Application to test the Thorlo Ultra Light Hiking Socks - Marie-Noëlle

Please accept my application to test the Thorlo Ultra Light Hiking
Socks (Protection Level 1).
I have read the BackpackGearTest Survival Guide v.1202 and will comply
with its chapter 5 requirements. My signed agreement is on file.

If selected I'd like to test a women size 7-9, crew length and prefer
the hazelnut brown color if available, though moss green will also be
fine.


Tester bio:
------------
Name: Marie-Noelle Augendre
Age: 47
Gender: Female
Height: about 5 ft 2 in (1,57 m)
Weight: 152 lbs (69 kg)
Email address: augendre.bgt@xxxxxxxxx
City, Country: Paris, France

Backpacking Background:
-------------------------------
I started backpacking seven years ago, day-hiking in Ile-de-France all
year round, and doing several one or two-weeks trips in more
mountainous regions (Corsica, Pyrénées, Cévennes, Lubéron, etc.) each
year. As I usually go solo, and am a bit gear-addict, my backpack used
to be on the heavy side. I'm currently reviewing my gear bit by bit in
order to go lighter: hammock and home-made tarp instead of a tent,
alcohol stove, ULA backpack, trainers in lieu of boots, etc.

Testing strategy:
-------------------
As my feet tend to swell up and sweat a lot when backpacking, I try to
always wear the lightest, more wicking and fastest drying socks I can
find; that's why, even for winter hiking, I'd rather go for the
Protection Level 1 than the more thicker socks.
During the testing period, I intend to wear these socks as often as
possible, especially when day-hiking in France, and as night socks
during a two-week dog-sledding trip in northern Quebec. I might also
try them as a first layer under the big warm socks I'll be wearing
during the day in Quebec outdoors. Additionally, I see no reason not
to wear them regularly indoors or when attending to other occupations,
whatever they might be: the more I'll use them, the better.
I also have applied to test the Teko Merino Wool socks, but I don't
see any incompatibility at testing both at the same time if I happen
to be selected for each: as my feet sweat a lot, I usually change
socks every day, washing the used pair at night and leaving it to dry
the following day while I wear another pair.

Testing location:
-------------------
For the most part of the testing period, I'll be hiking once or twice
a week in Ile de France, where I expect temperatures mainly in the
23°F / 59°F range (–5°C / 15°C), with various conditions of wind and
humidity (mist, showers, fog, dry weather, to name a few). Grounds
here are gently hilly, definitely under the tree-line, and elevations
should remain in the 165 ft / 1150 ft range (50 m / 350 m).
As you mightn't guess... "Ile de France" has nothing to do with an
island of some kind, but is the name of the region that stretches for
almost 3 million acres (1.2 million ha) around Paris. Though it is a
relative highly urbanized area, it none the less contains almost
690,000 acres (278,000 ha) of forests, which make up a great field for
day hiking, especially as many places can be reached using public
transportation during a less than one hour travel.

I'll also spend 2 weeks in December dog-sledding in northern Quebec,
camping on the trail during the most part of the trip, either in a
tent or – if I can bear it – hammocking; in this area, the low
temperatures could easily reach –31°F (-35°C). Elevations won't be
very higher than in Ile de France, but the conditions might be quite
harsh as we will be in the north of the 49th parallel. There I should
only encounter dry conditions, unless the temperatures go up all of a
sudden... or I happen to fall in a river after breaking the ice layer
(I will definitely try to avoid that scenario however).

To sum up:
1) the field report period will comprise about 8-20 day hikes in Ile
de France (it is difficult to be specific there, as the hiking society
I belong to organizes day hikes almost every day of the year –
sometimes 10 different outings or more on Sundays; the program is
known only a few weeks in advance, and I often choose my trip the very
day before I go!)
2) the long-term report period will comprise a 10-12 "days and nights"
trip in Quebec, and another 5-8 day hikes in Ile de France during the
remaining 6 weeks (same remark as above).

Testing plan:
---------------
When testing the Thorlo Ultra Light Hiking Socks, I will especially
focus on the following issues:

1) Fit and comfort:
Will be the fabric be comfortable against the skin? With no itching,
whether them being dry or somewhat damp? Will they smell like "wet
wool" when damp?
How will they fit to my feet? Not too tight, nor making creases in any part?
When walking, won't they tend to slip down along my calves?
Will they remain comfortable after a several subsequent walking days,
when washing is not an option? What about remaining odours in such
conditions (fortunately, and though they perspire heavily, my feet
don't tend to smell so much).

2) Breathability / drying ability:
Will they provide enough moisture wicking and breathability so my feet
stay as dry as possible?  When they'll be damp, either from sweat of
water (after a shower or crossing a stream, for example), will my feet
tend to macerate in them? When damp, will they dry quickly, even
exposed to feet-warmth only?
When washed at the end of a hiking-day, could I expect them to be dry
enough on the following morning, so I can put them on for walking the
next day.

3) Maintenance and care:
I'll be sure to apply the manufacturer recommendations regarding the
maintenance and care of these socks; and of course they will be washed
a number of times all along the testing period. A couple of things
will been given special consideration: will they keep its pristine
look, its elasticity, without pilling; won't they tend to shrink after
a few washings? Will they retain any odour?

4) Durability:
I'll expect the Thorlo Ultra Light Hiking Socks to bear nicely with
the whole four-month test period, but I'll check any possible wearing
sign: thinning parts (heel, big toe), holes, slacking cuff, etc.

In addition, I will report on anything else I might observe that could
be useful for a potential user / buyer of the Thorlo Ultra Light
Hiking Socks.


Previous reports:
-------------------

- Inka Pen: Initial Report
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Books/Blank%20Journals%20and%20Writing%20Implements/Inka%20Pen/Marie-Noelle%20Augendre/

- Chaco Z/2 Sandals: Initial Report and Field Report:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Sandals/Chaco%20Z2%20Sandals/Marie-Noelle%20Augendre



Owner Reviews:
-------------------

- OR Leki Wanderfreund poles:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Trekking%20Poles/Poles/Leki%20Wanderfreund/Owner%20Review%20by%20Marie-Noelle%20Augendre/

- OR Sea to Summit Premium Silk Liner:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Summer%20Bags%20and%20Liners/Sea%20to%20Summit%20Premium%20Silk%20Liner/Owner%20Review%20by%20Marie-Noelle%20Augendre/

- OR Helsport Stetind 1 Tent:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Shelters/Tents/Helsport%20Stetind%201%20Tent/Owner%20Review%20by%20Marie-Noelle%20Augendre/

- OR Garmin GPS Geko 301:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Navigation%20and%20Map%20Gear/GPS/Garmin%20Geko%20301/Owner%20Review%20by%20Marie-Noelle%20Augendre/


Completed tests:
-------------------
None at this time


Tests in progress :
--------------------
 - Moving Comfort Bra: not yet received
 - Inka Pen: in the Field testing phase
 - Chaco Z/2 Sandals: in the Long Term testing phase



-- 
Marie-Noëlle
Wilderness Addict
http://mnaugendre.blogspot.com/


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