Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Integral Designs Hot Socks > Jack Corrigan > Long Term Report

Product Name:

Integral Designs Hot Socks

Personal Biographical Information:

Name: John (Jack) Corrigan

Age: 40 years old

Gender: Male

Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters)

Weight: 175 pounds (79 kilograms)

Torso: 20 inches (51 centimeters)

Shoe Size: 9.5 Mens

Email: jack@jackquest.com

Region: Fredericksburg, Virginia (Spotsylvania County)

Report Date: 9JUN2004

Background:

I have always been one to do the outdoor thing as compared to the organized sport thing. It started as a youngster in the Boy Scouts and continues today as an adult. The majority of my experience has been in Pennsylvania but I have hiked, camped or paddled in New York, California and even Alaska. I am also currently a volunteer search and rescue canine handler. Although search and rescue doesn't always result in an overnight or multi-day trip, I am required to be prepared, equipped and trained for it. Training a search dog results in many hours of trekking through the outdoors.

My "style" is best described as recreational camping, mid-weight backpacking (2-3 day treks), day hiking, flat water paddling, hunting and canine search and rescue activities. My last extended (more than 1 week) outing was the summer of 2001, as a volunteer for the Armed Forces Eco-Challenge in interior Alaska. I also include two of my four dogs in most of my outdoor activities.

Product Information:

Manufactured By: Integral Designs

Manufactured Date: 2003

Manufacturer URL: http://www.integraldesigns.com

Listed Weight:
Product Catalog- 4.7 ounces (135 grams)
Product Web Page- 4 ounces (no metric weight listed)
Product Hang Tag- 4.7 ounces (133 grams)

Delivered Weight: 4.7 ounces (133 grams)

Note: Weighed on a digital 0-25 pound postal scale.

Additional Product Information:

Color: Black

Size: Large

Listed Packed Size:
Product Catalog- 7 by 3 inch (no metric size listed) Silcoat Stuff Sack
Product Web Page- 6 by 3 inch (no metric size listed) Silcoat Stuff Sack
Product Hang Tag- 7 by 3 inch (no metric size listed) Silcoat Stuff Sack

Delivered Packed Size: 7 by 3.5 inch (18 by 9 centimeter) Silcoat Stuff Sack

MSRP: $35.00 US Dollars

Location:

Long term testing locations were in Virginia and included Shenandoah National Park/Big Meadows Area (17S 724067mE 4265333mN).

Description of Location:

Long term testing locations were varied, and ranged from lightly forested regions with "elevations" of 150 to 3500 feet (46 to 1100 meters). Trail systems range from established foot paths to undeveloped logging roads.

Weather Conditions:

This long term test was conducted from February through May.

Conditions were varied and included crisp clear evenings and rain. The "warmest" night time temperature was 65°F (18°C) while the "coldest" was 45°F (7°C).

Product Experience:

The Integral Designs Hot Socks served two functions during the long term test period. First, they were used foot sleepwear and second as foot loungewear. They are in fine shape and I have not had any material failures.

Despite a quick departure of winter and mild spring, I am one of those people who uses some sort of foot covering almost year round. So I remained comfortable with wearing the Hot Socks during night time temperatures in the sixties (upper teens). Even while wearing them inside for lounging around, there was no overheating or the feeling of "hot" feet.

I have been pleased with the durability of the materials. Although used mainly for sleeping (low probability for wear and tear), I also used the Hot Socks around the house during the test period. The Cordura footpad material shows no excessive wear, but does attract dog hair. Then again most everything in our place does!

Even though the manufacturer's care instructions say to hand wash with mild soap, I am lucky and very happy to report that my pair survived a machine washing and drying. The Hot Socks were mixed in with the trips clothes and inadvertently were subjected to the machine cleaning.

I was or actually my feet were very happy to test the Integral Designs Hot Socks. Initial concerns that they would not stay on during the night were put to rest during field testing and continued to be so for the long term test. I don't foresee myself spending another bag night without them.

TEAM JackQuest
http://www.jackquest.com

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Integral Designs Hot Socks > Jack Corrigan > Long Term Report