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Top 3 Women’s Essentials for a Day Hike
We’ve had a spectacular fall in Tahoe this year. There’s nothing better than hiking, biking, or spending the last days before winter on the Lake. After living in Tahoe for nearly 5 years I’ve learned there are a few key elements that can make or break a day hike – socks, shoes, and H2O. Below are my top picks for these key components. What gear can’t you live without this fall? 3. Smartwool Women's PhD Outdoor Light Micro When it comes to skiing or snowboarding Smartwool is my go to sock, so why not try on a pair for hiking. This sock makes your feet feel good. It’s the blend of a high performance fit and light cushioning that keeps you comfortable during those fall hikes. There’s even a padded achilles tab to offer additional protection. I would recommend the PhD outdoor Light Micro for any gal hiking no more than 5 hours. Available in 3 neutral colors MSRP: $15 Features: • 73% Merino Wool, 25%Nylon, 2% Elastic • 4-Degree Fit System for all-day performance fit • WOW™ technology in high density impact zones to reduce shock and abrasion • Merino wool inside for moisture, temperature and odor control • Duroyarn reinforcement for added comfort and durability • Strategic mesh zones for maximum ventilation 2. Merrell Women's Avian Light Ventilator Your shoes can make or break your day. For day hikes I like to grab my Avian Light Ventilor. On top of being lightweight there's mesh panels built-in for climate control which keeps feet cool and not too sweaty. Support, lightweight and climate control what more could one ask for on a day hike. Best for spring to fall hikes. Available in four fun colors. MSRP: $95 Features: UPPER/LINING • Strobel construction offers flexibility and comfort • Waterproof nubuck leather, pig suede and mesh upper • Mesh lining treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution resists odor • Bellows tongue keeps debris out • Ortholite® anatomical footbed MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE • Compression molded EVA footframe for stability and comfort • Merrell QForm® Comfort midsole provides women’s specific stride-sequenced cushioning • Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability 1. CamelBak 2011 L.U.X.E.™ Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate... I don't leave home for a bike ride or hike without my Camelbak. Bigger isn't always better, look for something that can carry sunscreen, an extra layer and don't forget lunch. The Camel L.U.X.E. comes with a 3L reservoir which is nice for those longer day hikes. It's nice to pick up a extra 1L or 2L reservoir to swap out for the shorter day hikes. I love stash pockets and think they should be an essential for all gear. It's a nice feature for a multi-tool, phone, ipod or camera. Available in four colors. Don't forget about the CamelBak® Got Your Bak™ lifetime guarantee: "If we built it, we'll Bak it™" MSRP: $89 Features: • Hydration Capacity: 100 oz (3 L) • Total Capacity: 732 cu in (12 L) • Antidote™ Reservoir with Quick Link™ System • Back Panel - Air Director™ • Harness - Women's-fit Independent Suspension • Belt- Removable 1 in/25 mm stability Where are you hiking this fall?...
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Wigwam Cool-Lite Hiker Pro
Of all the gear in the world to review, nothing -- nothing, I tell you -- is more difficult than socks. I mean really, how much can you say about socks? I hear tales of gear glory all the time, like, “With this one small multi-tool, I fended off seven banditos until the Policia arrived... and I never even got past the wine opener,” however, I can’t think of a single time socks were the obvious hero. I suppose there was one time when I forgot to bring coffee-making paraphernalia on a two week trip and ended up with a designated coffee sock for filtering grounds, but really, cowboy coffee would have sufficed. Of course the opposite is also true. It turns out that, if you have nothing much to say about socks, it means they work as advertised. That doesn’t mean I have literally nothing to say, though. Far from it. In fact, I have brought to bear my full scientific thinking powers to bring a sock-reviewing method to the madness.
Wigwam Cool-Lite Hiker Pro Features
- 50% Coolmax, 22% Stretch Nylon, 21% Acrylic, 7% Cotton
- Cushiony all over
- Stay-put top and leg
- Breathable mesh instep
- Low-profile toe closure
Wigwam Cool-Lite Hiker Pro Review
Though it’s made primarily for hiking, the Cool-Lite Hiker Pro is an outstanding all-weather all-around sock. I’ve even been using them inside neoprene booties for cool-weather whitewater fun. Do I think about these socks when doing my thing?Not even slightly, and that’s a good thing. They’re a crew-length sock, though, and I won’t wear them much in the summer. In the heat and humidity of the Southeast, I much prefer quarter socks and shorter. This time of year, however, thumbs up. Are my feet uncomfortable in shoes that were previously comfortable?
