Application- THOR LON Hiking Protection Level 3 Sock

Application to test
THOR.LON
Hiking Protection Level 3 Sock
September 15, 2005

I would appreciate the opportunity to test the THOR.LON Hiking Protection 
Level 3 Sock. My tester agreement has been accepted and I have read the most 
current version of the Survival Guide (8/05) and agree to follow the 
guidelines. 

Personal Information: 
Leesa Joiner 
leesaj@xxxxxxxxx 
Southwestern Maine 
44 years old 
Female 
5'7" (1.7 M) 
160 lb. (73 kg) 
Size - Shoe size range: 9.5 - 11.5 US
Color Choice: Slate Blue

Background: 
My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in 
length from one day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking began with 
my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways 
in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. While enjoying the outdoors 
with my Girl Scout troop, friends and family, I spend time hiking, 
geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Although I am not 
a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to 'lighten up' and currently use a 
hammock for sleeping. 

Test Locations, Conditions and Time Frame:
During the fall I will be hiking in western Maine and central New Hampshire, 
with my children, scouts and with a group of friends. We typically either 
set up camp and hike out from the base camp, or we backpack in to a camping 
area. We are fortunate to live in an area where we can drive just a short 
distance and take advantage of some great hiking and camping. Most of my 
hiking is done below 3000 ft (914 m), but some spring climbs go over 4000 ft 
(1219 m). There is a wide range of types of terrain on these hikes - 
everything from well maintained trails to hiking through heavily wooded 
areas. Some trips involve backpacking into campsites and at other times I 
set up camp and hike out from there.
My Girl Scout troop is made up of young girls who are just getting their 
first experience with being outdoors for extended periods. We do at least 
one full day hike a month, and an over night trip every other month. This 
allows me time to get out with my own children and a group of friends. 
I am planning on hiking Mt. Chocura in New Hampshire with my family and some 
friends over the long Columbus Day weekend. We would also be hiking the 
weekend of September 24th, while my older son visits Maine Maritime Academy. 
There are some coastal hiking trails that we've been wanting to try. 
Other backpacking trips will be of a more spontaneous nature - day hikes and 
geocaching, along with fishing in the Saco River. We fish frequently both 
locally in fresh water lakes, and in the Atlantic Ocean which is only about 
a 45 minute drive from our house. 
Later in the fall I will be camping with my sons' Boy Scout troop in western 
Maine for 4 nights (where I am the cooking merit badge counselor). My Girl 
Scout troop's Fall Camporee will be held in mid-November and will be for 3 
nights. 
During the winter, I spend as much time snow shoeing and cross country 
skiing as possible. I am usually doing that while my kids are ice fishing. 
On average, we spend at least one day a week playing in the cold, and one 
weekend a month camping. 


Test Plan: I would wear the socks. Besides that, (although that is the most 
important part) I would wear them with both my hiking boots (old Dexters), 
my Dunham Terrastryder Lows and my Baffin Boots. Because I tend to wear 
heavy socks, fit will not be a problem. I will also be able to test in a 
wide range of temperatures. During the next 4-5 months, our temperatures 
should range from the current 80 F (27 C) down to below freezing. We 
typically have a wet fall and snow on the ground between November and 
December. I will have the chance to wear the Thorlo socks while hiking, 
skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Things I would be looking at while testing:
Comfort - how do the socks feel? Do they rub in any area? Does the fabric 
feel good against my skin? Does the padding really protect my foot from 
blistering?
Breathability- Do my feet perspire? If the socks become wet either from my 
skin or from outside moisture, how quickly will they dry? Will they still 
keep my skin warm if they are wet? 
Construction - How well are they made? Do they maintain their shape after 
washing and wearing repeatedly? Is there enough elastic in the sock to keep 
the top from sliding down? Does the elastic in the ankle area keep it from 
bunching up?

I take extra socks with me, even on a day hike. I don't like uncomfortable 
feet. I'll hike in the rain or snow, as long as my feet feel good. Luckily, 
that isn't too difficult. Good shoes and good socks keep me and my feet 
happy. If given the opportunity to test these socks, I will wear them on 
well over 8 occasions during the first stage of testing, and over 8 during 
the Long Term Test stage. 

Thanks for your consideration, Leesa.

Current Tests:

Swiss Tool Spirit - LTR - October 2005
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Knives/Multi-tools/Victorinox%20SwissTool%20Spirit/Leesa%20Joiner


Test being Monitored

Spyderco - Delica Spyderedge
Keen Footwear - Boulder
Flatworld - Orikaso Picnic Set
GoLite - Eisenhower Tunnel Shelter
Spyderco - Triangle Sharpmaker
Past Tests:
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tester_reviews/leesajo

Owner Reviews:

Mt. Washington 20 F Down Bags
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/LL%20Bean%20Mt%20Washington%200%20F%20Down%20Bag/Owner%20Review%20by%20Leesa%20Joiner/

Excalibur Dehydrator
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Food%20Preparation%20Gear/Dehydrators/Excalibur%202900%20Dehydrator/Owner%20Review%20by%20Leesa%20Joiner/

Peterson Field Guide
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Books/Field%20Guides/Owner%20Review%20by%20Leesa%20Joiner/



-- 
This land is your land, this land is my land...
Woody Guthrie


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