TESTER INFORMATION

I took up backpacking and bikepacking 5 years ago but I have enjoyed front-country camping and day hiking for many years. My trip length is generally one to three nights and ranges from prairie hikes to mountainous terrain. I am a 4-season hiker and typically a 3-season backpacker. My pack weight varies depending on the trip, but I tend to sacrifice weight savings for comfort. 

INITIAL REPORT

January 22, 2022

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: IBX Brands LLC. 
Year of Manufacture: 2021
Manufacturer's Website: https://ibex.com/
MSRP: US$98

Manufacturer's Listed Specifications:

• Material: 89% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon
• Weight: 153 g (5.4 oz) (for size small)
• Length: Center back - 66 cm (26 in) (for size medium)
  
• Sizes Available: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Colors Available: Sophora Japonica (Yellow), Sea Green, Soft Moss, Terracotta, Black

Actual Specifications:

• Material (printed on the inside collar): 89% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon
• Weight: 129.6 g (4.57 oz)
• Length: Center back - 60 cm (23.5 in)
  
• Size Tested: Women's Small
• Color Tested: Sophora Japonica (Yellow)
  

The Ibex Journey Long Sleeve Crew shirt arrived in good condition with no loose threads, holes, or any other defects. This shirt is available in both a Men's and Women's version and I am testing the Women's version. The package included the long sleeve shirt with tags describing several of the company's value initiatives. These included being Climate Neutral Certified as well as creating ethical apparel, with their website further linked for more information. However, when I typed in the website address provided I received an error message. Navigating to the "About Us" page on the Ibex website I learned more about their ethical approach to creating apparel which includes ensuring a "fair, safe, non-discriminatory and empowering workplace", sourcing wool only from Australia and New Zealand, and reducing and offsetting their carbon emissions.

Ibex describes the shirt on their website as composed of merino fibers wrapped around a nylon filament, in order to make the fabric both lightweight and durable. The shirt is further described as thermoregulating, breathable, odor resistant, non-itching, and tagless. The website indicates the shirt is an "ideal base layer for every day wear". The fabric origin for this shirt is Australia but the garment origin is Vietnam. Ibex also provides a link under the "Features" section to "Learn More" about their supply chain. When I clicked on this link, I was treated to a graphic depiction of their supply chain. Here, they listed Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, USA, Uruguay, and Argentina as wool fiber sources, which is in contradiction to their "About Us" page, which lists only Australia and New Zealand as wool sources.

Below are photos of the front of the shirt and the logo stitched onto the left sleeve.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

The care instructions for the shirt can be found on the inside of the collar as well as on the website. The instructions indicate to machine wash in cold water and line dry or lay flat to dry. Do not bleach or use fabric softeners and cool iron if needed. 

TRYING IT OUT

I am testing a size small, which is my usual size, and I am happy to report it fits and is true to the size chart. The sleeves are a comfortable length, extending just past my wrists and the overall length of the shirt is perfect for me as well. The overall fit is snug but not tight. In terms of feel, I would describe the shirt as soft and lightweight but with a very slight itch or "pokey" feel, similar to other merino shirts I own.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The shirt looks well-constructed with neat stitching and seams. I love the yellow color and how light the shirt is (even lighter than is described on the Ibex website). It fits true to size and is fairly comfortable although I would say it still has a bit of the typical itchy wool feel. I look forward to testing the shirt out in cooler temperatures.

FIELD REPORT

March 31, 2022

During the field testing period I have worn the shirt on one overnight hut trip and for numerous day activities including snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, fat biking, cross country skiing, running, and even indoor rock climbing. Conditions are listed below by location.

