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Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > IBEX Woolies Zip T Neck > Test Report by Leesa JoinerIBEX WOOLIES ZIP-T CLICK HERE
TO SKIP TO THE INITIAL REPORT TESTER INFORMATION
I used to help guide trips with a student group at my school, usually on weekends. I've had a number of longer excursions, but never for more than a week. I'm the type of hiker who brought just about everything with me. I do a lot of car camping these days, taking hikes from base camp (my car). PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS IR date April 27, 2008 INITIAL IMPRESSIONS Ibex's website presents
a very clean interface. The most prominent button on their homepage
links to a page that touts the superiority of the material over plastic
based textiles in terms of feel and environmental attributes. Two
clicks and I was at the product in question. The peer reviews helped me
develop at positive attitude toward the product. The pictures provide a
360 degree view of the Zip-T as well as how it would fit. I did not
expect an article of clothing that would be as conformal. The length of
the Zip-T seemed more than adequate for a large range of motion,
including overhead activities, without being too short and exposing
skin. Aside from the pictures, they provide more information on the
product, including a sizing chart, product source, and technical
specifications. ITEM DESCRIPTION The website's 3 views of
the Zip-T gave an accurate rendition of the product. It also provided
much of the manufacturing details presented during my initial
inspection. TRYING IT OUT The length of the sleeves are sufficient to cover my wrists, and the weave provides a snug yet comfortable fit around my lower arm. The shirt length noticeably longer than the average shirt. The shirt is comfortable against the skin. It is not skin tight, though it may be more of a function of me than the shirt (perhaps I should have gotten a smaller size). The length of the collar is good for me, covering much of my neck when zipped without strangulation or impediment of movement. TESTING STRATEGY The shirt will be tested in a variety of sports in addition to hiking, including jogging, skiing, and biking. I want to address the concern of durability and its ability to keep me dry during physical exertion. Being so thin, I want to minimize the number of washing cycles, which raises the question of how long can it be used before it smells too much. SUMMARY The Woolies Zip-T is a
comfortable, somewhat formfitting baselayer with longer than typical
sleeves and length. I look forward to putting it through the paces. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS The Ibex Zip-T was tested primarily in the Sierra Nevada around the Lake Tahoe and Bishop area (elevation: 7000 ft or 2100 meters plus). Conditions ran the gamut, from clear still days to 30 miles per hour (48 km/hr) winds in white outs. I was never rained on. Temperatures ranged between 25-50 F (-4 to 10 C). In all cases of use, snow was on the ground while hiking in moderate terrain. The average trip was 3 days, usually out and back from a car base. Total wear time is somewhere around 20 days. Many trips were taken with just a Camelbak, though 2 involved packs exceeding 40 pounds (18 kgs). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD The Zip-T is an amazing
piece of clothing. Even while under a nonbreathable rain jacket, the
Zip-T kept my skin dry as a bone. And it was comfortable to wear! As
expected, the Zip-T did nothing to brace against the wind. Merino wool
must also be good at blocking UV as I did not burn under the clothing
when it was worn by itself. SUMMARY Likes: TESTING STRATEGY I will bring it on trips to Big Basin in Northern California and Mt. Whitney in Southern California. I expect cool nights and hot days on these trips. This concludes my Field Report. The Long-Term Report should be completed by June 30, 2008 LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS Long term testing was performed throughout the Sierra Nevada in California. Elevations ranged from 6000 to 14,000 ft. (2000 - 4000 m). Temperatures ranged from 30 F to 85 F (0 to 30 F). Conditions were dry, though there was snow on the ground at higher elevations. Trips began in high desert and cumulated to high alpine conditions, with dense pine forests in between. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD I've had the opportunity
to use the Zip-T on numerous backcountry trips, including a few
Yosemite backcountry trips, a winter ascent of Mt. Tom, uncountable
bike rides, and some trips into Big Sur. It made for a great base
layer. Even while sweating profusely during high physical activity, I
still feel quite dry. I am a convert to wool for a base layer. The
material still performs very well and feels comfortable even after long
term use. I am still a fan of the high neck, which necessitates the
zipper. SUMMARY The Zip-T still performs
admirably after prolonged use as a wicking layer. The material choice
is superior for wicking, even though there is some concern regarding
stretching the material out. I have had the opportunity to use it in
both hot and cold, and it performs exceptionally in all climates. CONTINUED USE Despite the fear of
stretching out the material, I will continue to use my Zip-T for all of
my hiking, even during the warmer summer months as it makes for a great
sunblock. Should the weather be slightly chilly, I would use it during
my bike rides as well. However, the Zip-T will find its most use as a
base layer during the cold winter months. Read more reviews of Ibex gear Read more gear reviews by Samson Phan Reviews > Clothing > Shirts > IBEX Woolies Zip T Neck > Test Report by Leesa Joiner |