Thorlos Hiking Level 3 Trekker Socks

Initial 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: October 25, 2004

 

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)

 

Delivery:

            I received the Thorlo Level 3 Trekker Socks in a brown box that was really too big for the size of the socks. Inside the box were socks, a huge wad of brown butcher paper, a 39 page pamphlet that lists all of Thorlos products in a very organized fashion, a price list, two order forms and a packing slip. The socks arrived in very good shape, considering all the butcher paper that was protecting them they didn’t have a chance of being damaged. The price list, to me, is very hard to understand. There are code letters beside the price but the code letters do not match any code letter in the pamphlet. I will do some more research on this to figure out if there is some kind of order to this list.

 

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 Impression:

            I retrieved the socks from the box and noticed that I received the style, size and color that I requested. The socks were folded in half and were inserted into a card stock display envelope that you would normally see socks being presented at your local outfitters. The display that held the socks has the style, size and protection level on the front. The back has a paragraph that is worded similar to the “Hiking Wool/THOR.LON Trekker” paragraph with this added: “and may require a ½ size larger boot. Wear this product when being fitted with new hiking boots. We’re so confident that your feet will feel better we offer a 30-day no risk trial”. The no risk trial basically says that if you don’t like them, return them within 30 days and they will return your money promptly. Below the paragraph is a Protection Level Guide in chart form and below that is a picture of a sock with the numbered features that are listed above, pointing to their respective areas.

 

            I first weighed the socks while they were still in the display envelope and the weight of them was 4.75 oz (135 g). I immediately pulled them from the display and carefully cut the plastic tab that keeps them in their folded position. I pulled them onto my feet and I could not believe the softness of these socks. For them to have 39% of wool in the fabric they are extremely soft and they have no signs of scratchy wool. I instantly felt the thick padded area in the heels and at the toes. The tight fit at the arch area gave me a good feeling of support. The socks pulled up on my leg to just over half way of my calf. I certainly like the length of these; they don’t feel like I am just keeping my lower shins warm.

 

            After walking around in them for a while with no shoes on I decided to put my Montrail trail running shoes on and test them out a little bit. I went for a short jaunt in the neighborhood and up through a small trail. The temperature was around 68 F (20 C) and the terrain was from moderate to rough. I can truly feel the added heavyweight padding in the heel and the ball area. I intentionally stepped on roots and jagged rocks to put this area to the test. During this time I did not feel my feet getting hot or sweaty. After about a 1.5 mile (2.42 km) walk, I sat down and removed the socks and felt a hint of moisture on my feet but I never felt this as I was walking. I never felt a hot spot coming on or a blister about to form. I felt the sock and it was slightly damp at the top and sides of the sock. This will be interesting as I plan to take longer hikes and with heavier loads; to see if this becomes a problem.

 

            I have thoroughly check over the socks for picks, broken threads, frayed threads and things of that nature and have found no defects at this time. I will continue to examine the socks after field use and after washings.

 

Test Plan:

            My test plan for the socks is to test the overall comfort and durability of the sock. How well they hold up to numerous miles of wear and tear? I will try these in my hiking boots to test the comfort and fit and to test the lace pad area for comfort. I will be looking to confirm the features that are listed above and how well they perform. I will make notes of any discomforts and include those in my Field Report.

 

            I plan to wear these socks as much as I can. I will be wearing them on all of my upcoming trail get-aways. I will be backpacking in Pisgah National Forest in the first weekend in November. The temperatures will range from 40 F to 50 F (4 C to 10 C) during the day and 20 F to 30 F (-6 C to -1 C) at night. I will be going on several weekend and long weekend trips throughout the test period.

             

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