The new Sealskinz Thin Knee Cuff socks are waterproof socks that are useful for a range of activities and conditions, where additional coverage, minimal insulation and maximum breathability are required.
Features include:
- 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable (constructed with patented Stretchdry technology)
- Knee length sock for protection higher up the leg
- Moisture control and comfort with a Merino Wool lining
- Added insulation and versatility with Nylon/Acrylic blended roll over top cuff
- Elasticated ankle and instep
- Y-gore heel construction for a secure and comfortable fit
- Hand linked toe closure flat seam to prevent rubbing
- Price: £38
- See Sealskinz
On test: Sealskinz Thin Knee Cuff Socks
I gave the socks to an old school friend Jones at Sea to test. As the name suggests, she spends a lot of time at sea. She has been sailing the world with her partner for the past 30 years, both for work and pleasure. Jones at Sea also spends time at her base in the Azores. And sometimes she makes it to Scotland. When she does, she usually goes for a walk or two and frequently finds herself in wet and boggy terrain.
This is the perfect type of testing ground for a pair of Sealskinz Thin Knee Cuff Socks. Jones at Sea wore the socks on a long, boggy walk in the Pentland hills. In fact, she wore the socks on her feet inside a pair of walking boots that were already soaked through after a wet three days spent on the Isle of Rhum.
Jones at Sea said: “I can report the socks really are totally waterproof. After four hours of wet boots, frequent bogs and a couple of inadvertent slips into the burn, the boots were well and truly saturated, but when I took the socks off, the inside was remarkably dry.
“For good measure, and just because it occurred to me, I turned one sock inside out, filled it with water and hung it on the line for about 48 hours. No water leaked out and the outside (really the inside!) was completely dry. So, if you were really stuck, these socks would even be handy for carrying extra water up to the campsite.
“The only minor downside was that my feet got a bit sweatier than normal, which might be rather personal but I don’t normally get sweaty feet. The socks also felt a bit itchy and I don’t have sensitive skin.” (Note: This could be a sensitivity to the merino lining.)
Jones at Sea will be taking the socks on further travels on the sea and in the Azores. I am hoping she will report back when she gets a moment.
The waterproof socks cost £38 and are sold in different colours and other styles. See Sealskinz.
Sealskinz waterproof bobble hat
There is also a matching Sealskinz waterproof hat that includes these features:
- 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable
- Acrylic knitted outer for durability
- Micro fleece inner lining for warmth and moisture control
- Pom-pom bobble and a soft and stretchy knitted roll-over cuff for additional comfort
- Price: £28.
I tested the hat during torrential rain.The Sealskinz waterproof fabric is quite thick and stiff. I guess it has to be like this to be properly waterproof. And, at first, the hat feels a bit bulky and stiff to wear. But this feeling soon disappears. The hat also does an excellent job of keeping out the wet.
I think most people might prefer to choose a hat in a different colour – there are lots of choices – but if you like bright and colourful then this will suit you well.
See Sealskinz.