Thorlos Hiking Level 3 Trekker Socks

Field Report

Biographical Information:

Name: Chuck Carnes

Age: 34

Gender: Male

Height: 6’0” (1.83 m)

Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)

Shoe Size: 9 1/2 (USA)

Email address: ctcarnes1@yahoo.com

City, State, Country: Taylors, South Carolina, United States

Date: January 17, 2005

Backpacking Background:

I love the outdoors – I’ve spent time camping in the outdoors since I was born, and have been actively hiking and backpacking for the past ten years. I consider myself a lightweight hiker, usually carrying 20 – 30 pounds (11-13 kg) for hikes up to a week in length. I hike at an easy pace, averaging 2 mph (3 kph). I am a one man tent camper for now until something I like better comes along. I like to carry a single trekking pole when I hike to help relieve stress to my legs and knees. I like to get out on the trail as often as I can.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Thorlos

Sock Size: 13

Color: Light Grey

Style: Crew

Protection Level: 3 Maximum

Pad Weight: Heavyweight

Use/Terrain: Extended Hikes Rough/Rugged

Climate: All weather

Year of Manufacture: 2004

URL: www.thorlo.com

MSRP: not listed by manufacturer

Listed weight: no weight listed by manufacturer

Weight as delivered: 4.75 oz (135 g) (pair)

From the web site:

Protection Level 3:

Provides the Maximum Protection for the most rugged and challenging activities and weather conditions.

Hiking Wool/THOR.LON Trekker:

This product is designed for trekking on varied or rugged terrain. This product provides the most protection available, beyond what any other sock can provide today.

Features:

1. Ventilation panel enhances wicking.

2. Heavyweight padding in the heel and ball protect the foot from shear and

     impact forces helping to prevent painful blistering.

3. Lace pad protects the top of the foot against boot lace pressure.

4. Elastic and low density padding in the arch create a snug fit.

5. Full padding around the toe area for ultimate comfort.

Initial Report

Field Use:

            Since my Initial Report I have experienced much colder and rainier weather. I have experienced temperatures as low as 27 F (-2 C) in the mountains of Pisgah National Forest at an elevation of 6300 ft (1920 m). I note this particular experience because on this trip I had a chance to see how well the socks performed under cold, wet and rainy conditions. The trails on this trip were like small creeks so the whole time that I am trying to get to my campsite my feet are tromping in ankle deep flowing water. As I finally reached the campsite and removed my boots I noticed that the socks were slightly wet on the outside. I was wearing gaiters on this hike so I couldn’t figure out where the water had come from. Then it dawned on me, the tongue of the boot. The tongue had allowed water to seep in. The socks were wet and there was water in the bottom of my boots but my feet stayed comfortable and warm. I was very impressed at the comfort of the socks throughout the trip through the ankle deep, foot soaking trails. My feet never felt like they were wet or that my feet were being robbed of warmth and comfort due to their being wet.

            After the socks dried and my boots dried out inside, I put the socks back on in preparation for a cold night. The temperatures dropped to the mid 30s F (-2 C) and the ground was cold and wet. I can usually feel the cold ground through the soles of my boots. Not in this case. The socks helped insulate my feet from the cold ground and prevented my feet from being cold.

            That night I slept in a 40 F (4 C) rated bag with the Thorlo socks on. The bad part about this is the temperatures dropped to a low of 27 F (-2 C) that night and I was in a 40 F (4 C) bag. Also my sleeping pad does not extend down to my feet so my feet lay on the cold ground all night. With my Thorlo socks on, my feet did get chilled throughout the night. I woke up in the middle of the night and decided to put sock liners on under my socks. This helped a good bit and I was able to get a little bit more restful sleep.

            After hiking the next day and removing my boots I still noticed that my feet were slightly wet from the sweat that had taken place during the hike. I mentioned this in my Initial Report and said that I would continue to monitor this. My feet were not wet enough to say that they were wrinkling up and/or causing blisters but there was definite moisture present on my feet when the socks were removed. I think the wicking design in the sock works well keeping the majority of the sweat off of my feet.

Home and Work Use:

I have been able to wear the Thorlo Trekker socks with my everyday shoes and work shoes. I enjoyed them so much in the field that I figured I could enjoy them at home and at work. I wear them every chance that I get and they have performed great. They have been washed approximately 18 times and they still remain supportive in the arch and the padding in the heel and toe still remains thick. The elastic in the sock still remains tight and snug to my leg and foot.  

Overall, I truly like the comfort and support of the Thorlo Trekker socks. Even in warmer weather the socks do not feel hot like typical wool socks would feel. I am looking forward to continuing testing all the features of the sock and putting more miles on them.

Test Plan:

I plan to wear the Thorlo Trekker socks on several planned weekend hiking trips to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest where I will wear them throughout the trips to continue to test the features of the sock. The elevation and temperature will be noted at the time of testing and will be reflected in my future reports. I will still continue to monitor overall comfort and durability of the sock and also how well they will hold up to numerous miles of wear and tear.

Thank you Thorlos and BGT for the opportunity to test these socks.