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Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Darn Tough CoolMax Micro Crew Cushion > Test Report by Ray Estrella
Darn Tough Vermont Micro Crew Cushion Coolmax Socks
INITIAL REPORT - September 19, 2009
TESTER INFORMATION
I have been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, plus many western states and Minnesota. I hike year-round in all weather, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I make a point of using lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. Doubting I can ever be truly UL, I try to be as near to it as I can yet still be comfortable. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring/chilling. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot meals at night. If not hiking solo I am usually with brother-in-law Dave. The Product
Manufacturer: Cabot Hosiery Mills Inc Product Description
The Darn Tough Vermont Micro Crew Cushion Coolmax Socks (hereafter called the Micro Crews or socks) are synthetic multi-fiber blend socks that are part of the company's Hike/Trek line. They are constructed of 33% Coolmax polyester, 31% nylon, 27% acrylic, 5% polyester, and 4% Lycra Spandex. The Light Blue have a slightly different blend of the same materials for some reason. But the heck with them, I got the manly-man color. (Hooah!) I received two pairs of them. They came in the retail packaging, seen above, which has a wealth of information printed on it. It has a bunch of marketing hype, the lifetime guarantee, a sizing chart, and laundering instructions. They are as follows; turn inside-out, machine wash warm, dry on low, no bleach, no dry cleaning. Dry cleaning? I'm a guy. They don't need to worry about that. The socks feel very solid to the touch. All areas are very dense, even the thin sections. They are what I would describe as light-weight, because they are not as thick as all my medium weight socks. Yet they are much heavier feeling than any light sock I have due to the construction features. This is hard to explain, just trust me… The 5 in (13 cm) high leg is made with a mock ribbed look. Actually I should not call it "mock" as it has ribs, but they are formed with differentiated weaves instead of the old knitting methods of years gone by. While it feels "ribbed" on the outside, it feels smooth inside. Smooth inside is good. It has the Darn Tough Vermont "mountain" logo on the side. I like mountains. The main portion of the body is smooth. The darker grey areas above and forward of the heel, plus the area under the ball of my foot is made with a higher density weave for added cushioning. The dense loops may be able to be seen in my normal inside-outside shot below. This is the most cushioning I have ever seen in this weight class. (And I have a LOT of socks.) The black areas at the heel itself and the toe is denser yet and reinforced for longer wear. Said toe is made using "ring toe construction for a comfortable, invisible seam". It does feel pretty flat. Just above the toe is the "Darn Tough" name. While the company positions them as hiking socks they are a bit thinner than what I am used to. I prefer a medium/heavy sock. I do a lot of walking in trail-runners and will use them alone in them. For backpacking I will wear them with some X-Static liner socks if they will fit under them. Quick & Dirty, Nitty Gritty The Darn Tough Vermont Micro Crew socks are proving to be as tough and nicely cushioned as the company's other socks that I own. But the moisture wicking claim has not been borne out for me. Plus these are the worst socks I have used in many years as far as foot odor is concerned. They stink! Please read on for all the smelly details. Field Conditions
I have used the Micro Crews with trail-runners for my evening walks for a total of 100 mi (160 km) to date. These are mostly on paved roads and walking trails with some dirt and grass thrown in for good measure. The temperatures have ranged from 45 to 95 F (7 to 35 C) Observations
I need to state that I have two pairs of Darn Tough Vermont's wool Micro Crew socks that I bought after my brother-in-law Dave tested and raved about them. I too like them a lot although I wear them for day-hikes and walking in trail runners. So I applied for this test expecting the performance to be similar. Observations
My activity level always drops as the holidays had me spending more time with my family, so I put about 70 miles (110 km) of walking in with the Micro Crews over the past two months. The temperatures ranged from 34 to 70 F (1 to 21 C). Read more reviews of Darn Tough Vermont gear Read more gear reviews by Ray Estrella Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Darn Tough CoolMax Micro Crew Cushion > Test Report by Ray Estrella |