Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Bridgedale X-Hale > Andrew Buskov > Long Term Report

Long Term Report - Bridgedale X-Hale Socks
Andrew Buskov
July 24, 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:	July 24, 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:
I primarily used these socks in areas around my home. Most of the elevation was around 500 ft (152 m). Most of my testing was done in dry weather. However, during the last month the humidity has ranged between 70% to 90% so I did experience quite a few days of wet feet. Temperature ranges were from the mid 60s F (36 C) during the evening to around 100 F (56 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. Because these socks were so comfortable, I used these socks on a daily basis at times. I would imagine my daily routine allows me to walk in the neighborhood of 20 mi (32 km) per day.

Field Use:
My feet have felt so comfortable while using these socks. One trip that I can remember particularly well was actually not in the woods at all, but in the urban jungle. As I found out quite a while back, walking in the woods on the bare ground is quite different from walking on concrete all day. My wife and I decided to take a trip down to Nashville to walk around the mall and just get out of town for a while. Nashville is about a 2 hour drive from me, and usually, I don't feel like doing much walking when I get there due to the fact that my feet are soaking wet simply from being in my shoes during the drive. I was very happy when we arrived during this trip because my feet didn't have that slimy feel that usually accompanies a drive of this length.

We spend roughly 7 hours talking around shopping with only a minimal break from standing during lunch. I did break away for about 10 minutes to check out the bench while she was looking at clothes. It was then that I decided to let my feet air out a bit. I figured that my socks would be soaking wet by now. I was surprised to find that although my feet were a bit damp, they were certainly not drenched as they would usually be. It was only a few minutes, but my feet dried rather well in that amount of time. I would definitely not have felt so rested and comfortable in a pair of cotton socks.

Some of my other outings included numerous day hikes. The elevation change wasn't great, but there are a few sections of the trail where I had to scurry up and down 20 ft (6 m) hills. Although my feet did slide around a bit in my shoes, I never experienced a blister or discomfort throughout the trips. This was a welcome change for me as I usually get a blister right below my ankle on a good majority of my outings.

I found that these socks did shrink a bit over the course of the test period. It wasn't enough to cause discomfort, but I did notice that while putting these on after a wash cycle, they always seemed just a bit tighter than before, and the top cuff was closer to my ankle than before. Also, I found out that although these socks do dry faster, my feet tend to retain heat more than they do with regular cotton socks. During one of my days off, I decided to wear one cotton sock, and one X-Hale. The foot in the X-Hale was almost always drier, but the foot in the cotton sock felt cooler throughout the day. 

The pilling that I described in previous reports continues to be an issue. However, considering the amount of use these socks have received over the test period, I don't feel that the pilling is that much worse than any other socks that I own. 

Summary:
These socks far exceeded any expectations I had. In the beginning I figured that I would not be able to stand wearing wool socks throughout the summer testing period, but found that although my feet were a bit warm at times, these socks were extremely comfortable and dry. I feel that these socks are very well suited for anything from hiking and mountain biking to wearing these while working all day. I would definitely recommend these socks to anyone wishing a pair of comfortable, quick dry wool socks.

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

Andrew Buskov

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Bridgedale X-Hale > Andrew Buskov > Long Term Report