The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. The ample cushioning is more than adequate for my wimpy feet, and they wick moisture with aplomb. Well, not so much in the river... Did the socks’ qualities change after a few wash cycles?
There’s been no change whatsoever. These socks are exactly the same as they were when brand new. How long did the socks last under heavy use?
This is hard to answer, since it sort of depends on how many pairs of socks are in my rotation. For me, a non-backpacker-occasional-runner with something in the neighborhood of twelve pairs of socks I wear regularly, I had better damned well see at least a year out of my socks before the elastic weakens and I start to see my foot through them. Something in the neighborhood of two+ years is average. Three+ years is awesome. (If you only have five pairs of socks, adjust your perspective appropriately.) Unfortunately, I haven’t had these socks long enough to say how well they held up over time. I’ll revisit this review every six months or so to update. Bookmark it now! How do these socks look?
This is perhaps the least important attribute of a sock, but the Cool-Lite Hiker Pro has nothing to worry about in that department, anyway... unless you’re wearing them with short shorts. Hint: Your shorts should always be longer than your socks.
Bottom Line:
The Wigwam Cool-Lite Hiker Pro is a terrific cool and cold-ish weather sock, even though they’re billed as a year-round sock. I’m just not that into long socks in the Southeast humidity. I’m sure, however, that I’ll continue to get plenty of mileage out of these in coming months. Buy Now: Slip into a pair of Wigwam Cool-Lite Hiker Pro socks. ... Read more...
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Wigwam Trail Trax Pro Review
Of all the gear in the world to review, nothing -- nothing, I tell you -- is more difficult than socks. I mean really, how much can you say about socks? I hear tales of gear glory all the time, like, “Thank goodness my backpack has an integrated bottle opener -- all that beer would have gone to waste,” but I can’t think of a single time socks were the obvious hero. I suppose there was one time when I forgot to bring coffee-making paraphernalia on a two week trip and ended up with a designated coffee sock for filtering grounds, but really, cowboy coffee would have sufficed. Of course the opposite is also true. It turns out that, if you have nothing much to say about socks, it means they work as advertised. That doesn’t mean I have literally nothing to say, though. Far from it. In fact, I have brought to bear my full scientific thinking powers to bring a sock-reviewing method to the madness.
Wigwam Trail Trax Pro Features
- 49% Wool Dri-release, 35% Nylon, 14% Merino Wool, 2% Spandex
- Cushiony sole
- Foot hugging fit
- FreshGuard eliminates odors
- Seamless toe closure
- Dri-release dries super fast
Wigwam Trail Trax Pro Review
The Trail Trax Pro may be made primarily with runners in mind, but I found it to be a terrific all-around outdoor sock. Do I think about these socks when doing my thing?Not even slightly, and that’s a great thing. I should be worried about river levels, marauding hillbillies and truck clearance, not my socks! Are my feet uncomfortable in shoes that were previously comfortable?
The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. The cushiony sole is more than adequate for my wimpy feet, and they wick moisture with aplomb. Add FreshGuard to the mix and wear them multiple days in a row without climbing partners noticing. Did the socks’ qualities change after a few wash cycles?
I’m not sure, but my impression is that the Trail Trax Pro shrunk slightly over a couple wash cycles. This may have something to do with the wool content. If they did shrink, the difference is slight. How long did the socks last under heavy use?
This is hard to answer, since it sort of depends on how many pairs of socks are in my rotation. For me, a non-backpacker-occasional-runner with something in the neighborhood of twelve pairs of socks I wear regularly, I had better damned well see at least a year out of my socks before the elastic weakens and I start to see my foot through them. Something in the neighborhood of two+ years is average. Three+ years is awesome. (If you only have five pairs of socks, adjust your perspective appropriately.) Unfortunately, I haven’t had these socks long enough to say how well they held up over time. I’ll revisit this review every six months or so to update. Bookmark it now! How do these socks look?
This is perhaps the least important attribute of a sock, but still, the Trail Trax Pro can have a little of that I’m-wearing-suit-socks-with-my-sneakers effect, if you’re not careful which color you buy. I have the taupe/brown heather version... <pregnant pause...> I have absolutely no idea what that means, but it’s a color combo I like. It looks outdoorsy.
