I started backpacking as a kid in the Boy Scouts doing overnighters. In the last few months, I have caught a bug that wants me to go out and see things that a relatively few people have seen. This has drawn me back to backpacking. I have found it to be the most enjoyable thing I know. I have gotten my wife involved and we get out and hike at least once a month. I generally carry about 40 lbs. (18 kg) and am in the process of decreasing that weight.

The socks arrived via FedEx in a FedEx box. They were delivered as ordered in size large, as my feet are a size 12 US. They were packaged in a heavy paper display box, as is often the case for high-quality socks. What I received is exactly what I expected. The packaging can be opened with out tearing which allowed me to try these on and repackage them. I would find this helpful at the local retailer when trying them on for comfort and size feasibility. The packaging discusses washing instructions and tips on alpaca socks. They also offer a 30 day money-back guarantee on the socks. This is stated in the packaging.

I put on the socks and I soon realized that I was definitely at the high end of the foot-size spectrum for this sock. They fit a little snug around the base of my ankle. The space around my toes was expansive. After wearing them for a short time, the snugness eased. I found a statement on the packaging that stated that the, "socks may seem a bit smaller," after washing. I don’t know if this is just appearance or if it is in feeling, I expect that the newness may be contributing to this effect. I will be interested in this effect over the test, especially after multiple washings.

I was impressed by the softness of the padding in the toe and heel. It is warm and smooth. The packaging also states that the socks become fuzzy with wear and that this goes away after washing. I am interested in whether this is due to the knit or if it is losing fibers over time. The knit pattern over the arch of the foot is thinner above the base of the toes and at the top of the ankle where bootlaces lay across your foot. The Dahlgren name and logo is integrated into the knitting pattern and does not detract from the functionality of the socks. The socks feel supportive and smooth as I walk in them without shoes. There is a smooth gliding over my foot without boots on, as I walk.

In this initial two days, I have worn the socks exclusively. These socks are soft and comfortable. The snugness has eased after some wear and the socks have become fuzzy on the outside. They are warm, yet my feet have not perspired in them. I know this because after twenty-four hours of wear, they don’t smell at all. The thickness of the socks fits well in my boots. The height on the leg is right below my calf. I will examine and report on their ability to stay up on my legs. I will not be wearing a liner with these socks. After my initial impressions of these socks, I look forward to giving these socks a vigorous workout. I will wear them a lot.

I plan to use these socks in the Western Oregon area in altitudes from sea level to about 5000 ft (1500 m). I plan to use the socks in wet, rainy conditions as well as sandy, beach conditions. It will be used on trails and on open beaches. I will use the socks for any hiking that I do in order to assess the ruggedness and comfort of the socks. I will also wear them for any outdoor activities that I do to help determine warmth. Temperatures should be between 10 F (-12 C) and 50 F (10 C). The conditions will include lots of rain, snow, and wind. I want to find out how durable the socks are and whether the weight of them is ideal for the hiking and backpacking that I do. I will wear these socks in wet weather and will be looking at their wicking ability in wet weather. These observations will be important in making my hikes comfortable in the cold, wet weather here in Oregon.

1. How warm are these socks?
2. Are they comfortable?
3. Do they allow for secure tightening of boots?
4. Is there any binding or rubbing caused by the socks?
5. How dirty will the socks get and can they be worn for multiple days without a liner?
6. How do they do in wind and rain?
7. How durable are they after multiple washings?
8. How do they stay up after wearing on many occasions?
9. How well does the padding work?
10. How easy is it for me to wash them in the field?
11. I get warm feet when walking. Will these be too heavy for me in the winter?