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 with 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 third 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, and the second use in the field.

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:

Since my last report, the socks were used in varied conditions in Southern California, primarily in the foothills. Conditions ranged from sunny and warm (85 F, 29 C) to heavy rain and cold (35 F, 2 C), mostly wearing light trail running shoes. These socks are so comfortable I have been using them without a liner, not wanting anything between my feet and the soft natural fabric.

On an eleven-mile peak climb, the trail was muddy from an early morning rain. Half way up the 3,100 foot (950 m), I walked right through an ankle-deep knee crossing. My feet still felt comfortable, without any sloppiness, and I believed the socks would dry quickly on the steep climb ahead. The temperature was around 37 degrees F (3 C). As I climbed higher, a cloud enveloped the peak, bringing heavy drizzle which turned to cold, heavy rain. My New Balance trail running shoes soon becames soaked, as did my socks. While my feet never felt clammy, they were cold and wet. For me, this appears to be the limits of these socks, which are, after all, for "light hiking." An hour later, descending out of the rain, my feet were comfortable but a bit cold. Returning to the trailhead, my feet felt only slightly damp, and I did not feel the need to change to dry socks for the drive home.

I have worn the socks approximately thirty days, with daily mileage ranging from 5 to 18 miles (8 to 29 km). The socks have held their shape well after over a dozen washings, with no bunching, pressure points, blisters, or strong odors after a hard day hiking. They have received a couple casualties, however, One sock has a thin spot on the back of the heel, about the area a blister is most common. This appears to be caused by trail grit rubbing between the sock and a rough spot on my shoes. The other sock has a small hole at the tip of my second toe. Both socks show a bit of pilling on the outside of the sock at the heel. The toe and heel, which have the most natural fabric, show the most wear, which is to be expected as they also receive the most wear. In spite of the thin spot and hole, the socks are still very comfortable, like an old soft blanket that one just can't bear to toss.

Summary:

The Dahlgren Dri-Stride Alpaca Light Hiking Socks are incredibly soft and comfortable. They handle moisture well and worked well for light hiking trips in both good weather and moderate rain.

I thank Dahlgren and BackpackGearTest for the opportunity to test these socks.

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Read more gear reviews by Bill Jeffrey

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