Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Dahlgren Light Hikers > Bill Jeffrey > Field Report

Dahlgren Dri-Stride Alpaca Light Hiking Socks - Field Report

Tester Personal Biographical Information

Bill Jeffrey
46 year old male, 6'4" (193 cm) tall, 225 pounds (102 kg)
San Diego County, California
Email: wjj2001 "at" yahoo "dot" com

I have over 30 years backpacking experience, starting with Scouting as a youth. I am currently the High Adventure Leader for a Scout Troop. I try to get out once or twice a month, plus at least one week-long trek each year. My trips are of two types. First, I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in sections, and generally use a lightweight approach on these typically solo trips. Other trips involving family involve more traditional backpacking equipment. Terrain varies from sea level to 14,000 feet (4,300 m), desert to mountain, and trail to cross country, occasionally including snow travel.

Having started backpacking in heavy leather clod hoppers as a youth, I now generally wear New Balance 806 shoes, size 13 EE, supplemented with Superfeet inserts. My feet have turned quite nasty over the years, with occasionally missing toe nails, calluses, cracks, and, after a long hike, a particular fragrance that reminds one of a dead rodent. I find a good pair of socks makes a big difference.

This is the second of three reports of the Dahlgren Dri-Stride Alpaca Light Hiking Socks based on use over the last two months, mostly shorter day hikes. The first report described the socks in detail. My next report will discuss durability and comfort during longer hikes.

Product Description:

MID-WEIGHT XL Crew LIGHT HIKING DAHLGREN dristride alpaca Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $15.50. 30-day guarantee http://www.dahlgrenfootwear.com. Weight: Stated 2.9 ounces, actual just over 3 ounces for size XL Toe and heel are 63% Merino wool, 27% alpaca, and 10% nylon for cushioning and moisture absorption. Arch and instep are 75% "Wickspin" acrylic and 25% nylon for support. Leg is 90% "Wickspin" acrylic and 10% nylon to transfer moisture away.

Field Test:

The socks were tested in varied conditions on short dayhikes in San Diego County, as well as one short overnight backpack in the Borrego Desert. Conditions ranged from sunny and warm (84 F, 29 C) to heavy rain and cold (35 F, 2 C). Shoes have included light trail runners and waterproof walking shoes. I have worn the socks approximately ten days, with average daily miles of about 5 miles (8 km). Trail surfaces were generally hard surfaced trails, but the backpack involved primarily loose sand, with some rock scrambling.

I typically use a synthetic sock with a polypro liner. These socks are so comfortable I have been using them without the liner for this test. The socks continue to feel soft and comfortable, and have held their shape well after about four washings. I have had no bunching, pressure points, or blisters, and the socks stay on my feet without slipping down. The socks have supported my feet well on the relatively short hikes I have worn them on. I was especially impressed with their comfort during some minor Class 3 rock scrambling. I have not noticed any itchiness.

Regardless of the weather I have experienced, the socks have kept my feet at just the right temperature, feeling neither cold nor hot. I have not noticed any significant moisture in the socks, even in waterproof shoes, so they appear to do a good job of wicking moisture away from my feet.

Washing is easy. Following the manufacturer's instructions, I have washed the socks in cool water on the gentle cycle and tumbled in the dryer until nearly dry. I have notice no shrinkage in spite of the high wool content, and in spite of the manufacturer's statement that the socks may seem a bit small after washing but will regain their original size when put on. Perhaps most important, even without washing during a long weekend, I have noticed very little odor - these socks do not stink!

The instructions say the socks naturally become fuzzy when worn and return to normal after washing. After what I consider relatively light use, I do notice some pilling on the outside of the socks, especially at the back of the heels. One sock is also starting to shoe a thin spot at the back of the heel. These symptoms are located about the area a blister most commonly forms on a heel. They appear to be caused by friction against my shoe.

Next: I will continue to use the socks on all my trips during the next several months. These will include a snow camp at 7,000 feet (2,100 m) in February. I expect temperatures around 15 degrees F (-9 C) and possible rain and snow, and subsequent longer backpacks in the local mountains this spring. During this test I will continue to look at:

• Fit after a day of hiking when my feet swell and pronate.
• Comfort, impact absorption, coolness, bunching, arch support, and (hopefully not) pressure points and blisters.
• Water absorption, including how quickly they dry after a wet stream crossing.
• Durability, including abrasion resistance from sand in my shoes and seam durability.
• Wear, especially at the heels.

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Dahlgren Light Hikers > Bill Jeffrey > Field Report