Sadly I’ve been injured recently which has delayed my getting around to giving the latest waterproof beanie and socks from Sealskinz so this review is a little later than I’d hoped but I’ve put both through their paces with some good trail runs and also a couple of very cold and boggy mountain bike rides (in the socks) and the feedback is a bit split so I’ll cover them separately.
Sealskinz waterproof socks
These are billed as waterproof and as a fan and long time user of Sealskinz products I have no complaints here, the double lined socks certainly do a good job of keeping your feet dry. I typically enjoy 10+ mile fell & trail runs and often the worse the conditions, the more I want to be outside so nothing really keeps you completely dry whatever the manufacturer says but these socks do a pretty decent job and for general running you’d be pretty comfortable for anything less than grim conditions.
The construction of the sock is a new one to me personally as they’re double layered which I found to be a bit loose fitting although I’m not able to say if this is because the sizing of the socks run a little on the large size. I had a pair of large socks and am a 10.5 shoe and there was definitely a fair bit of movement inside the sock which no doubt was partly because of the double layering construction.
They did keep my feet drier than my normal socks though and I am happy to report no blistering or hotspots despite them potentially being a little large.
I’m not sure I’d buy them personally as despite being marketed as part of their spring range, I’d say these are a pretty significant sock and for colder, grim days on the trails and if like me you tend to prefer the comfort of a tighter, more minimal shoe your feet may be a little snug.
Sealskinz waterproof beanie
The reason I split this review in two was because I could probably take or leave the socks in the grand scheme of things but the hat is exceptional. I tried the XL one and it’s perhaps a tad small but apart from that, I can’t say enough positive things about it.
Again, despite being part of a spring range, this is a winter hat. I don’t really see myself wearing it when the weather gets a bit warmer but I’ve been wearing it a lot in the recent weeks both as a casual wear hat initially (the black one is a nice enough shape and subtle enough to wear a “normal” hat) and then running now I’m back and in all the recent cold weather, it’s kept me toasty warm at all times.
We’ve actually not had that much rain so I’ve not been able to push its waterproof properties that much but I’d be happy enough to buy this hat as it is just for how warm it kept me day to day and also after a few recent races when it’s easy to cool off quickly and feel the effects.
If you’re looking for a new beanie, this is a great choice for warmth and could happily be worn casually as well.
Thanks to Carly at Canoe Inc for giving me the chance to check out the products.