Backcountry Hut near Golden, British Columbia

• Activity: Backcountry Skiing
• Duration: 2 days, 1 night
• Distance: 5 km (3 mi)
• Elevation: 1900 - 2200 m (6200 - 7200 ft)
• Temperature: -10 C, wind chill -16 C (14 F, wind chill 3 F)
• Weather: Partly cloudy with wind
• Terrain: Powder backcountry conditions
  

Lumsden, Saskatchewan

• Activity: Snowshoeing
• Duration: Day use
• Distance: 3 km (2 mi)
• Elevation: 500 m (1600 ft)
• Temperature: 1 C, wind chill -4 C (34 F, wind chill 25 F)
• Weather: Cloudy with wind
• Terrain: Rolling hills covered with windblown snow

Regina, Saskatchewan

• Activity: Running, Cross country skiing
• Duration: 5 day uses 
• Distance: 66 km (41 mi)
• Elevation: 575 m (1900 ft)
• Temperature: ranged from -24 C, wind chill -33 to 4 C (-11 F, wind chill -27 to 39 F)
• Weather: range of conditions including sunny and calm to light snow
• Terrain: Primarily flat, trail and pavement

Kimberley, British Columbia

• Activities: Hiking, resort skiing, backcountry skiing, cross country skiing, fat biking, and indoor rock climbing
• Duration: 7 day uses 
• Distance: 79 km (49 mi)
• Elevation: 1300 m (4300 ft)
• Temperature: ranged from -10 C to 2 C (14 F to 36 F)
• Weather: range of conditions including sunny and clear to cloudy with light snow
• Terrain: Variety of snow-covered mountain terrain 

Fernie, British Columbia

• Activities: Running
• Duration: Day use 
• Distance: 23 km (49 mi)
• Elevation: 1000 m (3300 ft)
• Temperature: 2 C (35 F)
• Weather: Sunny and calm
• Terrain: Paved and snow-covered trail 

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

Over the field testing period I've worn the shirt about 15 times for a wide variety of activities and in a range of conditions. I have used the shirt primarily as a base layer under a thermal mid layer. When the temperatures dipped to around -10 C (14 F) or lower, I would layer a wind and water-resistant jacket over top. I have not had an opportunity to wear the shirt on its own outdoors yet, as the temperatures have been too cool. However I have tested the shirt on its own indoors while rock climbing. 

The shirt does an excellent job of wicking sweat and keeping me comfortable while exercising outdoors in cold to mild temperatures. On most occasions, I would complete my outdoor activity and immediately come indoors. The shirt would be damp, usually on the back and in the armpits. However, compared to a cotton shirt worn during a similar activity, it is less wet and dries quickly when laid out or when sweating stops. On one occasion, the main ski lift was down at the resort and I hiked about 3 km (2 mi) to reach the next lift. When I got there I was quite sweaty and the shirt was damp. I was worried about being cold and wet for the afternoon of downhill skiing, but the shirt dried out within an hour and I was dry and warm at the end of the ski day. I wore the shirt several days in a row and left it out to dry after coming inside each day. With a moderate amount of sweat it would be dry within an hour. I also gave the shirt the "sniff test" after several days of use without washing and could not smell any body odor. 

One thing I've noticed about the shirt compared to other base layers I own is that it tends to ride up a bit if it is not tucked into my bottom base layer. The shirt fabric does not have much "stretch" to it, nor does it fit tight to my body. It is a bit of a looser fit and therefore I do like to tuck it into my bottom layer to prevent it from riding up and moving around under my mid layer. In addition, it is a fairly light base layer and therefore I prefer to wear it for milder temperatures, around -10 C (14 F) or warmer. I prefer a thicker base layer for colder temperatures.  

I noted in my initial report that I found the shirt a little itchy. I do still notice a subtle itch such that it would prevent me from wearing the shirt for everyday use and lounging. However when I wear it for physical activity, I don't notice any itch. I've washed the shirt about 10 times following the care instructions. I have not noticed any pilling or any other signs of wear on the shirt. It seems to be of very good quality. It has not shrunk or stretched out with washing or use.