Bottom Line:
The Wigwam Trail Trax Pro is fantastic compromise between light and feature rich. This is a terrific all-around outdoor sock. Buy Now: Slip into a pair of Wigwam Trail Trax Pro socks. ... Read more...
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Wigwam Ironman Flash Pro Review
Of all the gear in the world to review, nothing -- nothing, I tell you -- is more difficult than socks. I mean really, how much can you say about socks? I hear tales of gear glory all the time, like, “If it weren’t for that tire patch kit, I’d be vulture food,” but I can’t think of a single time socks were the obvious hero. I suppose there was one time when I forgot to bring coffee-making paraphernalia on a two week trip and ended up with a designated coffee sock for filtering grounds, but really, cowboy coffee would have sufficed. Of course the opposite is also true. It turns out that, if you have nothing much to say about socks, it means they work as advertised. That doesn’t mean I have literally nothing to say, though. Far from it. In fact, I have brought to bear my full scientific thinking powers to bring a sock-reviewing method to the madness.
Wigwam Ironman Flash Pro Features
- 83% Stretch Nylon, 16% Acrylic, 1% Spandex
- Heel tab prevents sock from slipping (Note: This is the weirdest feature. I’m not sure it actually does very much. I don’t think the socks would slip without it, but it does effect the looks of the Flash Pro -- see below for more.)
- Cushiony sole
- Foot hugging fit
- Breathable mesh instep
- Seamless toe closure
Wigwam Ironman Flash Pro Review
The Ironman Flash Pro may be made primarily with runners in mind, but I found it to be a terrific all-around outdoor sock. Do I think about these socks when doing my thing?Not even slightly, and that’s a great thing. I should be worried about wet rock, copperheads and accidentally inhaling dried vulture poop, not my socks! Are my feet uncomfortable in shoes that were previously comfortable?
The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. The cushiony sole is more than adequate for my wimpy feet, and they wick moisture with aplomb. Did the socks’ qualities change after a few wash cycles?
No change whatsoever! After roughly six washings, these socks look and feel the exact same as when they were brand new. How long did the socks last under heavy use?
This is hard to answer, since it sort of depends on how many pairs of socks are in my rotation. For me, a non-backpacker-occasional-runner with something in the neighborhood of twelve pairs of socks I wear regularly, I had better damned well see at least a year out of my socks before the elastic weakens and I start to see my foot through them. Something in the neighborhood of two+ years is average. Three+ years is awesome. (If you only have five pairs of socks, adjust your perspective appropriately.) Unfortunately, I haven’t had these socks long enough to say how well they held up over time. I’ll revisit this review every six months or so to update. Bookmark it now! How do these socks look?
This is perhaps the least important attribute of a sock, but still... I have the orange/black version, which is flashy, but I definitely like it more than any of the other four available colors. The heel tab, which is there to prevent the sock from slipping, makes the sock look like a Peter-Pan bootie. That’s a strange thought, huh? I know, but it’s the first thing that crosses my mind when I pull them out of my sock drawer. However, once they’re on, I don’t even notice it, and have even come to like it.
Bottom Line:
The Wigwam Ironman Flash Pro is fantastic compromise between light and feature rich. It looks a little funny, but is rapidly becoming one of my all-time favorite socks. Buy Now: Slip into a pair of Wigwam Ironman Flash Pro socks. ... Read more...
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Wigwam Ironman Spark Pro Review
Of all the gear in the world to review, nothing -- nothing, I tell you -- is more difficult than socks. I mean really, how much can you say about socks? I hear tales of gear glory all the time, like, “That $10 snake bite kit saved my dog’s bacon after he tangled with that gila monster,” but I can’t think of a single time socks were the obvious hero. I suppose there was one time when I forgot to bring coffee-making paraphernalia on a two week trip and ended up with a designated coffee sock for filtering grounds, but really, cowboy coffee would have sufficed. Of course the opposite is also true. It turns out that, if you have nothing much to say about socks, it means they work as advertised. That doesn’t mean I have literally nothing to say, though. Far from it. In fact, I have brought to bear my full scientific thinking powers to bring a sock-reviewing method to the madness.
