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Initial Report - Bridgedale X-Hale Socks
Andrew Buskov
March 16, 2006
Tester Biographical Information:
| Name: | Andrew Buskov |
| Age: | 31 |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight: | 212 lb (96 kg) |
| Shoe Size: | 10 US (43 EU) |
| Email: | MadFireman@gmail.com |
| Location: | Madisonville, Kentucky USA |
| Date: | March 16, 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 IsolfilŽ 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 ShockZoneŽ 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."
First Impression:
Upon opening the shipping package, I found one pair of men's Bridgedale X-Hale Socks bound in their retail packaging. The documentation on the packaging comes in five languages and includes an image detailing the design of the socks. Washing instructions and fibre content information is located on the back of the packaging below the documentation.
After removing the socks from their packaging, I snapped a few photos prior to trying them on. I was a bit concerned about a few spots on the material. It seemed that the area around the balls of the feet and the heel were already fraying. This may simply be due to the manufacturing process and may stretch back to normal after washing. In addition, after turning the socks inside out, I was surprised to find such an excess of material just dangling. However, when trying them, I never noticed the excess of material. If anything, having the extra material actually made the sock feel a bit cushier.
I was shocked at how comfortable these socks were. They fit my feet great and were extremely soft. I was expecting the wool to itch my feet, but was surprised that there was no itching at all. Most of the time, especially around the toe, I am able to feel the seams of my socks. I was unable to tell where the seams were at all on these socks.
I was going to wear them around the house, but found on the website that "to preserve the life of your Bridgedale socks never wear them on carpet and always wash them inside out." This seems strange to me, as I've never heard of socks you aren't supposed to wear on carpet. I'm wondering if the sock material wears out easier than regular materials. I'll have to keep an eye on this, especially since the socks already seem to be fraying.
In addition, finding the socks on the Bridgedale website was a bit difficult. They are only listed in two of the eleven categories. I finally found them under the Cycling/MTB and the Running sections.
Testing Plan:
I plan on testing these in a variety of locations including hiking trips within Tennessee and Kentucky. I also plan on wearing these socks while mountain biking, day hikes, and walking around the neighborhood with my wife. Because of the dramatic weather changes that occur during the spring in this area, I will be exposing these socks to a wide variety of weather patterns and will be able to comment on how well these socks perform in each instance.
The shoes I will be wearing primarily are New Balance CM471GO, and my hiking boots which are The North Face Adrenaline Gore-Tex XCR.
During the testing period I will answer the following questions:
- Fit: How well do these socks fit? Are the measurements sized correctly? Are they loose or tight fitting? Will the tops stay up with normal movement? Do they slide down throughout the day? Do the different thicknesses feel uncomfortable? Will these socks bind or bunch up at the toe area throughout the day?
- Comfort: Are the socks comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time? Are the seams stitched in such a way to prevent rubbing or chafing? Will the fabric stick to me when sweating? Will the heat retained be overly uncomfortable on hot days? Does the elastic around the cuff cause binding or chafing? I'm not one who likes wearing liners; can I get by without liners and still escape blisters?
- Moisture: How well does the sock wick moisture away from my feet? If the socks become soaked, how quickly will they dry? Will the socks retain an odor after an extended period of time?
- Durability: Does this material stretch, or give? Will the seams unravel after an extended period of time? Are there any special washing instructions? Will the elastic cuff stretch over time?
I would like to thank Backpackgeartest.org and Bridgedale for the opportunity to test their X-Hale socks.
Additional Pictures:
Read more reviews of Bridgedale gear
Read more gear reviews by Andrew Buskov
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