L.L. Bean Primaloft Socks : Wicking and Warmth

Situated on British Columbia's "wet coast," with an average rainfall of over 135 inches per year, Clayoquot Sound is home to an ancient temperate rain forest.

It's an incredible place to hike, but you need the right gear for the misty, muddy trails. My new L.L. Bean Primaloft socks looked more like something I'd wear for a dry weather run, but I trusted the idea of a wool/Primaloft blend and wore them anyway.

Of course, I never looked back. Light and slim inside my shoes, the All Sport socks offered constant warmth and unexpected comfort. Unobtrusive cushioning kept my feet comfortable, and superior water repellency kept me dry all day long. Even after crossing a small, freezing cold, estuary in bare feet, the All Sports rose to the challenge--wicking water away from my skin and warming my feet once back on the trail.

I never needed the extra socks I packed that day (or any of the days I spent in the rainforest.) I continued to wear my All Sports on trek after trek, staying dry and comfortable in the infamous Clayoquot rain.

Bottom Line: Lightweight yet hard-wearing, L. L. Bean's Primaloft All Sport socks are perfect for both serious hiking and everyday use. At $12.50 a pair, the well-proportioned low-cut socks, with their Primaloft performance microfiber and serious wicking action, offer excellent value.--N. P. (Oct '06)

Price: $12.50 (2 for $19.95)

Manufacturer's Site: www.llbean.com

Buy Online: www.llbean.com