Wigwam Ironman Spark Pro Features
- 42% Stretch Nylon, 33% Dri-release, 21% Acrylic, 4% Spandex
- Dri-release dries super fast
- Lightweight sole
- Foot hugging fit
- FreshGuard eliminates odors
- Breathable mesh air vents
- Seamless toe closure
Wigwam Ironman Spark Pro Review
Made primarily with runners in mind, the Wigwam Ironman Spark Pro is feature-rich big brother of the Ironman Triathlete Pro. Do I think about these socks when doing my thing?Not even slightly, and that’s a great thing. I should be worried about my rickety elbows, my newly repaired lumbar spine and wether or not my dog is getting enough water, not my socks! Are my feet uncomfortable in shoes that were previously comfortable?
The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. Still, a little bit more cushioning wouldn’t hurt. Did the socks’ qualities change after a few wash cycles?
No change whatsoever! After roughly six washings, these socks look and feel the exact same as when they were brand new. How long did the socks last under heavy use?
This is hard to answer, since it sort of depends on how many pairs of socks are in my rotation. For me, a non-backpacker-occasional-runner with something in the neighborhood of twelve pairs of socks I wear regularly, I had better damned well see at least a year out of my socks before the elastic weakens and I start to see my foot through them. Something in the neighborhood of two+ years is average. Three+ years is awesome. (If you only have five pairs of socks, adjust your perspective appropriately.) Unfortunately, I haven’t had these socks long enough to say how well they held up over time. I’ll revisit this review every six months or so to update. Bookmark it now! How do these socks look?
This is perhaps the least important attribute of a sock, but still, my Wigwam Ironman Spark Pros are not too shabby in the looks department. I have the black version, which is a little bit geeky, but there’s some color in there, too, and a lot of gray to mitigate the I’m-wearing-suit-socks-with-my-sneakers effect. It comes in three other color styles, too, and a couple of them look nice and outdoorsy.
Bottom Line:
The Wigwam Ironman Spark Pro is fantastic compromise between light and feature rich. It wicks moisture like you'd expect from a sock with the word "Ironman" in its name, and has just enough cushion for trail pushin’. Buy Now: Slip into a pair of Wigwam Ironman Spark Pro socks. ... Read more...
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Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro Review
Of all the gear in the world to review, nothing -- nothing, I tell you -- is more difficult than socks. I mean really, how much can you say about socks? I hear tales of gear glory all the time, like, “That little cam held my 40-foot air-bike ride with only two lobes engaged,” but I can’t think of a single time socks were the obvious hero. I suppose there was one time when I forgot to bring coffee-making paraphernalia on a two week trip and ended up with a designated coffee sock for filtering grounds, but really, cowboy coffee would have sufficed. Of course the opposite is also true. It turns out that, if you have nothing much to say about socks, it means they work as advertised. That doesn’t mean I have literally nothing to say, though. Far from it. In fact, I have brought to bear my full scientific thinking powers to bring a sock-reviewing method to the madness.
Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro Features
- 30% Olefin, 30% Acrylic, 20% Stretch Nylon, 15% Spandex
- Lightweight design
- Vitually seamless toe closure
Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro Review
Made primarily with runners in mind, the Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro is a light, stripped-down, no-frills sock. Do I think about these socks when doing my thing?I do actually think about them a little bit, and not just because I'm reviewing them. They have zero cushioning, and since I'm used to at least a little cushioning, I sort of notice it. Are my feet uncomfortable in shoes that were previously comfortable?
A resounding “no.” Although as mentioned, I prefer more cushion in my socks. I may use these more as a base layer in cold weather, instead of a stand-alone sock for running or crag approaching. Did the socks’ qualities change after a few wash cycles?
No change whatsoever! After roughly six washings, these socks look and feel the exact same as when they were brand new. How long did the socks last under heavy use?
This is hard to answer, since it sort of depends on how many pairs of socks are in my rotation. For me, a non-backpacker-occasional-runner with something in the neighborhood of twelve pairs of socks I wear regularly, I had better damned well see at least a year out of my socks before the elastic weakens and I start to see my foot through them. Something in the neighborhood of two+ years is average. Three+ years is awesome. (If you only have five pairs of socks, adjust your perspective appropriately.) Unfortunately, I haven’t had these socks long enough to say how well they held up over time. I’ll revisit this review every six months or so to update. Bookmark it now! How do these socks look?
This is perhaps the least important attribute of a sock, but still, my Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pros are straight black, which doesn’t do much for a playa’s image, if you catch my drift. Who but a nerd or a suit wears black socks?! They also come in all white. You can’t see me, but I’m rolling my eyes right now.
