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Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Heat Holders Original Socks > Test Report by Erin FoudyHeat Holders Original Socks
Test Series by Erin Foudy December 19th, 2012  (Picture from http://usa.heatholders.com) Initial Report: Tester Info: Name: Erin Foudy Age: 31 Gender: Female Height: 5'11'' (1.8 m) Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg) Email address: erinfoudyATyahooDOTcom City, State, Country: Tucson, Arizona, USA Backpacking Background: I started backpacking while working for the National Park service ten years ago. I have been a backcountry ranger/law enforcement ranger and served on search and rescue crews. I typically take two or more camping trips a month, year round. I appreciate light weight, but am not obsessed by it. I often carry a 30 lb (14 kg) pack and stay out from three to nine days at a time. I also enjoy day trips with only water on my back. I take trips to Colorado and Montana in the summertime and enjoy the outdoors there as well. Product Information and Specifications:
Description:  The Heat Holders socks claim to be the warmest thermal socks. They have a TOG waiting of 2.3 compared to an ordinary thermal sock with a TOG waiting of .89. What is a TOG rating I asked myself? The manufacturer defines TOG as Thermal Overall Grade and says that it is a recognized measure of a textile's thermal ability. Simply put, the manufacturer claims, the higher the TOG rating, the better a product is able to keep me warm. While feeling the socks I noticed a really soft and furry inner portion and a more stiff, but still soft outer portion. The socks are pretty stretchy, but so far they seem to snap back into place after I pull on them. I am testing two pairs of the Heat Holders, one in the Charcoal color and the other in the Indigo color. The Manufacture claims that there are three reasons the Heat Holders are so warm. First, they have an advanced insulating yarn that provides high performance insulation against cold with super wicking abilities. Second, they have an innovative knitting technology of long looped cushion pile to hold in the warm air. Third, a brushing process on the inner portion of the socks maximizes the amount of warm air held inside the sock. Initial Impressions: When I put the Heat Holders on my feet I was astonished to realize that I was wearing the most cushy, soft and comfortable socks I have ever put on my feet. They felt like slippers, and I just wanted to wear them all day. I could tell instantly that they were warmer than my ordinary socks which I think is great. The extreme warmth also brought other questions to my mind, such as: if my feet start to sweat in the socks, do they have enough wicking abilities to keep the material from getting soggy. Also I wonder, if the socks do happen to get wet, will it take days for them to dry out without being thrown in the dryer. Both of these questions bring slight concern to my mind if I am to be on a long backpacking trip while wearing the socks. If they do wick as well as the manufacture claims, then they will be a great addition to my backpacking footwear. I can't wait to get out and use these socks during this winter season both in Arizona and in Colorado. I will report back on how warm my feet stay as well as how well the socks hold up to extended use and moisture. Summary: So far these are some really comfortable socks that I like having on my feet. I do wonder if the Heat Holders will hold onto too much heat and leave my feet feeling swampy and stinky. Only time will tell. Stay tuned for my Long Term Report in four months to find out. Pros: 1. Really soft and comfy 2. Great fit and elasticity Concerns: 1. Will they wick well or at all? 2. Will they leave my feet stinky? Read more reviews of Heat Holders gear Read more gear reviews by Erin Foudy Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Heat Holders Original Socks > Test Report by Erin Foudy | ||||||||||||||||||||||