Ultralight or Midweight? Choosing Your Trail Companion

Ultralight or Midweight? Choosing Your Trail Companion

When we set out to design trail socks, we weren’t just thinking about cushion or compression. We were thinking about stream crossings in April. Baking-hot ridgelines in July. And about those long days — the ones that stretch into quiet evenings — where staying comfortable mile after mile is the only thing that matters.

As we thought about all the places we run and what we really need from a sock, we realized performance doesn’t have a single definition. Some days are about speed and precision. Others are about wandering ridgelines or pausing to take in the view. So we built two socks. Each one ready for different trails, moods, and kinds of days.

The Ultralight

Our lightest, fastest-drying sock.

The Ultralight is for the days when every ounce matters. When it’s hot, when it’s wet, when you’re moving fast or going long. We built it with 200-needle microfiber to stay breathable and snug without soaking out after the first creek crossing.

Feature East Peak Ultralight
Weight (Dry) 19g (Large)
Weight (Soaked) 76g (vs. 93g competitor)
Cushion 1.9mm
Construction 200-needle microfiber
Fit Left/right anatomical, Y-heel grip
Best For Hot runs, creek crossings, races, ultras

Why pick it:

  • It feels "barely there," even after hours on your feet
  • It dries about eight times faster than cotton
  • It holds about 20% less water than competitors when soaked
  • It quickly moves moisture away from your foot to help prevent blisters and swampy feet

If you’re expecting river crossings, heat, humidity, or long miles, the Ultralight is the sock you want to have on.

The Midweight

More plush, more cushy, and built for all-day comfort.

Not every trail outing is about shaving seconds or counting ounces. Some days are simply about putting one foot in front of the other and soaking in the experience. The Midweight offers balanced cushioning — enough to keep your feet feeling good hour after hour, even when the trail gets long and the pace slows down.

Feature East Peak Midweight
Weight (Dry) 25g
Cushion Thickness 3.9mm
Construction 144-needle nylon
Fit Left/right anatomical, Y-heel grip
Best For Chilly mornings, hikes, recovery runs, all-day wear

Why pick it:

  • It’s cushioned without feeling bulky
  • Targeted airflow zones keep things breathable, even with the added padding
  • Ideal for cooler mornings, changing weather, or mellow hikes.
  • It’s the sock you reach for on everyday adventures

If you’re heading out on a chilly morning, hiking rocky terrain, or easing into a recovery run, the Midweight is the sock you want to have on.

So, which one?

It comes down to how the day feels.

  • Choose the Ultralight when you’re racing, moving fast, or hitting wet or hot trails.
  • Choose the Midweight when temps are cool, the trails are rocky, or you’re just looking for extra comfort.

We like to keep both on hand. Some days call for lightness and speed. Others call for warmth and comfort. Having the right socks in your kit means you don’t have to overthink it — just lace up and go.

Final thoughts

Whatever you’re chasing — podiums, peace, or just a good sunrise — your socks shouldn’t hold you back. That’s why we made two. Not because one’s better than the other, but because every runner, every trail, and every day asks something different of our feet.

Go with what feels right. And as always —

Run wild, strange, and free.



Photos by Sean Haworth


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