Bottom Line:
The Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro is a no-frills basic performance sock. It wicks moisture like you'd expect from a sock with the word "Ironman" in its name, but it looks a little goofy in its plainness. Also, if you need cushion in your socks, check out a few other Wigwam models first. Buy Now: Slip into a pair of Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro socks. ... Read more...
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Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout Socks Review
Of all the gear in the world to review, nothing -- nothing, I tell you -- is more difficult than socks. I mean really, how much can you say about socks? I hear tales of gear glory all the time, like, “It snowed so hard that yetis stayed indoors, but we were high and dry in that tent... for all 12 days of it,” however, I can’t think of a single time socks were the obvious hero. I suppose there was one time when I forgot to bring coffee-making paraphernalia on a two week trip and ended up with a designated coffee sock for filtering grounds, but really, cowboy coffee would have sufficed. Of course the opposite is also true. It turns out that, if you have nothing much to say about socks, it means they work as advertised. That doesn’t mean I have literally nothing to say, though. Far from it. In fact, I have brought to bear my full scientific thinking powers to bring a sock-reviewing method to the madness.
Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout Features
- 45% Coolmax, 25% Merino Wool, 22% Nylon, 6% Silk, 2% Spandex
- Cushiony sole
- Foot hugging fit
- Breathable mesh air vents
- Virtually seamless toe closure
Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout Review
Be still my beating dorsalis pedis pulse! The Merino/Silk Scout may be my favorite Wigwam sock of all time. If there’s a combo as dreamy Coolmax, Merino wool and silk, I haven’t yet touched it with my feet. Do I think about these socks when doing my thing? I actually do think about these socks a little bit, which means they either suck or they’re exceptional. In this case, I assure you it’s the latter. Are my feet uncomfortable in shoes that were previously comfortable? The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. The cushiony sole is more than adequate for my wimpy feet, and they wick moisture with aplomb. Add FreshGuard to the mix and wear them multiple days in a row without your climbing partners noticing. Did the socks’ qualities change after a few wash cycles? I’m not sure, but my impression is that the Merino/Silk Scout shrunk slightly over a couple wash cycles. This may have something to do with the wool content. If they did shrink, the difference is slight. How long did the socks last under heavy use? This is hard to answer, since it sort of depends on how many pairs of socks are in my rotation. For me, a non-backpacker-occasional-runner with something in the neighborhood of twelve pairs of socks I wear regularly, I had better damned well see at least a year out of my socks before the elastic weakens and I start to see my foot through them. Something in the neighborhood of two+ years is average. Three+ years is awesome. (If you only have five pairs of socks, adjust your perspective appropriately.) Unfortunately, I haven’t had these socks long enough to say how well they held up over time. I’ll revisit this review every six months or so to update. Bookmark it now! How do these socks look? This is perhaps the least important attribute of a sock, but still, the Merino/Silk Scout can have a little of that I’m-wearing-suit-socks-with-my-sneakers effect, if you’re not careful which color you buy. I have the charcoal version, which walks the line a little bit, but comes down, I think, in the non-nerdy category. Beware black.Bottom Line:
The Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout is, in my opinion, the perfect combination of materials and features. With vents and foot hugging ribs in all the right places, a thick, cushiony sole and just a touch of silk -- oh, baby -- this is the sock for me. Buy Now: Slip into a pair of Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout socks.... Read more...
