Backpacker Magazine – April 2005

Apparel Review: Teko Socks

These Editors' Choice Green Award-winning socks are soft on the planet-and your feet

by: The Backpacker Editors

Tags:
• Gear
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• Gear essentials
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• Apparel
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Why: Many gear companies are taking steps to make more eco-friendly products, and we applaud every one of them. But few have made the top-to-bottom effort Teko has applied to its new line of socks. Teko's merino wool socks undergo a washing process that uses ozone instead of chlorine (the only byproduct is sweet oxygen). Other models are made of organic cotton and recycled polyester. Not convinced? Teko's plant in North Carolina buys renewable energy from wind power plants, and last fall every sock in the line passed a strict environmental test in Europe, proving the fabrics are harmless next to your skin. Even its minimalist packaging is eco-correct. Best of all, our testers raved about their warmth, softness, and no-slip fit. The wool model pills a bit, but our favorite, the synthetic Ecopet, is holding up well.

How much: $10-23

Size: S-XL

Contact: (800) 450-5784; www.tekosocks.com.

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