LONG TERM REPORT

May 22, 2022

During the long term testing period I have worn the shirt on one overnight camping trip and for numerous day activities including hiking, downhill skiing, road biking, running, and mountain biking. Conditions are listed below by location.

Regina, Saskatchewan

• Activity: Running and road biking
• Duration: 12 day uses 
• Distance: 220 km (137 mi)
• Elevation: 575 m (1900 ft)
• Temperature: ranged from -10 C to +15 C (14 F to 59 F)
• Weather: range of conditions including snowy and windy to sunny and relatively calm
• Terrain: Primarily flat, trail and pavement

Kimberley, British Columbia

• Activities: Downhill skiing
• Duration: 1 day use 
• Distance: 10 km (6 mi)
• Elevation: 1300 m (4300 ft)
• Temperature: 0 C (32 F)
• Weather: Sunny
• Terrain: Snow/slush mountain terrain 

Zion National Park, Utah

• Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, and road biking
• Duration: 5 day uses and 1 overnight camping trip
• Distance: 71 km (44 mi)
• Elevation: 1220 m (4000 ft)
• Temperature: -1 C to 25 C (30 F to 77 F)
• Weather: Sunny and windy to overcast and calm
• Terrain: Variety of terrain including paved road and trail to red sand, dirt, and sandstone trail

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

Over the long term testing period I've worn the shirt about 18 times in a range of conditions. The temperatures have been warmer so I've had a chance to wear the shirt more often on its own or under a lighter thermal layer. I did layer it under a wind and water-resistant jacket a few times as well, when I was outside in windy or wet conditions. 

The shirt has continued to prove its excellent ability at wicking sweat and keeping me comfortable while exercising outdoors. I wore it under similar conditions as the field test report (cool to mild temperatures and moderate activity levels) and found similar results. I was also able to test it in warmer temperatures (up to 25 C/77 F) where it acted as more of a protective barrier to keep the sun's rays off my skin. Due to the shirt's lightness and breathability, I found it comfortable even on those warmer days. I was outputting a moderate to high level of exertion while hiking or mountain biking and the shirt became damp with sweat primarily on my back and in the armpit area. However I did not find the dampness uncomfortable or bothersome and it would dry within an hour following the end of the activity. Again I found no body odour on the shirt even after several days of continued use. As I mentioned in my field report, the shirt has a bit of a looser fit. This actually aided in keeping me cool during activity on warmer days as it allowed for more breathability and air exchange.

I also noted previously my observations on the shirt being itchy. I believe this feeling has lessened with continued use and washing, such that I do not notice it at all now. I've washed the shirt approximately 10 more times since the field report, following the care instructions. The stitching has started to unravel around the right cuff and my hand gets caught in the stitching when I pull the shirt on. I have to be careful to avoid the loose loop of stitching when I put on and take off the shirt, but otherwise this has not bothered me or affected the shirts performance. The shirt has not shrunk or stretched out with washing or use.

SUMMARY

This shirt does an excellent job at wicking sweat and drying out quickly, thus keeping me comfortable when sweating outdoors. This shirt is my "go to" base layer for temperatures around -10 C (14 F) and warmer. It even works well in very warm conditions up to 25 C (77 F), where it can wick sweat and also provide some protection from the sun's rays. It has shown some wear, with the stitching on the right sleeve having unravelled a bit at the cuff. In cooler temperatures, the looser fit is not ideal as I have to tuck it into my bottom layer or it rides up. However I found the looser fit beneficial in the warmer temperatures as it allowed for more breathability. I love the color and versatility of this shirt!

PROS

1. Fits true to size
2. Nice color 
3. Wicks sweat and dries quickly 
4. Does not retain body odor
5. Versatile - works under a wide range of temperatures
6. Loose and light fit increases breathability, a plus in warm temperatures
   

This concludes my Test Report. Thank you to BackpackGearTest.org and Ibex for the opportunity to test the Journey Long Sleeve Crew shirt.