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Thorlos Ultra Light Hiking Protection Level 1 Socks
Initial Report
October 16, 2005
Tester Bio
Name: Anthony (TJ) Smith
Age: 30 years old
Gender: Male
Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
Weight: 155 lbs (73 kg)
Shoe Size: 9.5 D US
Email address: tjsmith1946@gmail.com
City, State, Country: Pensacola, Florida USA
Backpacking Background
I have been camping for a little over 5 years now, mostly car camping. I have
recently begun backpacking, and I am constantly adding new gear to my “collection”
in an effort to get my gear list tailored more towards backpacking. Most of
my backpacking trips are short duration, not more than one or two nights.
My current pack weight is around 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) without food and water, depending
on if I'm solo camping or taking my son along. I am a dedicated hammock camper
and have tailored my personal gear to that aspect of camping.
Product Information
Year of Manufacture – 2005
Manufacturer URL – www.Thorlos.com
Weight as Delivered – 2.1 oz (60 g)
Size as Delivered – Large (Fits shoe size 10.5 – 11.5 US)
Color Tested – Hazelnut Brown
Style Tested – Men's Mini Crew
MSRP – $14.99/pair US
Initial Information/Observations
 The
Thorlos Ultra Light Hiker Protection Level 1 socks I received and will be testing
are the mini crew style. These come to just above my ankles, and reach just
above the top of my hiking boots (Avia
Nevados Greylock Light Hikers.) According to the packaging the socks came
in (which is a card stock hangtag) the socks are composed of 48% lambswool,
37% nylon, 13% polyester, and 2% elastic.
The Level 1 socks only have 3 visible seams, one across the toe and one on either side of the heel area. The seams on the heel area are actually a Y-shaped seam which allows for the change of direction for the sock to fit the contour of my foot transitioning into my ankle. There is also a Thorlos logo embroidered in the top of the sock, just above the toe area.
The socks have a thicker wool padding surrounding the toe of the sock and going
back 2.4 in (6 cm) from the tip of the sock on the top, and 4.3 in (11 cm) from
the tip of the sock on the bottom. There is a gap of 2 in (5 cm) in the padding
on the bottom at which point the padding resumes and continues to the neck of
the sock.
The Ultra Light Hikers come with detailed washing instructions. There is even a note stating "LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENERS are critical to receive full benefit of the product design." The remainder of the washing instructions state to wash normal and dry normal, do not bleach, do not dry clean and do not iron..
In initial trials of the socks at home, I found the socks to be consistent in
comfort as other Thorlos socks I currently own. The gap in the padding is noticeable,
though not necessarily uncomfortable. Whether this continues to not be a comfort
issue remains to be seen. The socks fit well with my current boots, even though
the socks are not as thick as what I usually wear.
Field Information
The Thorlos will be tested in a variety of locations throughout Northwest
Florida and Southeast Alabama. During the testing period, expected weather conditions
range from a high near or just above 90 F (32 C) to lows approaching or creeping
to near 20 F (-7 C). I also anticipate varied levels of precipitation, from
bright sunny days with low humidity all the way to torrential downpours (especially
if the 2005 hurricane season remains as active as anticipated.)
I have numerous trips planned during the test period to include a 3 night backpacking
trip ending with an overnight at a campground to finish off (a total of 4 nights
on this one trip.) I also have several one night trips, and several day trips
that the socks will be utilized on. While these socks are designed for dayhikes,
I will also be using them on the overnights listed (my pack weight I feel is
low enough to allow them to be used in this manner.)
Test Plan
The following are a list of issues I intend to explore:
- How well do the socks fit with a variety of shoes? Do they work as well
with hiking boots as they do with trail shoes?
- How well do the socks hold up to frequent use? Do they stretch out, or
retain their elasticity? Does the material become matted from frequent use,
or does it retain its “newness”?
- Do the socks develop an odor when worn for extended periods of time? Or
do they appear fairly odor-resistant?
- How easy are these socks to clean while on the trail? Do they tend to retain
stains, odors, etc or do they come clean fairly easily?
- How quickly do these socks dry out when wet, either from wearing in wet
conditions or from washing?
- Do these socks have any seams that sit in “odd” spots that
cause rubbing or friction? Do the seams stay where they are designed to? Are
the embroidered logos noticeable while wearing the socks?
I also intend to report on any other issues that may arise during my testing
of this product.
My thanks to Thorlos and BackpackGearTest for allowing me to test this item.
Read more reviews of Thorlo gear
Read more gear reviews by Anthony Smith
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