Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Bridgedale X-Hale > Andrew Buskov > Field Report

Field Report - Bridgedale X-Hale Socks
Andrew Buskov
May 29, 2006

Tester Biographical Information:

Name:	Andrew Buskov
Age:	31
Gender:	Male
Height:	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:	210 lb (95 kg)
Shoe Size:	10 US (43 EU)
Email:	Rescue@corridor9.net
Location:	Madisonville, Kentucky USA
Date:	May 29, 2006

Backpacking Background:
I started backpacking when I was about 8 and quickly became hooked on the outdoors. I prefer being out in the winter more than the summer. I have hiked a variety of environments ranging from Maine's Mt. Katahdin to the bottom of Arizona's Grand Canyon. As an Emergency Medical Technician, I have been trained to be prepared at all times so my pack tends to be on the heavy side. I'm finding that as I solo more and more my needs are changing. I'm looking for ways to lighten my pack and gear while still providing me with the level of safety and security that I demand while being out in the wilderness. I like the challenge and excitement of hiking difficult and dangerous terrain more than the just getting from point A to point B on flat level ground.

Product Information:

Name:	Bridgedale X-Hale socks
Fibre Content:	42% Nylon, 28% Merino Wool, 28% Isolfil, 2% Lycra
Year of Manufacture:	2006
Sock Size Tested:	US - Men's 7-9.5 Women's 8-10.5
Sizes Available:	Small = US - Men's 4 - 6.5 / Women's 5 - 7.5, Large = US - Men's 10 - 12.5 / Women's 10.5 - 13, XLarge = US - Men's 13 - 15
Color Tested:	Onyx / Ruby
Colors Available:	Silver / Sapphire, Cool White / Black, Onyx / Ruby
Washing Instructions:	For best results wash inside out. Wash dark colours separately. Do not use fabric softener. 40 C (72 F) wool cycle. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.
Weight:	2.1 oz (60 g)
Manufacturer's Website:	http://www.bridgedale.com
MSRP:	$14.95 US

Product Description:
(From the website)
"The most advanced design to keep the foot cool during exercise, particularly in extreme heat. Super light weight knit of merino wool fused with Isolfil® minimizes the sock's thermal effect. A broad venting system enrobes the foot in breathable mesh (even the toes get their own vent port) while ShockZone® protects foot and prevent hotspots. An incredible design that promises to change how you think about keeping feet cool and dry!"

Information found on the package included:
"With over 75 years of tradition, Bridgedale socks are tested in the lab and in the field for performance and endurance. Regardless of your chosen activity, our exacting quality standards and technically advanced designs will enhance both the performance of your footwear and the comfort of you feet! We Guarantee it!"

"Performance enhanced by WoolFusion technology."

Testing Locations and Conditions:
All of my testing was done in areas around my home that hover in elevations around 500 ft (152 m). Most of my testing was done in dry weather, but I did use these while mountain biking in the rain on at least one occasion. Temperature ranges were from the mid 40s F (7 C) during the evening to around 85 F (29 C) during the day. My trip lengths were around 5 mi (8 km) per day while hiking to 25 mi (40 km) while mountain biking.

Field Test Results:
I found these socks to be extremely comfortable. I thought that the different thicknesses used throughout the sock may make wearing them uncomfortable, but I found that I didn't even notice. I also assumed that, as with any wool, these socks would itch, but was surprised to find that these socks were more comfortable than my usual cotton socks. They stayed in place throughout the day without any sliding around the ankle or bunching around the toe area. Although most of the seams are stitched nice and tight, I was able to feel the toe seam during my mountain biking activities. I would attribute this to the fact that my shoes are Kevlar and don't give as much as hiking shoes. After an long bike ride though, these socks did cause a bit of discomfort around the toe area due to the seam.

These socks didn't seem to wick the moisture away as well as I thought they would. While wearing these with my Gore Tex boots, I found that although my feet weren't "soaking wet" they weren't very dry either. At no point in time were the socks uncomfortably wet, and they were a lot dryer than my usual cotton socks. I noticed that they dried exceptionally fast when I stopped to rest and removed my boots. Even after a minute or two, the moisture that these socks seemed to retain evaporated almost completely.  I tend to sweat considerably throughout the day, but have not found that the socks retain any sort of odor.

I have found these socks to shrink considerably though. Even though I wear a size 10 US (43 EU) shoe, I requested a size 7-9.5 US (39-43 EU) sock because I hate having my heel area bunch up around my achilles tendon. I now wish I would have gotten the larger size. Don't get me wrong, these socks are a long way from uncomfortable, but they do feel a bit tight after a day of walking.  They seem to stretch a bit more when wet with perspiration, though having your feet wet all day isn't a desirable trait.

Continued Use:
I feel that these socks are very well suited for both hiking and mountain biking. At no point in time was I considerably uncomfortable while wearing these socks. Most of the discomfort I have noticed with these socks may be attributed to my own mistakes while choosing these socks as I should probably have gotten a larger size. I will continue to use these socks on an almost daily basis. In addition, I would have to recommend these socks to anyone who is looking for a comfortable, quick drying, non-itching pair of wool socks.

I would like to thank BackpackGearTest.org and Bridgedale for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this test series.

Andrew Buskov

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