As we push our limits on weight of backpacking gear some ultralighters tend to stray beyond the normal boundary to achieve that increadability.
Take sleeping bags just as an instance. We look at what the manufacturers are offering and check the specifications of extreme temperature range and balance that against the overall weight.
Sometimes we pick a bag that in all respects does not do quite meet the temperatures that we may encounter but it meets the weight limits we set and therefore we overcome the deficiency in performance by wearing some of our day gear or that ultralight down jacket when night temperatures fall.
Whilst down equipment is very expensive, it is necessary, to keep the bulk of the rucksack as small as possible.
So, for long distance treks like the Scottish TGO challenge walk coming up quite soon, The KIMM or the OMM or for the odd weekend away these down socks may be just what you are looking for to enhance your kit.
These are Made by Ringsted Dun A/S of Denmark
'NOMITE' and OEKO-TEX 100/1000 certified. Allergy and Asthma Safe Washable at an incredible 60°C.
In the UK they are sold by the Feather Company, London
I called the company and asked for permission to use the above photograph and had a chat with a very nice lady about the product and My Blog. She was very pleased for me to use the picture and to post a link.Link to website
The
socks are available for Ladies (one size 5-7) and Men (one size 8-10). Packaged in a white cotton drawstring tote bag, allergy safe and washable at 60°C/Tumble Dry.
For the outdoors the supplied tote bag can be changed by yourself to a small dry bag.
On the down side, no pun intended, these down socks are not made specifically for the outdoor scene and the outer covering is down proof cotton rather than a water resistant material such as Pertex.
But that doesn't mean that they cannot be used as part of a lightweight sleeping system. Hence me sharing this with you here.
On the up side is the cost:- £27.00, which makes a purchase well worth considering.
Most of us use a dry bag for compressing sleeping bags in the rucksack and therefore if you keep these socks inside the sleeping bag for transporting, then their is no need to go to the expensive offerings from the more usual outdoor kit suppliers.
There is also the possibility of spraying the cotton with something like Fabsil if you think it necessary, but my feeling is to try them first.
