CEP
Dynamic+ Outdoor
Merino Compression Socks
CEP's antibacterial, padded, close-fitting compression socks for
outdoors.
Andrew Buskov
Initial Report: July 13, 2015
Long Term Report: December 21, 2015
Tester
Biographical
Information:
Name: |
Andrew Buskov |
Age: |
40 |
Gender: |
Male |
Height: |
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
Weight: |
207 lbs (94 kg) |
Email: |
Rescue(at)Corridor9(dot)net |
City, State Zip |
Madisonville, Kentucky USA |
Backpacking
Background:
I’ve been backpacking for nearly 25 years, and have slowly started
developing my ideal style. I’ve gotten my pack weight down to roughly
20 - 25 lbs (9.1 - 11.3 kg) before water, and am whittling it down
every hike. Day hiking is nice, but getting out over multiple nights is
really what I enjoy. I like to take my time and view the scenery as
opposed to hiking hard. I also like being comfortable and insist on an
air mattress. I usually tent or hammock, but stay in shelters when
needed.
Product
Information:
Item: |
Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression Sock |
Manufacturer: |
CEP - Department of medi GmbH & Co. KG |
Website: |
http://www.cepcompression.com/
|
Year of Manufacture: |
2015 |
MSRP: |
$20.00 US |
Listed Weight: |
N/A |
Actual Weight: |
2.7 oz (77 g) |
Color: |
Brown / Black |
Additional Colors: |
Green / Black, Grey / Black |
Product Description: Per information from website
& enclosed
materials
The CEP Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression Socks are a mid-length
sock that is designed for outdoor sport use. The use of Merino
wool allows the sock to both cool and heat depending on the conditions,
while also providing a number of padded areas that help alleviate
pressure in those cumbersome areas. The compression of the sock is
listed as 15-20 mm Hg graduated compression, and is stated to provide a
good base of stability for joints and muscles. The composition of sock
materials is 64 % Nylon, 18% Merino wool, 10% Spandex, and 8% Silk.
They are also antibacterial with odor reducing qualities.
Product
Impressions:
As soon as I
opened the CEP Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression
Socks I knew that this test was going to be very different from any I'd
had in the past. While I've tested and worn a variety of socks while
hiking and backpacking I have never owned a pair of compression socks.
This
is going to be an interesting experience for sure.
Just generally looking over the Dynamic+ Outdoor socks, they are
quite unique to most socks out on the market. There are 2 distinctly
different socks in the package; a right sock, and a left sock. Each of
them has what appears to be five different padded zones around the
toes, pads, sole, heel, and ankle area along with a long tight weave of
compression material that extends up to a nice wide cuff. Near the top
cuff is the CEP logo woven into the fabric, and the logo design also
appears near the Achilles tendon. The pattern on the bottom of the sock
indicates that these are from the Outdoor line and also indicates the
gender and size the sock was designed for; m size III.
In flipping the socks inside-out, it's easy to see the level of
complexity in a sewing pattern that is obviously designed for top
performance. All of the seams are nice and tight. There fabric is all
trimmed with very little loose threading throughout the whole sock. The
boundaries between two different stitching patterns are notable, but
there is significantly less pilling and hanging threads than other
socks I own. All of the material is smooth and very comforting on the
skin with padded areas being roughly 2 - 3 times thicker than
non-padded zones. The bottom area of the foot has a contour in the
pattern to hug the sole without squeezing the insole. Along the top of
the foot is a nice wide compression band as well. Both sides of the
ankle have extra cushioning and there is a well formed heel pocket.
The
first time I tried these on I noticed exactly how much compression
these really provide. I was unable to slide the sock over my foot and
ankle in one smooth motion as with most socks. Instead, I had to insert
my thumbs into the sock and bunch up the fabric until my thumbs were
just past the heel area. Then I could get my toes into the sock and
properly seated before I started pulling the rest of the sock over my
heel, ankle, and shin.
The Dynamic+ Outdoor socks fit very well and feel quite a bit more
comfortable than I would have imagined. While they are a compression
sock and definitely perform as they are designed, I don't feel any
portion of my foot or leg gets compressed any more than any other area
of my foot or leg. I'm definitely looking forward to finding out how
they feel after a long hike.
Long Term Report: December 21, 2015
Testing Locations & Conditions:
I
have had wonderful opportunities and weather to test the CEP Dynamic+
Outdoor Merino Compression socks. Not only was I able to get in
multiple hikes through the woods in my area, but I was also able to
attend the 100th Annual Boy Scout Patriot Games at Fort Campbell,
Kentucky. The weather in Fort Campbell was clear to cloudy at times,
but there was no precipitation. Elevation was 718 ft (219 m) where we
were at on the base, but it was the temperatures that really
fluctuated. The high was a nice comfortable 64 F (17 C), but the last
night we were there the low dropped to 28 F (-2 C) making for a very
cold morning packing up and heading home. Around my home I was able to
hike in heat, cold, rain, mud, rocky soil, and well worn trails. The
elevation around my area is roughly 475 - 550 ft (145 - 170 m).
Temperatures for the area during the testing phase ranged from 26 - 91
F (-3 - 33 C) and as mentioned above precipitation was experienced
multiple times.
Summary:
As mentioned above, I have had the pleasure of wearing the CEP Dynamic+
Outdoor Merino Compression socks as my primary socks throughout the
testing period. Initially I had started wearing them only when I went
out hiking and in the woods, but as both my feet and lower legs started
to feel better I found myself wearing them quite a bit more. This led
to additional washing cycles for the socks, but this hasn't been a
problem so far. I've been able to wash these with the rest of my darks
without any problems. I didn't need any special detergent or fabric
softener, just a simple wash with like colors.
Even though they have seen a lot of use, there are no pulled or hanging
threads and very little pilling of the material. The elasticity of the
sock remains nice and tight, and I still have to bunch up the sock to
get it over my foot when I first put it on. I have noticed that while
the socks are a bit smelly after use, they tend to lose that odor
simply through drying. There has been little to no residual smell
emanating from the socks after they have had an opportunity to dry out
a bit. After washing, there is absolutely no hint of prior smells
within the fabric.
The fit and feel of the socks when walking can only be described as
heavenly. Even when my feet are sweaty in my boots, these socks don't
bunch up, fold over, rotate around my foot, or slide down. In short,
they stay essentially where they are when I first put them on. This is
definitely a plus as I often find the top of my socks bunching up
inside the mouth of my boot causing my shins to ache after a while. I
also love the fact that when I'm walking down hill I don't end up with
a large gathering of material around my toes. The material is still
very smooth and comforting. I also love the fact that even when these
socks were wet due to sweat, rain, or mud I never once felt any
blisters developing. This is true with all types of shoes that I wore
during the testing phase; running shoes, hiking shoes & hiking
boots, work boots, and dress shoes.
I'd like to thank CEP and
BackpackGearTest.org for providing me with the opportunity to test the
Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Compression Socks.
Read more reviews of CEP Compression gear
Read more gear reviews by Andrew Buskov
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