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Field Report:
My use of the Wilderness Wear Kosciuszko socks during the
field testing period has been dominated by my regular exercise walks around
Lake Monger and/or parts of Lake Herdsman mainly due to the summer heat
which tends to limit pack-carrying opportunities.
During these walks the socks are worn in my New Balance 806 trail runners. I
estimate I have walked approximately 82.5 km (51 mi) locally during the
field testing phase.
In addition to the local walking I have worn the socks with
my Wigwam liners in my Scarpa Manta boots on three pack-carries including one
walk of 23 km (14.5 mi) in hot temperatures (around 30+ C (86+ F)) and
carrying 6 litres (6.3 qt) of water each day plus my normal load of gear
and food. I estimate my total packing carrying distance at approximately 36
km (22.5 mi) during the field testing phase. The pack-carries where a mix of on and off-track walking in
the Wandoo National Park and track walking on the Munda Biddi and Coastal
Plains Walk Trails. The walking on the Coastal Plains Walk Trail was in very
sandy conditions which has a habit of getting into one's boots.
Overall based on my usage of the socks
to date, I am very happy with them and anticipate continuing to use them
beyond the test period.
In my
Initial Report I indicated five specific aspects that I wanted to focus
on in this test series. As we have not experienced much rain this summer I
have not been able to test the socks in wet weather walking conditions,
however, the other aspects have been explored in the field testing phase.
The four aspects are: durability, comfort, support and smell management.
I am pleased to report no issues in respect of all four
testing points. The socks are showing no noticeable signs of wear,
there is no fraying of threads or others signs of durability issues. Comfort
wise I have found the socks very comfortable to wear in my New Balance trail
runners when pounding the local pavements and limestone tracks. I have not
noticed any significant heating up of my feet even when walking in
temperatures over 30 C (86 F). The same can be said of the socks when worn
inconjunction with the Wigwam liners in my Scarpa Manta boots. Comfort has
been good and my feet are happier!
As with comfort, I have found the socks to be supportive and
no slippage has been evident. If anything they are a bit thick for my trail
runners but again I have quickly adjusted to this and find them comfortable
and supportive when worn in same.
Smell management. I am not the best judge of smell as my
sense of smell is not very strong. In that context I have not found any
issues with the socks, but I can't comment on my fellow walkers' experiences!
At least no one has whinged to me. The socks appear to be quite good
at resisting the take up of smell, at least so far on my shorter walks.
I hope to explore this further in my long-term report when I take on a
longer distance walk with them.
In summary, as indicated early, I am very happy with my
Wilderness Wear Kosciuszko socks. I will be continuing to test these five
aspects in the long-term testing phase.
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