APPLICATION to test: Thorlo Socks Levels 1, 2, and 3 - Jennifer Williams

Please accept my application to test the Thorlo Socks Protection Levels 1, 2, 
and 3. I have 
read and understood the Survival guide v.1202 (in particular, chapter 5) and 
agree to 
follow all guidelines within. My signed tester agreement is on file.

TESTER BIO
Name: Jennifer Williams
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m)
Weight: 120 lbs (56 kg)
Shoe size: 10 women (US)
Email: jensmail78 (at) yahoo.com
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Date: September 16, 2005

Backpacking Background: 

I grew up horseback riding, camping, and hiking, but I just started backpacking 
about two 
years ago. All of my trips have been one or two night stays. My trips normally 
range from 
coastal trails in the redwoods to mountainous terrain in the Sierra Nevadas. I 
tend to hike 
where I encounter rain and dampness. This year I am looking forward to making 
some 
longer trips in northern California and gaining more experience. I am not a 
lightweight 
backpacker yet, but would like to reduce my current pack weight significantly.

FIELD INFORMATION

Central and Northern California Coasts: 
Locations will include multiple state parks and national forests ranging in 
elevations from 
0 to 6000 feet (1800 meters). I will take multiple day hikes and at least two 
two or three 
day backpacking trips mostly on maintained trails with gradual elevation gains. 
Trails will 
vary between dry and rocky to damp and sometimes muddy conditions with 
occasional 
stream crossings. Temperatures will be between 40 to 80 F (4 to  C) with 
increasing 
chances of rain as the months progress. I typically carry a small day pack 
weighing about 5 
lbs (2.3 kg) and my backpack usually weighs 25 to 30 lbs (11 to 13 kg). 

Sierra Nevadas: 
I will go on a short, one or two night backpacking trip in Tahoe National 
Forest at 
elevations between 7000 to 9000 feet (2100 to 2700 meters). Temperatures are 
typically 
between 30 and 60 F (-1 to 16 C). Most of the trails should be somewhat 
maintained and 
mostly dry. There will be a few stream crossings and possible rain. 

I will use the socks almost exclusively in the Teva Steep XCRs that I am 
currently testing. 
However, I will also use them in my sturdier Montrail Torre GTX hiking boots 
(see owner 
review). Both pair of shoes are waterproof. I currently use wool hiking and 
light hiking 
socks on all of my hikes. I will wear the Ultra Light Level 1 and the Trail 
Running Level 2 
socks on warmer days and will use them for more vigorous, high paced activities 
like fast 
hikes or trail running. I will use the Level 3 Hikers more for cooler weather 
and slower, 
endurance activities like backpacking.

TEST PLAN:

My plan for these socks is simply to wear them on every hiking or backpacking 
outing that 
I go on. During the test period I should be hiking at least one day of most 
weekends and 
will encounter a variety of weather. Over the course of the test I will 
encounter pretty 
warm, dry days that will transition into wet, cold days in the fall. I 
frequently switch back 
and forth between light hiking socks and regular hiking socks depending on the 
weather 
of a given weekend, so testing all three types of socks will not be a problem. 
Additionally, 
I am already testing trail shoes and insoles, so I have footwear on the brain. 
The Thorlo 
socks will be simple to integrate into my ongoing tests. 

I will pay close attention to how dry the socks keep my feet and if they help 
with a couple 
of hot spots that tend to develop blisters on long hikes. The socks should be 
tight enough 
to stay in place without being uncomfortable. Do the seams chafe along my toes? 
Do the 
socks generally provide a bit of support to help prevent foot fatigue? Since 
both pair of my 
hiking shoes are lined with Goretex they can be a little warmer than other 
shoes. Do the 
socks help vent heat well and wick moisture away quickly? Do they develop 
excessive odor 
(my feet aren't typically very smelly)? ;) Are the socks durable after extended 
wear and 
washing? Does the fabric snag easily? Are the socks itchy or irritating? Are 
the transitions 
between air vent sections and cushioned sections smooth or are there distinct 
seams that 
could rub?

With regards to testing the different types of Thorlo socks, I will expect the 
Ultra Light 
Hikers to be cooler and quite thin for warm weather. Given that they are 
thinner, do they 
still provide enough cushioning and protection from blisters? Is the women 
specific design 
noticeably more supportive for my narrow feet? 

The Trail Runners with Coolmax should be a combination of light ventilation and 
protective padding. Since this sock is only available in unisex sizes I will be 
curious to see 
if it is narrow enough for my feet without bunching up. I also develop tender 
spots under 
the balls of my feet and would like to see if the padding in this sock helps 
alleviate that.

I would expect more cushioning and warmth from the Hikers. Do the hikers bunch 
up or 
take up a lot of extra space in my shoes? Despite being thicker/heavier, do the 
hikers still 
breath well? I am very intrigues by the "lace pad" on top of the sock. I 
develop pain from 
the laces and tongues of many of my boots and definitely like to evaluate a 
sock that 
might alleviate that pain.

If only chosen to test these socks I need the women's size 9.5-11. My 
preferences in order 
are:
1. Trail Protection Level 2: walnut heather
2. Trail Protection Level 1: hazlenut brown minicrew
3. Trail Protection Level 3: slate blue

Thank you for considering my application.

Current Tests:

Teva Steep XCR Trail Shoes
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Trail%20Shoes/
Teva%20Steep%20XCR/Jennifer%20Williams/

Spenco Day Hiker Footbeds
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Footbeds%20and%20Insoles/
Spenco%20OAS%20Day%20Hiker/Jennifer%20Williams/

Moving Comfort Daylite Bra: hasn't shipped yet

Completed Tests:

Heat Treat Warmers
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Health%20%26%20Safety/
Emergency%20and%20Survival%20Gear/Grabber%20Performance%20Group%20Warmers/
Jennifer%20Williams/

Previously Written Owner Reviews:

Owner Review- Sierra Designs Calamity Jane Down Sleeping Bag
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/
Sierra%20Designs%20Calamity%20Jane/Owner%20Review%20by%20Jennifer%20Williams/

Owner Review- Montrail Torre GTX Boots
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Boots/Montrail%20Torre%20GTX/
Owner%20Review%20by%20Jennifer%20Williams/





------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> 
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/60TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->