Review: Icebreaker Socks

Here is another worthy purchase for your trip afield or everyday use. If you haven't caught on yet that I am a sock snob or better said connoisseur of fine socks than the cat is out of the bag. This is my unbiased, unsolicited review of Icebreaker Socks.

I have been wearing Icebreaker's Hike + Mid Crew and Hike + Lite Crew socks for a good month now. These socks are different right off the bat. First, I noticed how they are anatomically designed for your feet with an obvious heel pocket. Not your standard "tube" sock design of one style fits all.  These socks are mid calf height and comfortable right from the start. This is how Icebreaker describes them. First the Hike + Mid Crew: 


"With strategic cushioning around the Achilles and underfoot, the exceptionally comfortable  Hike Mid Crew is ideal for long distance hikes in colder conditions. Superb temperature control and high breathability, which prevents clamminess". 


These socks are for rated for cold to very cold temps and I agree as long as you are moving. Personally I like a little thicker, heavier weight sock for very cold temps. The quality of Icebreaker's Merino Wool is unparalleled and has zero itch factor. The socks performed and fit well, and I would certainly not hesitate to add more to my collection. Fiber content 65% merino wool, 32 % nylon, 3% elastane. Cost $ 20.00


Their lighter weight cousin Hike + Lite Crew is well suited for a Spring Goose hunt or early Fall deer hunt. Same great construction and attention to detail. Just a lighter weight and suited for year round hiking. Both socks fit well, didn't  bunch up or migrate while wearing them, nor did my feet get clammy or damp. Also they did not smell after a days use. Fiber content 77% merino wool, 19% nylon, 4% elastine. Cost $ 19.00

I also tested the Icebreaker Multi Sport Cushion Micro sock. As a road cyclist a good pair of socks are critical as there are only 3 points of contact on a bike. Hot spots, numb feet or ill fitting socks can ruin an otherwise wonderful ride. These socks I absolutely loved and will certainly add more to my collection. Just the right weight for summer cycling and with the 55% merino wool my feet were happy from start to finish. Great fit, great cut and no seams on toes to irritate. The same is true regarding toe seams for all their socks. Specially designed LIN toe seams to reduce bulk and prevent blisters. Fiber content 55% merino wool, 43% nylon, 2% elastine. Cost $ 17.00

All in all I give Icebreaker Socks a big thumbs up and found them well built, easy to wash and wear, no pilling and no stink. That's a lot of plus's in my book as well as Icebreaker's 30 day money back guarantee if you are not happy with them for any reason.

 If you've been following Women's Hunting Journal for awhile then you know I have been a big fan of Icebreaker clothing and especially the Women's 260 Tech Top. I am wearing one now, honestly! Still can't give it enough rave reviews, love it.  To read my review click on the highlighted link. One last tidbit about Icebreaker products that is truly unique is their "baacode" which is on all packaging. This allows the customer to go online and input the code to see specifically where the wool came from. As in which sheep in New Zealand are sporting the wool of your new favorite pair of socks, tech top, coat or any other Icebreaker product. Talk about eco friendly renewable resources. Baacode rules!
Thanks Icebreaker for making quality products and your great customer service, 1st rate!

Women's Hunting Journal  Integrity For The Hunt


Disclaimer: I  am not employed nor sponsored by Icebreaker. The opinion expressed  here is mine only and there have been no financial gains made regarding this review. 

Getting Back To Basics

It happens to just about everyone at some point in their life. That is being new to a sport and thinking that one of everything that the retailer offers is required for success. Actually that can be quite misleading for a newbie. Be it golf, skiing, mountain biking, fishing and last but not least hunting. The most expensive golf clubs, mtn. bike, spin or fly rod nor the best firearm will not make you an overnight success. What will make you successful is paying your dues and putting in the time where it matters the most. That is called practice, practice, practice.

In all honesty a beginner will not and does not have the knowledge or ability to tell the difference between the entry level gear and top of the line. Other than looking at the price tag. It's easy to get sucked in to the glossy ads telling you how much better you'll be or do if you use their products. Sounds good and after all that's what your goal is, so why not buy into the hype? Firstly anyone starting a new sport has a lot to learn and the marketing directed at them is very effective at emptying their pockets. What they really need is instruction from a friend or an honest retailer who wants a long term relationship and not a one time exploitation. Marketing does work, just look at all the companies competing for our hard earned money.

Do you really think a set of Tiger Woods golf clubs are going to make a novice hit the ball like Tiger? Not for a second. Nor will a $10,000.00 road bike make you ride like Lance Armstrong.
It takes years and I mean years of practice in all types of conditions to make someone proficient at their sport. It holds equally true for the shooting sports as well.

