UKC

I've seen a few references to climbing in socks in old climbing books, especially in the rain. How is this a good idea? Presumably Joe Brown didn't mean verruca socks.

In reply to humptydumpty:

I suspect people stopped doing this when sticky rubber was invented.

In reply to humptydumpty:

Quite effective but don't expect to get more than a few pitches out of a pair.

Only done it once, after a lunchtime pub session.

Nowadays I know its better to just stay in the pub.

In reply to humptydumpty:

what type of material - not actually tried but i feel wool might work but not nylon

In reply to humptydumpty:

When meeting unexpcted snow/ice on alpine routes putting socks on the outside of climbing shoes adds better traction.

In reply to humptydumpty:

I done it several times on wet rock climbs, it works well.

I have also done it on Sharp edge. There is a sloping slab that gets very slippy in the wet just where the ridge meets the mountain proper. I sometimes take my boots off and just cross it in socks, it makes such a difference you can do it with your hands in your pockets.