Name: Ken Bigelow
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Height: 5’ 8” (1.7 m)
Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Email: krb84108 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date: April 5, 2005

Backpacking Background:

I was first dragged on a backpacking trip eight years ago a have been addicted to it ever since. My adventures vary in length from a weekend to over two weeks. I consider myself a mid-weight backpacker as I bring along a few luxuries, such as a tent. From spring through fall I typically backpack in the mountains or desert, while in winter I often go snowshoeing. I typically see a wide variety of climates ranging from 10 F (-12 C) with snow to 90 F (32 C) and sunny with just about everything in between.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Dahlgren Footwear
Website: www.dahlgrenfootwear.com
Model: Dristride Alpaca Heavy Backpacking Sock
Size: Large
Listed weight: 4.2 oz (119 g)
Measured weight: 4.2 oz (119 g)
Color: Olive
MSRP: $17.00 (US)
Fabric content: Toe/Heel – 45% Alpaca, 45% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon
Arch/Instep – 75% Wickspun Acrylic, 25% Nylon
Leg – 90% Wickspun Acrylic, 10% Nylon

Field Conditions:

The socks have been tested on hiking and backpacking trips in Canyonlands National Park, Fish Lake National Forest, the Uinta Mountains, and the Wasatch Mountains. Additionally, the socks have been worn in and around Salt Lake City around once a week. Terrain has included snow covered mountains, gravel washes, muddy hills, slickrock and dry dirt paths. The weather has ranged from sunny and 85 F (29 C) to snow and 10 F (-12 C). Elevations have ranged from around 4,100 feet (1250 m) to 8,600 feet (2621 m).

Test Results:

While snowshoeing I wear the Dahlgren Dristride backpacking socks with my North Face Chilkats boots. When backpacking, hiking or walking around town, however, I usually wear the socks with either my Vasque Zephyr GTX backpacking boots, my New Balance 475 Trail Runners or occasionally in my Dr. Martens work boots. I do not wear sock liners and never have at any time during the test period. I mentioned in my field report that my feet experienced some minor slipping initially while walking up steep terrain in my hiking boots. After further testing I can attribute this to my hiking boots and not the socks. No other footwear except the hiking boots produced the slipping. Even with my hiking boots, tightening the laces solves the problem.

The socks have continued to warm my feet even after six months of abuse and numerous washings. An overnight snowshoeing/backpacking trip in Fish Lake National Forest had temperatures around 10 F (-12 C) and yet my feet only felt slightly chilly and my toes did not need hand warmers the entire trip. The Heavy backpacking model is definitely made for cooler temperatures. I have worn the socks on over a dozen snowshoeing trips throughout the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains and never have my feet felt frosty. The Dristride Alpaca socks are not, conversely, perfect for every climate. While backpacking in Canyonlands National Park I discovered that when the temperature climbs to 85 F (29 C) or above, the socks are a little too warm. My feet were sweating profusely the entire afternoon. Although it was nowhere near unbearable, I certainly would not call wearing these socks in hot weather comfortable. The socks did, however, do an excellent job of wicking the moisture away my feet. I never experienced any hot spots (just warm feet) even with high temperatures. After taking off my hiking boots at the end of the day, the only part of the sock that was damp was the area above my ankles.

Air drying the Dristride Alpaca socks is a relatively quick process when compared to most socks I own. While in the desert I soaked them soapy water and then allowed them to dry overnight. In the morning I was unable to detect any moisture in the socks. With other socks I have used, I normally let them dry a full 24 hours and still have some moisture left. Once again I was impressed with performance of the socks.

After wearing the socks about once a week and putting them through countless washes I have not detected any durability concerns about the Dristride Alpaca socks. The material has maintained its elasticity and insulating properties that it had when they first arrived. Any foot odor can still be removed by washing them according the manufacturer’s instructions. Surprisingly, the socks are still as comfortable as the first time I put them on. The majority of socks I have previously worn will fall from their initial comfort level after a few trips, but not these puppies. My feet rejoice when I pull out the Alpaca socks for a weekend trip and I still use them for slippers at home as they provide superior padding and warmth.

Summary:

Over the six month testing period the Dahlgren Dristride Alpaca Heavy Backpacking Socks have met or exceeded the manufacturer’s claim of a comfortable, warm backpacking sock that helps move moisture away from the feet. Additionally, they have withstood the abuse I subjected them too and do not have any scars to show for it. I will continue wearing these socks as they are extremely comfortable particularly when backpacking in cooler temperatures.

Pros:

Comfortable
Warm
Wicks well
Durable

Cons:

A little too warm in hot climates

In closing, I’d like to thank Dahlgren Footwear and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test the Dristride Alpaca backpacking socks.

Read more reviews of Dahlgren gear
Read more gear reviews by Ken Bigelow

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