Teko Merino Wool Socks : For Light Hiking

On recent treks this summer along the Oregon Coast, at the Columbia River Gorge, and in the Cascade mountains, my feet felt pampered in these soft, lightweight socks.

What makes Teko socks unique is how they're made; the fabric is a blend of merino wool and recycled polyester. I knew that merino wool was an excellent moisture management fiber, but I didn't realize that plastic bottles could be recycled into socks! The result is a durable, comfortable sock with superior wicking abilities.

Knowing my feet were in good socks, I wasn’t too worried when I lost my footing at Elowah Falls and ended up in ankle-deep water. The Tekos dried quickly and didn't leave my skin clammy or cold. I also didn't have to worry about sweat drenching my socks and causing blisters or other problems.

While many of the socks tucked away in my dresser are made of synthetic fibers, I'm excited by the growing number of companies, such as Teko and SmartWool, that have reinvented wool for the 21st Century. Wool is a renewable resource and has long been the fiber of choice for mountaineers, sailors, skiers and others who play and work in the outdoors. Runners, cyclists, and some hikers often overlook the superior quality of wool – especially in warmer weather. The fact is, wool actually keeps you as cool in warm weather as it keeps you warm in cold weather. And the new fabrics aren't like those scratchy old sweaters you hated as a child. Merino is a luxurious, thin fabric that not only wicks with the best of them, but it doesn't retain odor. So I can wear the same socks for days before I have to wash them (meaning, I can pack fewer socks on backpacking trips).

Some other aspects of Teko I like: their packaging is minimal and printed on recycled chipboard; they’ve purchased enough wind energy credits to ensure that 100 percent of the electricity they use in manufacturing and operations goes into clean, sustainable wind energy; they are made in Mount Airy, North Carolina by workers who earn a fair wage.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who's fallen for these socks. In addition to earning high marks for comfort, Teko has also been recognized in the outdoor industry for their environmentally-friendly design, receiving the 2005 Editor’s Choice Award (in the Green category) from Backpacker Magazine.

Bottom LIne: Teko merino wool hiking socks are durable, soft, and stand up to sweat and rain without weighing heavy on the environment.--B.B. (Oct. ‘05)

Price: $16.95

Manufacturer's Site: www.tekosocks.com

Buy Online: ,