Farm to Feet Damascus Medium Weight Technical Crew Review
This versatile hiking sock is a perfect option for everything from short to long days on the trail
Credit: Farm to Feet
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Price: $24 List | $21.50 at AmazonPros: Comfortable, breathable, quick-to-dry, calf-height design, compatible with hiking boots & shoes Cons: Expensive, not suited for hot weather Manufacturer: Farm to Feet
By Amber King ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Oct 12, 2018
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Balancing comfort and performance, the Farm to Feet Damascus Medium Weight Technical Crew hiking sock is a perfect partner for a variety of adventures. Featuring a blend of synthetic and merino wool materials, this sock is the king of balancing the key elements in a hiking sock. In our testing period, we took it on a two-month adventure while backpacking, hiking, and running in Iceland and the Faroe Islands. On this escapade, we encountered swamps, rocky trails, high altitude sunny-scapes, humidity, torrential downpours and more. The whole time, the Damascus Midweight was our choice for battling these elements. Even though it doesn't win any awards, it certainly deserves one, simply because it is wickedly comfortable and high performing. Consider it for your next adventure into the unknown.
Product Revised
Farm to Feet tweaked the design of the Damascus sock. See the details below.
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Damascus Medium Weight vs. New Damascus Light Targeted Cushion
Since we tested this sock, it's been updated with a thinner overall weight and targeted cushioning mapped to "problem areas" of the foot. Compare the two models below; the Midweight model we tested is shown first, followed by the updated Damascus Light Targeted Cushion Crew.
We're linking to the updated model since it is more likely to be available at retailers, but until we've taken it out on the trails, our review below still tells of the previously tested Medium Weight sock.
Hands-On Review of the Damascus Medium Weight Technical Crew
A 100% American Merino-synthetic blend sock that is perfect for a variety of uses.
This mid-calf length sock is comfortable and fit for any adventure. Its midweight merino-wool blend is perfect for taking on the wet climates of Iceland! A perfect option for those seeking a hiker that can take on all types of weather conditions.
Credit: Amber King
Comfort
Featuring midweight cushioning and super soft materials, this is one comfortable sock! The length rides up to the calf, providing warmth and coziness on the coldest nights out on the trail. The cushioning is ample where needed, with 19.5-micron gauge Merino wool woven in a tightly packed configuration that limits bulk but still amps up comfort.
Ample cushioning in the heel and forefoot add additional comforts. In addition, the stretchy compression panelling around the arch of the foot keeps it in place while out on the trail.
Credit: Amber King
We took this sock with us through the Mountains of Colorado and into the swampy and cold climates of Iceland. Through it all, we appreciated the comfort of the materials underfoot, even when tackling 20+ miles in a day. Our only qualm is that the front of the foot isn't super fitted and when wet, it can bunch at the toe. Other then that, we appreciate the compression zones that keep the sock on foot and doesn't allow it to ride down while on the go.
Warmth
While this isn't the warmest sock on the market, it is certainly suited for use in all four seasons. As a midweight sock, it does wonderfully as both an activewear option while hiking or backpacking, and as a great lounge around option when temperatures dip way down.
Even when wet, these Merino wool socks keep your feet warm! Warm them around a cold campfire or while tackling the nastiest terrain you're willing to put your feet through.
Credit: Amber King
When hiking and backpacking in temperatures that dipped below zero, our feet were left warm and happy. Because of its longer length, this sock is our go-to option when short socks might be too cold. The extra length provides additional insulation. When wet, it still offers a lot of warmth, which is characteristic of socks constructed of primarily Merino wool.
Wicking and Breathability
Utilizing a fine-gauge Merino wool, wicking and breathability is not a problem. Farm to Feet does a wonderful job balancing both of these. We tested this sock primarily in the wet climate of Iceland and the Faroe Islands and found our feet to be comfortable and happy, minus the days where the sock was supersaturated from swampy endeavors. The wool-synthetic blend wicks away perspiration, but it won't keep you dry when completely wet…no sock will.
Hiking and running in wet climates demand a sock that will wick and breath well. Here we run it out at the start of a 20-mile day on the remote island of Hornstrandir in Iceland. Through this run, we encountered wet, sandy beaches, tall grass, and heavy rain. Through it all, this sock kept our feet relatively happy and warm.
Credit: Amber King
In addition to wicking ability, breathability is quite impressive. Utilizing 45% nylon in addition to 52% merino wool in the blend allows for better breathability than some 100% merino wool options. Also, while the fine-gauge wool provides comfort and cushion, strategically placed compression panels make for opportune airflow where it's needed most. This makes it a great choice for activities that require high and low activity. Everything from sitting around the campfire to running 20 miles in the rain.
The cozy fabrics are able to grab moisture and send them to the surface for quick wicking and ample breathability.
Credit: Amber King
Durability
My, my, aren't we impressed! Even after 200+ tumultuous miles of trudging through tangled terrain, we noticed only minor pilling and very little wear and tear. If you're in the market for a durable merino-blend option, this is a brilliant choice.
A look at some of the pilling after many, many miles. No fly-aways, tears, or deformities were noted.
Credit: Amber King
Farm to Feet is a 100% American company that not only sources its products within the USA but also sources its production to American workers. This brand also supports a 100% lifetime guarantee. If you're not happy, return it for a new pair!
Drying Speed
With a synthetic-merino wool construct, we are totally stoked about the drying speed of this sock. While tackling 20 miles of swamps and wet weather with high humidity, we hung our socks to dry. The Farm to Feet Damascus Midweight sock dried much faster than other 100% Merino wool options, making it a great option for long trekking days. When backpacking on the Hornstrandir Nature Preserve in Iceland, it served us well. During our controlled dryer tests, it proved to be one of the fastest to dry. Perfect for long or short adventures in wet weather.
One of the many ways we test our socks. Here we dry out two pairs in the faraway lands of Iceland while fastpacking through the Hornstrandir Nature Preserve. These climates are wet, testing how quickly each sock dries.
Credit: Amber King
Value
This is on the more expensive end of the sock spectrum. If you have a little extra cash, don't be afraid to splurge as it features a lifetime guarantee and versatile performance. That said, if you're on a budget, other options might suffice for your needs.
Run, hike, explore! We took these socks for a walk in the fjords of the Faroe Islands, a small island cluster hardly found on any maps, southwest of Iceland. A perfect place for this versatile hiking sock.
Credit: Amber King
Conclusion
This 100% home-grown American sock is perfect for those seeking a hiker that is multi-faceted and functional for a wide range of activities. The synthetic-merino wool blend balances the best of both fabrics, making it a great option for everything from day hiking to backpacking for days.
Enjoy the views. Here we hang out at the top of a peak in Southwest Colorado. This sock is suited for all conditions... rain or shine.
In search of a cozy and comfortable sock with will perform...
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