Review for Cold Weather: Isbjörn of Sweden Hat and Bridgedale Winter Sports Socks

We recently visited a very cold and wintry Chamonix in the French Alps. The plan was to do lots of walking while in France, so it was important that the children were well kitted out for the cold. This was especially true for when we hiked in the snow.

Two accessories became ‘must wear’ items, every day that we were in Chamonix. Both children refused to go out without their Bridgedale ski socks on under their boots. Toby also wore a lovely knitted cap by Isbjörn of Sweden to keep his head warm.

Millie-Mae’s socks – because she has HUGE size 8 feet – are Large Women’s size, for the UK size range 7 to 8.5. These ‘Vertige Mid’ socks are a midweight, over the calf long sock. They are ‘MerinoFusion’ socks in that 25% of the material is Merino Wool for extra foot and toe comfort. Lycra ensures a precision fit and terry knit shin pads and full foot and toe padding adds additional comfort and warmth. The socks have an amazing 3 year guarantee too. Millie-Mae loves these socks and already has them packed, ready for a school outward bound residential trip that’s coming up.  They are lovely socks. I’m very jealous not to have a pair myself. I could ‘borrow’ hers, but my feet are too small for them!

Toby’s socks are equally wonderful. He loves them and has worn them many times since our trip to the Alps. He does tend to suffer from cold feet. Well, he did. Not any more now he has these to wear. His long socks are from the Bridgedale ‘Mountain’ range, and are sized Junior XL for UK shoe size 3 to 5 (he’s a size 3). Where MM’s socks are midweight, Toby’s are Heavyweight, with a 35% Merino Wool content. They are all over terry-looped socks with underfoot warmth and built-in pressure protection. As per the label on the socks they are ‘adult performance, sized for kids’. Toby wore them every day while in Chamonix. Not once did he complain of cold feet. But he did have permanently cold hands, so maybe next time I need to get him some thick gloves.

His hat fits him perfectly, and again this is something he wears near enough every day (always to and from school). The hat is made by Scandinavian brand Isbjörn of Sweden, who produces 100% wind- and water-proof clothing for newborns up to the age of 10. They focus on style as well as function, and Toby definitely agrees that his hat is ‘cool’. He tends to wear it under his hoody, as this is the trendy thing to do apparently. The ‘TipTop’ knitted cap, even though lightweight, is very durable. He always had a lovely warm head when he’s been wearing it.

Both the socks and the hat were a huge hit during our time in the French Alps. However the quality of both items is so good that they still look new, even after all the wear they have received. So long as they don’t outgrow them, I can see these items being part of their winter wardrobe for several years.

Disclaimer for Cold Weather: Isbjörn of Sweden Hat and Bridgedale Winter Sports Socks

We received the socks and hat in return for an honest review. Our views and opinions have not been influenced in any way.