Another report from special OM agent Oliver at the recent
Friedrichshafen outdoor trade show, this time a scoop report on
Primaloft's venture into socks. Apparently they're
about wicking rather than warmth - take it away Oliver...
In scorching temperatures Primaloft Spin made its European
debut to anticipated indifference. In the hot conditions
frankly, cold feet were the last thing on our minds, but I was
pleased to pick up a pair of new Primaloft Spin socks all the
same. They have the tag line "feel the difference" - though I
think I'll stick to wearing my thin cotton socks for now thanks.
The socks - made by Fox River above - are a mixture of
merino wool and polyester Primaloft fibres (with half the diameter of
cashmere or 2/5ths the diameter of a merino fibre) spun
together. I have been assured that the Primaloft fibres are not
there for warmth, but add greater softness and improve wicking.
The Spin fibres function in an altogether different way than those
in traditional Primaloft, which are famed for warmth and moisture
repellence - not wicking. To illustrate this point their
salesmen quote a NCSU vertical
wicking test performance of over 10cm, compared with plain
merino's 5cm (or so they claim). They also claim 30% faster drying
times over a plain merino equivalent.
Just so you know there really is Primaloft in there, Spin fibres
are visible occasionally sprouting from the loops on the inside of
the sock - and of course they come in the usual foot shaped form! No
change there then...
You can expect to see Primaloft Spin socks early in
2007.
More about Primaloft at www.primaloft.com
