Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Thorlo Level 2 Coolmax Trail Runner > Ralph Ditton > Initial Report

Thorlos Men's Light Hiker CoolMax Protection Level 2 Socks

Initial Report by Ralph Ditton

Date: 22nd January, 2006

Thorlos CoolMax-Light Hiker

I have been walking the Bibbulmun Track in sections over four years. My goal is to complete the 964 km (603 mi) and become an end to end walker. So far I have completed approximately two-thirds of the Track from North to South, and a quarter in the opposite direction. I have evolved from carrying a heavyweight load--approximately 28 kg (62 lb) including food and water--to being a midweight backpacker, averaging 18 kg (38 lb) at the start of a trip. My trips are usually between three to five days duration.

Product Information
Manufacturer: Thorlos
URL: http://www.thorlo.com
Model: Light Hiker
Style: Crew Medium LTH -11
Protection Level: 2
Shoe Size: US 5.5 - 8.5
                    UK 5.0 - 8.0
                    EU 38.5 - 42.0
                    AUS 5.0 - 8.0
Year of Manufacturer: Not stated
Listed Weight: Not listed
Measured Weight: 90 g (3.17 oz)
Colour: Walnut/Heather
Materials: 62% CoolMax®,19% Thor*Lon® Acrylic, 14% Stretch nylon, 5% Spandex
Country of Manufacturer: USA
MSRP: US$ 13.99

Product Description
According to the packaging that accompanied this sock,it is designed for a moderate protection level and it is lightweight. The terrain the socks are to be used in ranges from flat to varied on day hikes in moderate to hot weather.
There is a diagram of the sock on the reverse of the packaging showing the various features of the sock.

• Lightweight padding in the heel and ball protect the foot from shear and impact forces and helps to prevent painful blistering.
• Lace pad protects the top of foot against boot lace pressure.
• Spandex and low density padding in the arch create a snug fit.
• Ventilation panel enhances wicking.

Where are these features?
The lightweight padding is in the heel and ball of the foot. In the heel it is 85 mm long x 100 mm wide (3.15 in x 3.94 in). The ball area is 75 mm long and 130 mm wide (2.95 in x 5.12 in).
The lace pad is on the top of the foot and starts from the toe line to level with the ankle bone, some 120 mm long x 110 mm wide (4.72 in x 4.33 in).
The spandex and low padding in the foot arch is 85 mm long and 100 mm wide (3.35 in x 3.94 in).
The ventilation panel is on top of the toes to where the toes bend back, 70 mm long x 110 mm wide (2.76 in x 4.30 in).
The measurements were taken with the sock on the foot, so there was an element of stretching.
An examination of the socks shows up the different construction areas quite clearly.

The socks are mid-calf in length with an elasticized top to stop the socks from falling down. Thorlos also produces a mini-crew version in that the sock only comes up to the ankle. There is a choice of colours to select from, black heather, everglade heather, navy heather and walnut heather.
The socks are available in three sizes. Check out the web site for the sizings.
The socks I was given are a shade too small for my foot, by one and a half grading. I am a AUS 9 (USA 10) (UK 9) (EU 43).
The fit is very snug and does wrap around the heel, not ending under the heel. Time will tell if my toe nails cause damage to the fabric due to the close fitting.
Initial Impression
Bearing in mind the instructions on how to place the socks on my feet (see comments in test plan), I fitted the socks, which are one size too small, but fit snugly. The colour of walnut/heather is quite masculine and easy on the eye. With my hiking boots on, only the to 60 mm (2.5 in) shows above the top of the boots. That is the true  vertical ribs section.
When walking with my boots on, the bottom of my toes on each foot can feel the structure of the fabric which has the appearance of loops on a velcro strip. It is mildly annoying. However a longer test will either reinforce the feel or it will recede from my sensations.
Turning the socks inside out I noticed a single brown thread in the same location on both socks. It is 20 mm (0.79 in) long. I suspect it is the end of the spandex as it quite elastic when I gently pulled them. The other joins appear to be clean without any stray threads.

long threads

Test Plan
As I only have one pair of socks, they will be worn for a single day of my bushwalking undertakings, which can last for three to five days.
I examined the socks to see if there was a natural "left" and "right" sock judging by the patterns and feature panels. To my eye, there were none apparent. They can be worn on either foot.
There is a distinct seam across the top of the toes with the overlocking stitching on the inside of the sock. I will look out for any undue pressure/soreness from the seam.
I will check out the wicking aspects of the socks. The manufacturer states that the ventilation panel enhances wicking. Polyester is known for its moisture repelling characteristics. Will 13% be enough?

Does the lightweight padding in the heel and ball protect the foot from shear and impact forces as the manufacturer claims?

The cuff of the sock is turned inside. Is it anti welt?

The 5% spandex is supposed to support the sock in staying up and decreasing bunching. Will it?

The sock has a true rib which is a series of raised and recessed ribs that should give support to the sock and help it stay up. Is the true rib effective?

I was most intrigued by the instructions on how to put the socks on. It must be done carefully and gently by placing hands on either side of the sock and gather fabric up to the toe area, pulling the sock on around the toes. Then gently pull the sock over the heel then up the leg.
I grasp the sock at the top and insert the foot. This is a no-no as the manufacturer claims that the spandex will be weakened and break.
I will see if bad habits occur and if there is any damage done to the spandex.

I will examine the socks after being washed to see if there is any pilling on the outside of the sock.

I will also give an indication on how long the socks take to dry in cool, warm and hot weather.

Expected Field Conditions
I will be wearing these socks on the Bibbulmun Track which ranges from sea level to 585 metres elevation (0 to 1,920 ft). Within this region I backpack along old forestry roads, sandy tracks, and purpose built walking tracks.
Temperatures will range during the testing period from a minimum of 6 C to 43 C (43 F to 109 F).
In addition, I will also be walking the Coastal Plain Trail which ranges from sea level to roughly 80 m elevation (0 to 262 ft).
Temperatures will be very similar. The trail is all sand and is rated by the authorities as challenging, i.e. it is only suitable for well equipped bush walkers who are able to walk up to 20 km (12.5 mi) per day. Pepper ticks will be abundant during this period.

 

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Thorlo Level 2 Coolmax Trail Runner > Ralph Ditton > Initial Report