Feetures! Outdoor Quarter Crew Socks
Initial Report – May 19, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Shoe Size: 9-10 US/42-43.5 EU depends on the shoe
Email address: c4jc "at" hotmail "dot" com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, U. S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the Boy Scouts of America and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. I have recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and spend most of my time hiking and backpacking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington!
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Feetures!
Model: Outdoor Quarter Crew
Size: Large (received), also available in Men’s sizes M and XL. Women’s sizes also available.
Color: Heather Grey, (received) also available in Charcoal and Khaki
Year of Manufacture: 2006
URL: www.feeturesbrand.com
Listed weight: None Listed
Measured weight: 2 oz/ 57 g, size large
**Disclaimer: the closest my scale will measure is in whole ounces**
| Men’s Listed Sizes: |
Medium 5-8.5 US |
|
Large 9-12.5 US |
|
XL 13-16 US |
Fabric Content: 35% CoolMax® Polyester, 28% Merino Wool, 18% Acrylic, 17% Nylon, 2% Lycra® Spandex
MSRP: $13.99 US
Country of Manufacture: They do not list a country.
Product Description:
Feetures! describes these socks as the “best of both worlds featuring the perfect combination of Merino wool for warmth, CoolMax® for moisture control, Micro-denier acrylic for strength, nylon for durability and Lycra® Spandex for our Famous Fit & Feel.™
- Unique “Power Bands” of Lycra hug the entire foot for maximum support
- Famous Fit & Feel™ - won’t slip inside your shoe
- Warms and protects without the bulk
- The Perfect Toe™ (No irritating toe seam)
- Size indicated on each sock for easier identification/matching”
Initial Impressions/Use:
These socks arrived undamaged with a nice letter from Feetures! on a hangtag as they would be displayed in the store. I immediately opened them up and tried them on. They fit nicely. I am pleasantly surprised that there is not as much excess material as I thought there would be since I am at the bottom of the size requirements. I can certainly feel the “Power Band” of Lycra hugging my foot, but only time will tell if it actually makes a difference over time. The socks appear to well made with minimal loose seams or ends. There is one loose string in the elastic cuff of each sock, but I don’t anticipate this being a problem. The care instructions are rather simple: machine wash warm, tumble dry, do not bleach. I like this because I don’t like to do anything special when I wash my socks other than to toss them in the washer with my other clothes.
Improvements:
None at the moment
Expected Field Conditions:
Average temperatures range from highs in the 60’s F to 70’s F and lows in the 30’s F to 40’s F (16 C – 21 C highs and -1 C to 4 C lows). The average precipitation in May, June, July, and August for the Seattle area is 3+ inches per month (8 cm) and will take all forms, rain, snow, and sleet. Most of my trips during this time frame will be in the Mount Baker and Snoqualmie National Forest. Specifically in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, 20 minutes from my house. Elevation may vary from sea level to around 10,000 ft (3048 m). My normal outdoor routine consists of at least two day hikes a month, and no less than 2 nights of backpacking a month. I do have several specific trips already penciled in this summer. I will be doing a summit attempt on Glacier Peak, WA in June, a 100 mile Mountains to Sound multi-sport relay race, and an eight day Big City Mountaineers trip in Yosemite National Park is scheduled for August.
Test Plan:
I will look for the following characteristics in the Feetures! Outdoor Quarter Crew Socks:
Durable:
- How durable is the Merino/Coolmax combination?
- Are the socks reinforced in the heel and forefoot areas?
- I find these areas wear the most in my socks. Will the Lycra cuff retain its shape after washing and usage?
Usefulness:
- Does the “Power Band” Lycra in the arch provide any noticeable support?
- Is the “Perfect Toe” really non irritating?
- Does the Merino/Coolmax fabric actually keep my feet cool or will I drench these socks while hiking in warmer weather?
- Is it good for three season use?
Thanks to Backpackgeartest.org and Feetures! for allowing me to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Feetures gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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