Design Hunting - For the Dad Who Dreams of the PCT

While many dream of retiring to Florida, he’s got his sights set on through-hiking the PCT. He’s perfected the ratio of raisins to M&M’s in his homemade trail mix, and he’d rather buy a top-of-the-line tent than spend money on indoor lodging. Socks may be a slightly cliché gift for a dad, but we’ve got a feeling this dad might actually love to receive a new pair.

These Bombas Merino Wool Blend Calf Socks use lightweight, moisture-wicking natural fibers to keep his feet warm and dry, whether he’s sipping coffee at base camp or taking a selfie at the summit. They have a supersoft footbed, non-itchy fibers, three options that fit U.S. sizes 6 to 16, and ten colorways, from elegant neutrals to midnight teal to a majestic mauve. That means he’s got ten ways to step outside his black and gray comfort zone (literally) or slip into something a little more grown-up than the Santa socks he got at the White Elephant exchange in 2013. Because these Bombas socks have a smidge of polyester mixed in with the merino, there’s stretch and strength to stand up to even the craggiest of trails. And as merino is the only odor-resistant natural fiber known to man, you’ll breathe easier the next time you share a tent or a car ride after a long outdoor adventure.

“The three ingredients of a good gift are money, time, and insight — if you’re short on one, you can always make it up with one of the others. A classic high time x high insight x low money gift is something customized or curated like a photo album. Also good is a low time x low insight x high money gift, like perfume or a nice bottle of wine. The worst gift to get is low time x low insight x low money, like chocolate from a Walgreens or bad socks.” —Erin Schwartz, writer