Initial Report: Thorlo Coolmax Trail Runner Socks - Protection Level 2
TESTER BIO
Name: Jennifer Williams
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m)
Weight: 120 lbs (56 kg)
Shoe size: 10 women (US)
Email: jensmail78 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date: October 19, 2005
Backpacking Background:
I grew up horseback riding, camping, and hiking, but I just started backpacking about two years ago. All of my trips have been one or two night stays. My trips normally range from coastal trails in the redwoods to mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevada. I tend to hike where I encounter rain and dampness. This year I am looking forward to making some longer trips in northern California and gaining more experience. I am not a lightweight backpacker yet, but would like to reduce my current pack weight significantly.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Thorlo
Year of manufacture: 2005
URL: www.thorlo.com
Weight as delivered: 1.25 oz each (35g)
Size: medium (US Women 6.5-10 or US Men 5.5-8.5)
Style: Mini Crew
Color: Walnut Heather
Materials: 56% Coolmax, 26% THOR*LON Acrylic, 14% Nylon, 4% Spandex
MSRP: $11.99 (US)
Packaging:
The Coolmax Trail Runner socks were attached to a small paperboard display packet. The front of the packet displays a large Thorlo logo and indicates that the style of the socks is "Coolmax -Trail Runner" and that they are size medium with shoe size equivalents for men and women. It also states that the socks are unisex and are the "moderate" protection level 2. On the back of the packet there is a description of the socks and the uses they are intended for and what other types of socks Thorlo offers if these socks are not protective enough for one's needs. Below the description is a "Protection Level Guide" indicating that these socks are the Trail Runner style, Protection Level 2, have lightweight padding, and are intended for running on varied terrain in moderate/hot weather. Below the guide is a diagram of the sock pointing out features such as moisture management, spandex arch support, flat knit construction, and lightweight padding under the heel and ball of the foot. At the bottom of the packet are instructions for washing and care of the socks.
Washing Instructions:
Wash on normal setting in warm water. Dry on normal/medium settings. Do not bleach, iron, or dry clean the socks. Thorlo also recommends washing the socks inside out in order to "fluff up the pads" and using a liquid fabric softener "for longer life."
Product Description:
The Coolmax Trail Runner socks are a mini crew style and the cuff comes up just past my ankle bone. The socks have very distinct sections that are slightly different colors varying from almost solid brown to a light colored, heather mix of brown and white. The cuffs are very stretchy and the tops of the cuffs are folded over and hemmed on the inside. On the tops of the socks, from just below the cuffs down to the toes, the fabric is thin and quite breathable. On the bottoms of the socks, under the toes, heels, and balls of the feet are padded areas that have a denser knit and extra fabric for cushioning. This padding extends up the backs of the heels and around the achilles heel area just under the backs of the cuffs. There is also a section of slightly tighter spandex that loops around the arches of the feet. On the bottom of the socks, this section is slightly less padded and a little stretchier.
Initial Impressions:
So far I have worn the socks around my house and to an aerobics class at the gym. During the aerobics class they were very comfortable and did not chafe or bunch up anywhere. The cuffs stayed in place and the heels did not slip down into the shoe. I wore the socks in my general athletic/running shoes and my feet felt a bit warm, but the class was very fast paced and I worked up a sweat in general, so I don't think my feet were any hotter than the rest of me. My feet were definitely sweaty during the class but afterwards the socks were not that wet and seemed to be wicking the moisture away already.
These socks seem like general day hiking/trail running socks. They fit well and look well constructed with no snags or loose seams and the fabric is very soft and comfortable. The padding appears to be more substantial than basic athletic socks, but not heavy enough for backpacking. I anticipate these socks to feel comfortable in both my trail running shoes for day hikes and trail running. I might also try them in my hiking boots for more strenuous day hikes if they provide enough cushioning. I like that the cuffs are not so tight as to leave indentations on my ankles without being so loose that they slip around. They also seem like they are narrow enough for my feet and I don't anticipate them bunching up due to excess fabric moving around.
FIELD INFORMATION
Central and Northern California Coasts:
Locations will include multiple state parks and national forests ranging in elevations from 0 to 6000 feet (1800 meters). I will take multiple day hikes mostly on maintained trails with gradual elevation gains. Trails will vary between dry and rocky to damp and sometimes muddy conditions with occasional stream crossings. Temperatures will be between 40 to 80 F (4 to 27 C) with increasing chances of rain as the months progress. I typically carry a small daypack weighing about 5 lbs (2.3 kg).
I will use the socks almost exclusively in the Teva Steep XCRs that I am currently testing. However, I will also try them in my sturdier Montrail Torre GTX hiking boots (see owner review). Both pair of shoes are waterproof. I will wear the Trail Running Level 2 socks on warmer days and will use them for more vigorous, high paced activities like fast hikes or trail running.
TEST PLAN:
My plan for these socks is simply to wear them on every hike that I go on and I will also try them on a light backpacking trip and while jogging or running around town. During the test period I should be hiking at least one day of most weekends and will encounter a variety of weather. Over the course of the test I will encounter pretty warm, dry days that will transition into wet, cold days in the fall.
I will pay close attention to how dry the socks keep my feet and if they help with a couple of hot spots that tend to develop blisters on long hikes. The socks should be tight enough to stay in place without being uncomfortable. Do the seams chafe along my toes? Do the socks generally provide a bit of support to help prevent foot fatigue? Since both pair of my hiking shoes are lined with Gore-Tex they can be a little warmer than other shoes. Do the socks help vent heat well and wick moisture away quickly? Do they develop excessive odor (my feet aren't typically very smelly)? Are the socks durable after extended wear and washing? Does the fabric snag easily? Are the transitions between air vent sections and cushioned sections smooth or are there distinct seams that could rub? Since this sock is only available in unisex sizes I will be curious to see if it is narrow enough for my feet without bunching up. I also develop tender spots under the balls of my feet and would like to see if the padding in this sock helps alleviate that.
Thanks to Thorlo and BackpackgearTest.org for the opportunity to test these socks.
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