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Lorpen TRI LAYER Light Hiker Socks Review
Trade shows can be brutal on the feet. Akin to a death march through Death Valley, few thing can dish out pain and fatigue quite like walking/standing for hours and hours on nothing but a thin layer of carpet and a foot of concrete. At the end of two days of walking the ATA (Archery Trade Association) show I found myself at the Lorpen booth to compliment the guys on their awesome scent control merino wool hunting socks that I had used last fall while backcountry bow hunting. (review to come shortly) After a little chit chat I asked what's new. I'll not soon regret what came next. The two guys looked at each other and nodded as if on queue and then introduced me to the new Lorpen Light Hiker sock, asking if I wanted to change the way the next day at the show felt on my feet. I was in, with both feet. (pardon the pun)
Lorpen Tri Layer Sock Details
Long known for it's multi-fabric blended socks, this crew height hiker sock follows suit. It's a combo of 36% Tencel, 35% Coolmax, 18% Nylon, 10% Lycra and a pinch of Modal at 1%. I can only imagine the spooling required to get that mixture correct when they weave the fabric. But it's not just the weave that makes this "Partial Light" cushioned sock so darn comfortable all day long, it's the way it's tri layers are stacked.- Inside Layer - Coolmax
- Middle Layer - Tencel
- Outter Layer - Nylon
Lorpen Tri Layer Light Hiker Sock Fit and Feel
What do these three layers add up to? For me it adds up to an amazingly soft and comfortable sock that is thin enough to wear with any shoe but cushioned enough to have made that third day of the trade show more than just bearable. But how do they do on the trail, their intended use? I rarely find myself hiking in anything but trail runners so some hiking specific socks are often too thick to make the grade. The Light Hiker again has just the right cushioned area and thin in others to fit well into my Salomon's or Pearl Izumi runners. But given that it's cold weather now, they fit comfortable in my Scentblocker hunting boots although in 20 degree weather they were a bit on the cool side.Bottom Line on the Lorpen Tri Layer Light Hiker Sock
I think they nailed it (again) with a sock that you might even dig out of the dirty laundry basket to wear "just one more day". It's no wonder that on the side of each sock package Lorpen includes this guarantee:If you are not completely satisfied with their product, return to the point of purchase for a complete refund.I can't imagine the day will come that I'll ever put a Lorpen sock on my feet and not feel like my feet have arrived at the spa. Good Lorpen Tri Layer Sock
- Soft feel
- Use of cross weave increases comfort on the top of the foot and through the arch
- Good cushion in the right places - forefoot and heel cushion
- After the second wearing the stitching on this particular pair near the toes started to come out. That's a first for me on a Lorpen sock
Buy Now
Take your feet to the spa with the Lorpen Tri Layer Light Hiker sock.... Read more...
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point6 Socks
Over my holidays, I spent some more time working with the guys up at Montana Backcountry Adventures, helping to run their Dinner and Lunch Yurt operations, and spending some time out in the Tobacco Roots at The Bell Lake Yurt, doing some early season yurt maintenance. I was up there for about 3 weeks, and wore my ski boots pretty much each day. Talk about a good recipe for some gnarly foot mank! Each day when I sat down to pull my ski boots off, I was expecting the worst. However, I also wore a few different pairs of point6 wool socks, and was really impressed with the level of comfort, and the complete lack of smell! Gotta love that merino wool!
point6 Socks- The Lowdown
- point6 socks are made of compact spun merino wool. "Compact spinning" removes more air from the wool, making the socks softer and warmer than your traditional merino wool sock. Your average sock company uses only a small percentage of compact spun wool in their products, as it's a very expensive process. 100% of the wool in point6's socks is compact spun wool. On top of that added benefit of the compact spun wool, you've got the normal temperature regulation benefits of wool; keeps your warm when you need it, cool when you don't.
- point6 makes a variety of activity specific socks- hiking, skiing, cycling, running... you name it, point6 makes a sock for it! I tried out the Hiking Medium Crew, Skiing Light Cushion and the Skiing Ultralight Cushion, and loved all 3! The Skiing Light Cushions were my favorites- they're fairly light, so you're not sacrificing circulation with a bulky sock, have a great amount of cushion over the shin area, and have awesome heel cups.
- After days of consecutive wear (we won't talk about how many days I've actually gone without washing my socks), my point6 socks were the only ones that maintained their shape and comfort level.
- As a gear tester, I've tested a lot of socks. point6, hands down, is the best fitting and most comfortable sock for my foot that I've seen thus far. Hats off to the guys at point6 for making one (actually several!) really great sock!
point6 Socks- Quick Figures
- Available in sizes small-xlarge, equating to shoe sizes women's 4 thru men's 14.5
- Average price for a ski sock = $19.95
- Average price for a running sock = $13.00
- Average price for a hiking sock = $16.95
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Bridgedale Ultra Fit Ski Socks
Extra-thin socks have been standard-issue my ski socks now for years. I prefer the close-to-boot feel and have typically had a very slim, race-fit with my ski boots. I have since come off that just a tad in favor of all-day comfort instead of rock-solid race-fit, but I still prefer a thin sock for skiing. From the legendary mills of Bridgedale, I now have in my hands (and on my feet) a comfortable, moisture-wicking and thin pair of ski socks, the Bridgedale Ultra Fit, Ultra Lightweight ski socks. They are thin, but have been built with lightweight support in mind (hence, they aren't just a simple thin sock). Built with WoolFusion (Merino Wool, Polypro, Nylon and Lycra) yarn to provide comfortable, stink-free and moisture-wicking performance, the Ultra Fit socks look and feel promising. At this point I've only worn them on dry runs indoors as I'm getting dialed in for the ski season, but the fit and comfort out the gate is phenomenal. Just the right mix of materials for elasticity, support and comfort with minimalist weights in high-flex areas for a bunch-free fit. I will provide a detailed report on performance during the season, so stay tuned. Features of the Bridgedale Ultra Fit ski socks:
- WoolFusion yarn blend: 38% Merino, 38% Endurofil, 22% Nylon and 2% Lycra
- Lightweight fit for snug-fitting boots
- Machine washable (see care instructions)
- 3-year Guarantee!
