Twenty years ago in the Basque region of Spain, a company called Lorpen started developing highly technical socks for outdoor adventures. Over the last couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to put to the test the Lorpen Tri Layer Midweight Hiker, a women’s hiking sock designed to be highly wicking, and have the perfect ratio of cushioning for all day comfort.
Unlike SmartWool and Goodhew socks, the Lorpen Tri Layer Midweight Hikers are definitely less bulky. I noticed that immediately each time I used them. I used them on long day hikes, one backpacking trip, and a couple of snowshoeing outings.
How they work:
The Tri Layer technology of Lorpen socks means that there are 3 layers (hence “tri layer”!).
- Layer 1: Synthetic Material. This layer helps wick moisture.
- Layer 2: Natural Material. This layer helps suck the moisture from Layer 1 and keep feet drier for longer periods of time.
- Layer 3: Synthetic Material. The outer layer is made of nylon to add durability to the socks.
The Pros:
- Highly Wicking. These socks definitely did a good job wicking away sweat each time I wore them. Since they are less bulky, they also seemed to retain less moisture.
- Comfortable. They fit well and are definitely suitable for long days on the trail.
The Cons:
- Lack of bulk. Some people will definitely think this is a pro. For me, since I have narrow, thin feet, I generally like extra cushion. This is just a matter of preference!
- Price. Just like SmartWool socks, these Lorpen socks retail for $17.99, but can often be founded discounted at various online retailers. While I think it is definitely worth the investment by any serious hiker, the price is definitely steeper than brands like Goodhew.
Treat Your Feet Right! Hiking Lady’s Tips:
