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Reviews > Clothing > Socks > REI Merino Wool Light Hiker > Owner Review by Angela Bosevich

REI MERINO WOOL LIGHT HIKER II SOCKS-WOMEN'S
BY ANGELA BOSEVICH
OWNER REVIEW
June 02, 2009

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Angela Bosevich
EMAIL: angelabosevich AT hotmail DOT com
AGE: 29
LOCATION: Spokane, Washington USA
GENDER: F
HEIGHT: 5' 3" (1.60 m)
WEIGHT: 125 lb (56.70 kg)
SHOE SIZE Women's US 7.5

I have been a day hiker and nature lover since I was a wee lass. Most of my life has been spent in Pennsylvania, so I've hiked in many of the eastern states. Since moving out west 3 years ago, I have enjoyed more overnight trips and hope for longer treks in the near future. I strive to keep my pack light, usually around 20 lb (9 kg), without forfeiting my life savings, comfort, safety, food, or water. The varying terrain and weather in Washington State has made me understand the importance of having quality clothing and gear.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

IMAGE 1

Manufacturer: REI
Website: http://www.rei.com/
Product: REI Merino Wool Light Hiker II Socks - Women's
Item number: 759895
MSRP: US $10.50
Made in the USA

Fabric: 78% Merino wool, 20% Nylon, 2% LycraŽ spandex
Height: Crew
Color reviewed: Rose
Other colors available: Taupe
Size reviewed: Medium (Women's US Shoe Size 6.5-10)
Other sizes available: Small (Women's US Shoe Size 4-6) and Large (Women's US Shoe Size 10.5-12)

Measured weight: 2.25 oz (64 g) per pair
Related products: REI also offers a men's version of these socks, in different colors, as well as an Organic version in both men and women's styles.
Care instructions: Machine wash inside out in cold water on gentle cycle. Dry in dryer with no heat.

Product Description:
The REI Women's Merino Wool Light Hiker II Socks are soft, plush socks that are just the right height for to wear with my high-cut hiking boots. The fabric blend of wool, nylon and spandex gives a great balance of stretch, support and comfort. Merino wool has natural wicking capabilities and is known for its ability to keep me warm even if it gets wet. There is a stretchy band of fabric built around the center of the sock for arch support. Lin-ToeŽ technology promises smooth seams that are "no-feel". The heel and toe are reinforced for durability. The color of the socks, Rose, is found in different shades on each part of the sock.

OUT AND ABOUT

I bought these socks in May 2008. They have been my go-to hiking socks ever since. I have worn them hiking, backpacking and snowshoeing. In all 4 seasons, in sunshine, rain and snow, with temperatures ranging from 25° to 90°F (-4 to 32 C), these socks have kept my feet dry and at a reasonable temperature.

For the most part, I have worn these socks on established intermediate level hiking trails in the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I have also worn them in the high deserts of Washington, the rocky shoreline of the Olympic Peninsula, and the Idaho side of Hell's Canyon. These socks have been on my feet from sea level to about 5000 feet (1524 m). A normal hiking day for me is 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km), depending on terrain. Usually, I pair the socks with my Asolo Stynger GTX hiking boots.

To start with, the appearance of the socks is a nice change from all of the earth-toned hiker's gear I tend to see in stores. Pink! How feminine! They are also just as comfortable on the skin as they look. Soft and fluffy. The wool is not even a bit itchy.

When I put these socks on, it feels as if the sock is giving my foot a little hug. They feel snug and supportive. I wear a US Women's shoe size 7.5 and these size Medium socks fit me perfectly. The toe boxes do not bunch up at all in my boot and REI's Lin-ToeŽ technology lives up to its claims of smooth seams. The socks grip around my calves just enough so that they don't fall down into my boots. While hiking, the socks stay in place and do not rub anywhere on my feet or ankles. The mid-sock arch support is fabulous. My feet over-pronate and I need all the help I can get!

Just this past weekend, I fell calf-deep in a creek on Day 1 of a backpacking trip. Oh no! The inside of my boots and socks were soaked. I changed into my Merino Wool Light Hiker II Socks and put my wet boots back on. My feet stayed dry and warm.

So, after a year of ownership, my overall impression of these socks is that they rock! I totally trust the REI Women's Merino Wool Light Hiker II Socks to take care of my feet in the wilderness. They are comfortable, regulate temperature well, exhibit wonderful moisture wicking capabilities, dry quickly and are durable. I have machine washed and dried these socks about once a week for a year straight. They have not shrunk, are still plush and do not show any signs of wearing thin yet.

SUMMARY

What I like about these socks:
1.) Multi-season use
2.) Keep feet dry
3.) Super comfy
4.) Durable

What I don't like about these socks:
Nothing!

This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

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