Thorlos Trail Socks Protection Level 2
Long Term Report March 16, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Shoe Size 9-10 US/42-43.5 EU, usually depends on the shoe.
Email address: c4jc "at" hotmail "dot" com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, U. S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the BSA and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. Most of my hiking and backpacking takes place in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington! In addition to backpacking, I am also an ultra runner and have used the socks during my training runs and races.
Product Information:
Manufacturer: THOR•LO
Model: Trail
Protection Level: 2
Size: Men’s 9.0-12.5 US/43.0-47.0 EU
Other sizes available: 5.5-8.5 US and 13-15 US
Color: Charcoal Heather (received), Walnut Heather, White
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL:www.thorlo.com
Listed weight: not listed
Measured weight: 2 oz (57 g) per pair
**Disclaimer: the closest my scale will measure is in whole ounces**
Fabric Content: 56% CoolMax, 26% THOR•LON acrylic, 14% Nylon, 4% Spandex
MSRP: 11.99 US Dollars
Country of Manufacture: USA
Product Description:
This sock is a Thorlos Level 2 sock which means according to Thorlos “it is best suited for use with moderate to hot temperatures on varied terrain.” It is a crew sock, so it comes just above the ankle and it is marketed as a trail running sock. The socks have reinforced toe and heel padding. The arch has spandex added to the rest of the fabric to improve fit. This is the third of three reports and should be read in conjunction with my initial report and my field report.
Summary:
I have used these socks for over 110 miles (177 km) over the past four months and they have done well. The padding is still intact and comfortable. Both of the ankle cuffs have an elastic thread unraveling, and I have to pull the excess material out of my shoe so that the sock fits well, but these are really minor inconveniences on a good pair of socks.
Long Term Field Conditions:
These socks have been used for various activities such as running, hiking, backpacking and lounging around. They have experienced rain, snow, desert rocks and sunshine. Specifically most of my trips have taken place in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington and on a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, California. Elevation ranged from 5600 feet (1707 m) to sea level. Temperatures ranged from the mid 20’s F to 80 F (-4 C to 27 C).
Long Term Test results:
The Thorlos trail socks have been a good sock. They have held up to my abuse from running, hiking, and backpacking very well. I have not gotten any blisters or had any sock related discomfort. I found the socks to be comfortable even at warmer temperatures like those I experienced while in Joshua Tree National Park.
They seem to be durable. The padding in the heel and ball of the sock is still holding up well. There is an elastic thread in the ankle cuff of both socks that is unraveling. The cuff still clings well to my ankle so this has not become a big problem yet. I plan on trimming this string off as soon as the report is posted.
I continue to pull the excess material of the sock up out of my shoes, but this has not developed in to much more than a minor inconvenience. Overall I am pleased with how the socks have performed.
Improvements:
Like I said before more color choices would be nice.
Long Term Testing Plan:
I evaluated the socks on the following characteristics over the last four months and my final results are in blue italics.
Fit:
- Their large pair of socks fit feet sizes 9 – 12.5 US. Since I am at the bottom of that scale will I feel like the socks are too big on me? (They have continued to fit well.)
- Will the fabric bunch up because of the excess needed to fit the larger sized foot? (They bunch up some. I pull the excess out of my shoe.)
- Does the spandex and padding in the arch actually increase comfort? (I have not really noticed that this sock is more comfortable than any other sock I have worn.)
- Is there a noticeable increase in comfort because of the lightweight padding in the heel and the ball of the foot? (See my answer above.)
- Does the flat knit construction help with the blister prevention? (I have not had any blisters during the test period.)
Durability:
- My socks tend to wear in two places, the heel and under the ball of my feet. Thorlo has added padding to these areas, how well do they stand up to abuse? (These areas show no wear and have proved to be very durable over the past four months)
- How do the socks fair in the washing machine? (I have not done anything special with washing the socks. I have washed them with the rest of my clothing and they don’t seem any worse for wear.)
- Will they pill up after one wash? (Thorlos recommend washing inside out to prevent this. I have not purposely turned them inside out to wash them. I normally throw them in the wash with the other dark clothes and have seen no ill affects.)
- Will they pill/tear easily while hiking off trail? (They haven’t.)
Thanks to BackpackGearTest and Thorlos for the opportunity to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Thorlo gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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