Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Ullfrotte Sport Socks > Shandra Hunt > Field Report

Ullfrotte Sport Socks - Field Report

Name: Shandra Hunt
Age: 25
Gender: female
Height: 5' 3"(1.6 m)
Weight: 145 lbs.(66 kg)
Location: Ben Lomond,California
Email:jns170@yahoo.com
Date:7/7/04

Biography:
Growing up in the Santa Cruz mountains, I have always been an avid hiker and camper. Only recently however, I have evolved into a backpacker. I started backpacking about two years ago. Since then I have done many trips throughout California and I also spent five days packing in the Grand Canyon which fueled my love for the sport even more. I try to backpack as often as possible, I think I may be addicted, and I am constantly looking for more efficient and lightweight alternatives for the gear that I own.

Product Information:
URL: www.ullfrotte.se/
Manufacturer: Ullfrotte
Year of manufacture: 2004
Listed weight: n/a
Actual weight: 3 oz (85 g) Sport
5 oz (142 g) Wildlife
MSRP: n/a
Fabric: Wool and Polyamide blend
Size: 9-12.5 womens (U.S.) 40-44 (Europe)
Color: Blue

Field Information:

Both pairs of the Ullfrotte socks were tested in several different conditions. I tested the Sport socks by wearing them to the gym, on runs, and also on a ten day backpacking trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah. I tested the Wildlife socks on the previously mentioned trip and also on a couple of weekend backpacking trips.

My backpacking trip to the Utah desert involved elevations that ranged from 4500 ft (1372 m) to 9000 ft (2743 m). I experienced a wide variety of temperatures on this trip, some days the temperature reached 100 F (37.78 C) but on other days it dropped into the low 40's F (4.44 C). I used both pairs of socks on a three day backpacking trip to Point Reyes National Seashore, where it seems to always be foggy and cool. The Sport socks have been used the most at the gym; where, depending on what time of the day I go, it can be very hot or very pleasant temperatures.

Test Information:

I have been testing the Sport socks at least once a week by wearing them with my running shoes to the gym. On average I spend about an hour at the gym. These socks get a good workou; whether, I'm running, cycling or doing other things. I usually wear a regular athletic sock when I exercise, which tends to leave my feet wet and hold odor. I have found that the Sport socks handle moisture and odor very well. They dry in about ten minutes after I take them off, and don't stink up my gym bag. The socks that I recieved are dark blue and the Sport sock has the Ullfrotte logo stitched up the side. If I was in a store buying socks, I am not sure I would have even picked these up. I don't particularly favor the design, and I prefer to wear them with pants. It took a little while to get used to the added thickness of the Sport sock in my running shoes. The Wildlife socks are a great fit with my regular hiking boots when I use them on day hikes.

I recently took both socks to the Utah desert where I used the Sport socks on a day hike in the Bryce Canyon Hoodoo. The temperature on that day was around 85 F (29.44 C) which was uncomfortably warm for these socks. I took the Wildlife socks on an overnight backcountry hike on the Riggs Spring loop in Bryce Canyon and was extremely glad that I had brought them when the nighttime temperatures dipped into the low 40's F (4.44 C). I was able to wear them comfortably with regular Teva thongs and found them to be just what I needed for extra warmth. I have also used the Wildlife socks on a few dayhikes in my regular hiking boots. I usually favor other brands of thick padded backpacking socks for the times when I am carrying a heavier pack. Neither the Sport sock or Wildlife socks have padding on the heel where it is needed for backpacking

General Impression:

I tend to be very picky about what goes onto my feet and have to be very comfortable when I wear socks and shoes. I prefer to wear thongs everyday, if I could. I find both pairs of Ullfrotte socks to be extremely comfortable and I am impressed by how soft both socks are. I find that most socks have stitching in all the wrong places, which tends to rub and irritate my feet. These socks are different and I have no problem wearing them with various types of shoes.

I was concerned when I first recieved these socks because they were one size larger than I wear. The first time that I washed them they shrank to a perfect fit. I have not noticed the socks stretching out beyond their original shape through regular use. Throughout the coming months, the socks will be worn and laundered on a regular basis, and I will be observing for any changes and wear to them.

The downside to these socks is how warm they are. While the socks do wick and dry very well, I find that wearing these socks in temperatures of 70 F (21.11 C) or more makes for hot, overly sweaty, uncomfortable feet. These socks are great cold weather socks, especially the thicker Wildlife socks, adding just the right amount of warmth.

Good Things:

> Both pairs are very comfortable (soft textured and fit well)

> Good wicking ability and fast drying

> Doesn't hold odors

Bad Things:

> Too warm in temperatures over 70 F (21.11 C)

> The design (the socks look nerdy if you're not wearing pants)

> Not enough padding in the heel and toe areas

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Ullfrotte Sport Socks > Shandra Hunt > Field Report