a few in good sales but they take forever to dry and aren't particularly warm. Maybe Explorer Wool Blend currently on sale at $10?
If I were travelling and had potential to loose a toe due to frostbite, I wouldn’t be looking to save money buying socks that weren’t fit for the purpose in a country that doesn’t really have extreme cold.
I agree, except in Nepal the stores are full of knockoff North Face gear.
So it's recommended that I have hiking socks for the day but 1 good pair of thermal socks for night.
This Wigwam is cheaper than the Mongrel socks and is well received overseas. Should I go for it?
https://www.paddypallin.com.au/wigwam-canada-sock.html#sc3
Alternatively, Kathmandu and MacPac also do a 2 pack but the wool content on these is not as high as the Wigwam or Mongrel
https://www.macpac.com.au/mens/footwear/socks/macpac-thermal…
https://www.kathmandu.com.au/thermo-twin-pack-socks.html
All of the socks that you have mentioned appear to be more for walking than for overnight use.
Look into down slippers / booties. Can sleep in them and good to wear around camp.
I don't know about the interior of the mongrel socks but they look an awful lot like the kinds of super thick socks you can buy at markets.
Have you gone to those markets to see if those ones would be suitable for you?