Bridgedale¼s new GTX Trekker socks, a three season backpacking sock won the highest rating and high praise from Backpacker¼s sock testers in a recent test of backpacking and hiking socks. The testers preferred the Trekker over all the other socks in the test. "Everyone reported that the Bridgedale¼s offer a perfect no-sag fit, " said Kristin Hostetter, the author of the article.

The socks were rated numerically by the testers and the Bridgedales were the favorites in the field. The article goes on to say, "Bottom Line: The supportive fit and thick cushioning make the Bridgedales worthy on any and all spring through fall backpacking trips." No other sock won such recommendation.

Bridgedale, based in Ireland, is Europe¼s leading manufacturer of technical socks. They use the latest knitting and fiber technology to make socks that provide optimum comfort, moisture control, fit and durability. Bridgedale is the only sock sold in North America with a three year guarantee and is the first sock in North America to be specifically licensed by W.L. Gore and Associates to carry the "Recommended for use with GORE-TEXí footwear" label because they have proven in rigorous lab and field testing to meet Gore¼s compatibility standards for use with GORE-TEXí footwear. The socks were tested over a two year period in Gore¼s testing labs in Germany where an artificial "sweating foot" was used to determine the reaction of the sock/shoe system to differing climate and sweat conditions.

Samples of the socks are available by calling the above number or visiting the Bridgedale booth at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 1999, booth 2490.