It needs to be comfortable enough to let you swing freely while offering the protection you need to spend four hours walking in the rain…

Each pair of socks was worn over several weeks of mixed riding and also put through some controlled ‘lab-style’ assessments. I made the most of a few weeks of wet weather to see how well they performe

SIX OF THE BEST

Kit reviews from Britain’s most experienced gear-testing team. Here, Francesca Donovan and David Linternn focus on two innovative new outdoor products

Supported by Nikwax , The Long ReView celebrates looking after the places we love and the kit that helps us get there. Each month, we’ll focus on products that have stood the test of time, why they endure and how to care for them. This month, it’s Chris Townsend with two stone cold classics from Páramo.

The XT Arctic Celsius GTX is touted as a do-it-all option for the worst that winter can throw at you, whether you’re on or off road (the XT standing for ‘cross terrain’). In terms of design, it’s esse