Quote:
He put together a required personal items list, and one of the requirements is 85% wool socks.
...
Am I missing something?


Is he a control freak? It's a hike, not a polar expedition.
Research & read then use what YOU think is reasonable & best. You've already heard some reasonable recommendations in some posts prior to mine.
If asked, tell him whatever it is he thinks he's got to hear, to deflect him, if you are really wanting to take the hike bad enough to be around him.
Hike your own hike, even there. It's OK to color outside the lines.