- Colors: Grey or Black
- MSRP: $24.95
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Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro Quarter Socks Review
Yup, me and socks... we have a love/hate relationship. Too thick and they make my feet sweat, not tight or supportive enough and they slip all around on my feet. I heart thin socks, but sometimes in the Winter, I do admit that I can endure trail running in a little thicker sock but when the weather is above 40 degrees and I've got a reasonable pair of trail running shoes, me and thin socks are a duo. While I'm quite fond of the Lorpen Multisport socks, the light weight and function of the Wigwam Ironman Triathlete Pro socks is similar to the Lorpen's to some extent. I've now used these socks both trail running and mountain biking and while the Lorpen's are still my #1 choice, these are a comparable sock for less money. The Ironman socks are thin, light and comfortable in trail runners or bike shoes. I really appreciated the moisture management capabilities and the thin feel. I like thin socks because it improves trail feel when running and keeps my tootsies cool. In the summer, I do all I can to avoid wearing socks, but if I must wear socks, they have to be ultrathin. Another nice thing about these socks is the toe stitching is reversed so the bulky part of the seam is on the outside instead of causing chaffing on your foot--nice. Not all is honky dory with the Wigwam Ironman Triathlete socks though. Yeah, they're ultralight, but ultralight doesn't have to mean unsupportive. When compared to the Lorpen Multisport, these socks completely lack any cross-support--they are a straight, no-nonsense thin sock. With feet as flat as mine, I can appreciate some support in the midfoot from a snug-fitting sock. These remain loose and really provide no support. The Good
- Ultralight and breathable
- Stays stink-free even after multiple bike rides
- Perfect height for trail running or cycling
- Excellent pricepoint (REI has 2 pair for $15)
- Reverse stitched toebox
- No built-in support
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Bridgedale X-Hale Speed Demon Socks
Bridgedale's socks are pretty much well... legendary. For thousands of years (well, not really, but next year the mill celebrates 100 years of making durable and comfortable socks). I've had a variety of Bridgedale socks at my disposal over the past few months and am typically drawn to the thinnest socks in the lot. In this case that's the new X-Hale Speed Demon socks. Here are a few details on the Bridgedale X-Hale Speed Demon socks:
- Fit & Function: Mapped impact cushioning, cooling ventilation.
- Construction: Light and highly breathable. T2 double loop cushioning for impact protection.
- Features: Light, fast wicking Tactel mesh removes excess perspiration. WoolFusion® combination of Merino Wool and Endurofil™ is mapped for maximum support and heel retention.
- Contents: 55% Nylon / polyamide, 23% Endurofil™ / polypropylene, 20% Merino Wool / laine merino, 2% Lycra® / elastane
- Colors: White/Maroon, White/Black, Grey/Black
- MSRP: $15.95/pair
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Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro Socks Review
Wisconsin is more famous for their cheese than their socks, but Sheboygan has been home to Wigwam Mills for over 100 years. This mill has turned out millions of pairs of socks over the years, but it wasn't until the past few months that I've had the pleasure of wearing a pair. The new Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro has been a comfortable and functional pair of socks from the get-go. I hate socks that stretch out and/or don't support your feet. There's something to be said for a nice, supportive pair of socks and these are just that. The supportive materials and ribs cradle every part of your feet to provide excellent support and enable improved moisture management--not to mention blister-prevention. The thickness of the Tail Wind Pro socks is just perfect for trail running, but still a teeny bit too thick for my cycling shoes. On the trail, I can really feel the extra cushion and support provided by these socks. They are also very durable and backed by a 2-year Comfort Guarantee. A great pair of socks for trail running or around town... the Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro. Buy Now: Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro Socks...
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