Socks
Product 2021
Woman, Man
It’s very simple, it is better not to try this heating system because otherwise the accessory could quickly become an essential!
We bought the first-generation battery-heating systems, we even had the Bluetooth model: but the heat radiated from the sole (batteries attached to the boot-shell). Then we skied with boots (Salomon, in particular) that had the battery, sole and cables integrated: even better. We just lacked the heated sock experience. You immediately imagine the advantages and disadvantages of this system.
The main advantage is that you can use your socks in any ski boot, including rental ones. And what about heliskiing, motorcycles, biking in the off-season, possibly even snowshoeing, in the bivouac, or fishing on a frozen lake? The Thermic-Ic range is wide, some products are specific to certain activities. We wonder why this system isn’t used more in mountaineering.
The feedback climbers gave us: fear of getting used to the warmth, risk of the battery dying and being dependent on the heat. Our opinion: it is better to have this type of kit than to have freezing toes.
What’s inconvenient? Washing the socks when going on a long ski trip. But it’s easy to dry the kit overnight so it’s up and running again the next day. Wear and tear is not acceptable: beware of badly clipped nails for example. The sock is well designed, they wash well, especially at 30 degrees. Be careful to remember to remove the batteries before throwing everything in the washing machine!
On the snow, the Therm-Ic Powersocks Set Heat Uni + S-Pack 1400B are sheer happiness! They are even almost mandatory if you teach skiing in the middle of January, eight hours a day. So comfortable when you are on a chairlift in the freezing wind! These are an essential accessory for professionals with sensitive feet. You can ski in very cold technical boots without suffering from freezing toes.
But beware, here are a few tips from our experience. You have to use the thermostat with care: increase the heat gradually, you should barely feel it so you don’t sweat. The heating is localized mainly to the big toe and other toes. The batteries therefore last a long time (even if they are of high capacity). Wear dry boots and soles.
The Therm-Ic model tested, the S-Pack 1400 provides up to 16 hours of heat at the first level and up to 5 hours full on. The batteries are attached to the topside of the socks, you do not feel their presence or their weight. The start-up and management of the heat are done directly by impulse on the battery, or even better, via the Therm-ic HC application (IOS or Android). We are not huge fans of applications when doing outdoor activities, but this is a great exception.
Rather than lifting your ski pants or trying to feel for the battery more or less by guesswork to adjust the power, you can raise or lower the thermostat with your smartphone, switch the system to eco mode, check the battery power and level, etc. all whilst just sitting happily on the chairlift or mountain restaurant terrace.
The batteries are recharged in the classic way via a USB plug. What’s the real bonus? If you forgot to plug them in, you can give them a boost in the car driving up to the ski resort (but don’t forget the charger…).
What are the downsides to Therm-Ic Powersocks Set Heat Uni + S-Pack 1400B? Without doubt the price: 249 euros. Some testers found that the underside of the sock slipped a bit on the boot insole limiting accuracy. We didn’t notice it but it’s feedback you could hear.
We wonder how we’ve survived until now without these heated socks! An incredible product that you shouldn’t try otherwise you will buy it! Or how never to get cold feet when skiing or elsewhere! The Test4outside FIRST Award is very well deserved.
310g the pair with batteries in size 42-44.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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