Dahlgren Footwear Dri-Stride Alpaca Backpacking Socks

Navigation Reviewer Background Product information in brief Field and test information Product Use and Performance Summary Future Testing Strategy

Field Report (the second report of three)

My Initial Report may be viewed here.

Report Date: January 3, 2004

Reviewer Information

• Name: Edward Ripley-Duggan
  
• Age: 51
  
• Gender: Male
  
• Height: 6' 1" (1.85 m)
  
• Weight: 215 pounds (98 kg)
  
• erd@wilsey.net
  
• Catskills, New York State
  
  

Reviewer Background

I enjoy walking in all its manifold forms, from a simple stroll in the woods to multi-day backpack excursions. Though by no means an extreme ultra-light enthusiast, from spring to fall my preference is to carry a pack weight of 12 lb (5.5 kg), more or less. In recent years, I've rapidly moved to a philosophy of "lighter is better," within the constraints of budget and common sense.

Product information in brief

• Manufacturer: Dahlgren Footwear
  
• URL: http://www.dahlgrenfootwear.com
  
• Product: Dahlgren Dri-Stride Alpaca Backpacking socks
  
• Size: Extra Large (XL)
  
• Color: Black
  
• Manufacturer's weight: 4.2 oz (119 g), size unstated
  
• Weight (as measured): 4.4 oz (125 g) for XL size
  
• MSRP: US $17.00
  Fabric content (as noted on packaging):
  
• Toe & Heel: 45% Merino Wool, 45% Alpaca, 10% Stretch Nylon
  
• Arch/Instep: 75% Wickspun Acrylic, 25% Nylon
  
• Leg: 90% Wickspun Acrylic, 10% Nylon
  
  

Field and Test Information

For this field report, the Dahlgren Dri-Stride Alpaca socks were used for a mix of day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in the Catskill Mountains, at elevations to 4180 ft (1280 m). Most of the hiking involved off-trail excursions, "bushwhacks," and included a number of the more difficult Catskill peaks. Minimum pack load was 12 lb (5.4 kg) or so for day hikes and up to 28 lb (11.3 kg) for backpacks. The lowest temperatures experienced during the testing period were at elevation, down to approximately -10 F (-23 C). Much of the hiking involved traversing light snow or ice on the summits, although due to a mild November and December there was overall far less snow cover than usual. Still, these were unquestionably winter conditions, albeit not as severe as in some years. The highest temperature at which the socks were worn was around 50 F (10 C).

Product Use and Performance

The socks were generally worn with a pair of midweight Scarpa backpacking boots, although as the temperatures cooled off as winter approached I used a pair of insulated Vasque Arctic boots. Plastic mountaineering boots are not required in the Catskills, which is where I was hiking over this first test period. I was not generally wearing liner socks. Trips included both trail hikes and bushwhacks, day hikes and backpacks.

I found the Dri-Stride Alpaca socks exceptionally comfortable in all the settings in which they were evaluated over the test period, and would, without question, give them a very high rating for sheer tactile pleasure. This is not an insignificant factor—a sock that feels coarse against the foot is not only displeasing, but is likely to cause blisters. I am pleased to report that I experienced no significant chafing or blistering over the dozen or so outings on which these were worn.

A concomitant factor that can lead to foot problems is dampness. My feet seemed to stay exceptionally dry in the Dahlgren socks, even when they were worn under gaiters. Dahlgren's sock design is supposed to wick moisture away from the footbed, up to the ankle and out of the boot. So far as I was able to determine (bearing in mind that judging such matters in the field is somewhat subjective) they are extremely capable in this regard. My feet stayed dry under most circumstances.

Even with a boot that was in need of waterproofing, and in consequence let in some dampness on water crossings, etc., my feet remained quite comfortable, although on one occasion I noticed some discoloration to my toes that at first I took to be bruising. This disappeared after showering, and must have been dye, but whether it originated with the sock or the boot lining (black Cambrelle) I have yet to determine. I will try to pin this down in the months to come, but it was, in any case, a minor inconvenience.

I found the socks exceptionally warm in cold conditions, yet comfortable enough at warmer temperatures. I wore them on the first day of one brutally cold winter camping trip. Combined with a pair of insulated boots, my feet were perfectly cozy, even when I was standing still or moving slowly while setting up camp. I believe that, by the time I rolled into my tent, the temperature had dropped to a chilly –10 F (23 C). I had no sense of chilly toes. I'm not sure that I want to test these socks to the absolute lower limits of comfort, given that I retain my full quota of toes and intend to keep things that way. Still, my feet felt about as warm as I would have expected were I wearing a pair of socks rated expedition weight, as I indeed did the following day.

These socks have now been washed numerous times, with no especial care—they go in a regular load for a cool wash and rinse, and are tumble-dried low. They show no apparent wear at heel or toe (or anywhere else, for that matter). Given that I have rough "sandpaper" heels, this is a testimonial to the durability of the fabric. The socks have retained their full pile, based on a visual inspection (an important point, as it is presumably said pile that provides much of their insulating ability). They have also maintained their shape and fit, and I can't say that I have noticed the reversible shrinkage that the manufacturer mentions in their literature. I've not noticed any bunching, nor any discomfort along the selvage. The socks have, in this short term, proven entirely durable.

The slight slop in the boot that was noted (under "Initial Impressions") in early testing seems to have been caused by careless tying of my boots, combined perhaps with some slight stretching of their leather. The socks were certainly not at fault.

Future Testing Strategy

As the winter progresses, I expect to wear the Dahlgren socks with a variety of additional socks, including vapor barrier socks as an under-layer, or (for example) Serius Stormsocks as a top layer. I will also wear the socks while wearing crampons on my boots, as these tend to act as a heat sink and will make the soles of my feet colder. The end of the test period is in April, and I will at that point be experiencing warmer temperatures, and I'll attempt to find the upper limit of comfort, temperature-wise. Meanwhile, I will continue to monitor wear and fit.

Testing issues

1. Fit. Does this continue to remain true?

2. Warmth. How well do these socks work with other layers in extremely cold conditions? Are they comfortable with a vapor barrier sock or with over-socks? Do over-socks alter the breathability of the Dahlgren socks?

3. Wear. Do they continue to stand up to repeated wear and laundering? Is there any noteworthy loss of pile, or other evidences of deterioration? Does the elasticity of the sock continue to keep it in place on my ankle?

4. Moisture. If they become wet hiking (e.g. rain, melted snow, etc. slipping through the gaiter), can they be walked dry easily? This will be interesting to test in spring melt conditions.

5. Other points. Is the staining to the foot noted due to the sock or the boot? How well do the socks provide warmth when crampons are attached to the boot?

I thank BackpackGearTest and Dahlgren Footwear for permitting me to participate in this very interesting test.