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BRIDGEDALE X-HALE SOCKS
LONG-TERM REPORT
by Lynne Durham
July 23, 2006
REVIEWER BIO
| Name |
Lynne Durham |
| Gender |
Female |
| Height |
5' 10" (1.78 m) |
| Weight |
157 lb (69 kg) |
| Age |
44 |
| Email |
lynnedurham AT yahoo DOT com |
| Location |
Benton Harbor,
Michigan USA |
BACKPACKING EXPERIENCE
I have hiked and car camped all of my life, mostly in
the relative flatlands of the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan,
but also in areas east of the Continental Divide, such as South
Dakota, New England, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Indiana,
and more. I have been backpacking since 2002. I keep my pack weight to
25% of bodyweight. However, I am always trying to lighten my load further to enhance
my comfort and enjoyment as I like to hike big mileage.
Socks I Like
When it comes to socks for outdoor pursuits, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool lover
of wool. I use a variety of brands, but the common feature in all of my outdoor
socks (including running!) is merino wool content.
NAVIGATE THIS REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION
| MANUFACTURER |
Bridgedale Outdoor Limited
NOTE: Bridgedale is distributed by different companies in different
countries. In the United States, Garmont is the distributor. Clicking
on the U.S. link on the Bridgedale site will take you to a Garmont site. |
| WEB SITE |
http://www.bridgedale.com/ |
| MSRP |
USD14.95 |
| FIBER CONTENT |
42% Nylon, 28% Merino wool, 28% Isofil®, 2% Lycra® |
| ACTUAL WEIGHT PER PAIR |
Each pair weighs 2 oz (57 g) |
| WASHING INSTRUCTIONS |
PLEASE NOTE: The
following instructions are written exactly as on the package. They do
not specify Celsius or Fahrenheit for the temperature given. My first
thought was that it must be Fahrenheit, because I usually wash wool in
cold water. However, the text is not written in American English, so
one may assume that the temperature is given in Celsius, in which case
it would be approximately 104º F. My washer use-and-care guide
calls that temperature "warm."
"For best results, wash inside out. Wash dark colours separately. Do
not use fabric softener. 40º wool cycle. Do not bleach. Do not
iron. Do not dry clean."
|
| SIZES |
| As tested |
Women's L (fits US Women's shoe sizes 8.5-10)
Men's M (fits US Men's 7-9.5 or US Women's 8-10.5)
|
| Also available |
Women's S (fits US Women's shoe sizes 4.5-6); Women's M (fits
US Women's shoe sizes 6.5-8); Men's S (fits US Men's shoe sizes 4-6.5
or US Women's shoe sizes 5-7.5); Men's L (fits US Men's shoe sizes
10-12.5 or US Women's shoe sizes 10.5-13); Men's XL (fits US Men's
shoes sizes 13-15)
|
| COLORS |
| As tested |
Women's Mist Grey/Raspberry; Men's Silver/Sapphire |
| Also available |
Women's Sugar White/Grey and Natural/Blueberry; Men's Onyx/Ruby and Cool White/Black
|
More information about the product may be found in my initial report.
Back to top
SUMMARY
Over the course of the entire test, the Bridgedale X-Hale socks
performed excellently. Both the men's socks and women's socks were
comfortable, quick drying and they held up well to extreme usage. For
my tastes, the men's fit my (admittedly large) feet better than the
women's.
FIELD ACTIVITIES AND CONDITIONS
During this phase of testing, these socks were subjected to a variety of activities, including:
- Walking and running on a local crushed-limestone rail-trail
-
Trail running on well-worn trails at my local nature preserve
- Dayhiking on sandy, dune trails
-
Backpacking with a packweight of approximately 27 lb (14.5 kg) on the Jordan River Pathway
-
Trail maintenance in on the North Country Trail
- Mountain bicycling on forested trails in southwest Michigan
Weather conditions encountered during the long-term testing phase included:
- Cool (50+ F [10+ C]), rainy conditions
- Hot (85+ F [29+ C]), humid conditions
- Warm (< 80 F[< 27 C]), relatively dry conditions
Overall, the socks have seen approximately 23 miles of outdoor trail
usage above and beyond all other usages to which they have been
subjected (in addition to the usage during the field testing period).
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
I answered virtually of the questions I had about the functionality and
durability of the socks during my field testing period (report can be
found here).
The only question that remained to be answered during the long-term
testing period was that of long-term durability: how well did the socks
hold up to repeated washing? Did they develop any worn areas, frayed
areas or did they lose their elasticity?
The Bridgedale X-Hale have held up well to the extensive usage and
washings to which they have been subjected. Some very light pilling has
occurred on both the men's and the women's socks. No worn areas are
apparent. The elastic remains responsive and has not stretched out of
shape at all.
Again used in dune areas, the X-Hale showed that one of their strongest
points is the ability to shed sand. Some wool-blend socks that I have
used "hold onto" sand, even after being shaken out and washed. The
Bridgedale X-Hale quickly responds to being shaken out and does not
hold onto the sand.
Overall the Bridgedale X-Hale socks were comfortable, quick drying and long-lasting.
Back to top
THIS IS COOL
- The socks are attractive and comfortable
- They do not hold onto sand
- These babies dry quickly
THIS COULD BE IMPROVED
- After washing, the women's are a bit too tight for my US women's
size 10-11 foot. Perhaps a women's large with a larger range is needed?
Thank you to Bridgedale and BackpackGearTest.org for the chance to test
the X-Hale socks.
Read more reviews of Bridgedale gear
Read more gear reviews by Lynne Durham
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