It's good to remember that there is a learning curve and with each progressive year you will get a little wiser and more savvy about hunting overall. It takes many years to get your gear dialed in just as there are many different types of waterfowl habitat and ways to hunt them. From the Canadian plains to the flooded timber of Arkansas and the prairie potholes to the coastal sea ducks and western rivers and sloughs to flooded grain fields and the list goes on. I think you get my drift. It takes a lot of years to figure it out.

If one chooses they can buy the latest in high tech waders (although there's only so much that can be done with a wader) the wader pants with the stirrup so they don't ride up and various un necessary under garments and outer wear. Plus hats, face masks, gloves etc. etc. etc. That's just barely the tip of the iceberg!

Lets get back to the basics here can we please. We are duck hunters, waterfowlers and we (or at least myself and those I hunt with) relish the fact that we get to play in the muck! OH HAPPY DAY! We get dirty, crawling in the mud through the marsh for a chance at a goose. It may not even be there by the time we get in range. That doesn't matter, what does is the possibility and how we choose to act. We're still kids at heart and I for one really enjoy getting muddy. It's just fun. I hunt with gear that I have used for over 3 decades and it serves me well. If there was something better now I'd buy it, but I haven't seen it yet.

I am a firm believer that the clothes do not make the hunter, golfer, skier or whatever it is you do. Stick to the basics, they have been around a very long time for a reason, plain and simple they work. Get a coat that is waterproof for late season, a pair of waders if needed, rubber boots, some good warm synthetic or new generation wool base layers plus a pair of wool or fingerless gloves and a hat. All camo and then you'll be able to save your hard earned money for steel shot and a hunting vest or duck strap. If all goes well, maybe you'll be thinking about a 4 legged hunting partner, a field blind and even some decoys for the following season.

Try a few different types of shotguns and use the one that feels most comfortable to you. If you need a recoil pad to help absorb the kick, then find a reputable gunsmith to do the work. I wouldn't get crazy buying an expensive shotgun right off the bat. Rather stick to a company that has a long lasting reputation. The next gun you get will be your pride and joy and then your first will be your back up. Good to take 2 guns with you if you have them. Things can and do break occasionally.

Ultimately stick to the basics, keep it simple and you'll be fine. Granted there is a ton more stuff on the market, but how many coats or waders etc. etc. can you wear at a time? Hunting for me and my friends is still about being out there and not about a fashion statement.

Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt

Review: Icebreaker 260 Tech Top

I accidentally happened upon this product a year ago when I received a shirt as a gift (wrong size) and the store didn't have my size, so I decided to splurge and try the Icebreaker. The store owner told me that all of her employees wear Icebreaker and not synthetics anymore. I was interested to find out for myself just what the buzz was about.

It didn't take me long to understand what her employees were raving about. To start with the top is made with 100% pure New Zealand merino wool. It does not itch, is excellent at wicking moisture and insulates when wet . This top has a long zipper to help control temperature. It has long sleeves with thumb holes which I found quite beneficial in helping to keep my hands warm during late season hunts. I did not feel that the thumb holes interfered with my gun handling abilities nor did they impede circulation. The Tech Top has long tails which also help keep the back side warm when sitting or lying in a ground blind. I really like that feature. I was perhaps most amazed with the fact that after 5 days of hauling 747 goose shells, ground blind etc. that I didn't stink to high heavens! The Tech Top does not hold oder. Let me say that again, it does not hold oder! Unlike capilene and other synthetics, which in less than half day is stinky after shuffling decoys or walking and jump shooting. Being a big game huntress the fact that the Tech Top doesn't hold oder is a huge plus. I am looking forward to the start of Elk hunting this Sat. Oct. 18, '08. Let me also say that it feels good against my skin, cozy and comfy. It hugs your body comfortably and moves with you. Yet retains its shape and doesn't get baggy after time.

I found the Tech Top to be quite versatile regarding temperature ranges for the sheer fact that is has a long zipper to adjust for heat dissipation. Also I can snuggle my nose and cheeks under the turtleneck when it is fully zipped. That is an added bonus when it's windy and or cold.

As for the seams, I did not have any discomfort at all from any of them. No chafing, or jabbing from poor workmanship. This is the best of the best from my experience. The price is a bit steep, although considering the tops versatility, durability and the "no stink" factor I can easily get past the cost. Retail is $99.99 for the top and is offered in several color choices. I am going to continue to give this top a work out and will let you know if my opinion changes. Honestly, I don't think that will happen with this product.

It reminds of when Thorlo socks were all the rage before SmartWool came on the scene. I had saved and saved to acquire a weeks worth of Thorlo's and then here came Smart wool. After I tried SmartWool socks that was it, sorry Thorlo's. I am now the proud wearer of Smart wool socks for all seasons. So, I am now saving for more Icebreaker products in different weights for the various seasons. Thanks Icebreaker for making such a wonderful product.

Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt

Disclaimer: No financial gains were made for my impartial review