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IBEX Neck Gaiter
Field Report - May 8, 2005
Contents
Reviewer Information [return to top]
Name: Chuck Kime
Nickname: Fuzzy
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 8" (1.72 m)
Weight: 229 lb (104 kg)
Email address: ckime AT nelsononline DOT com
City, State, Country: Upper Darby (Philadelphia suburb), PA, U.S.A.
Date: May 8, 2005
Product Information [return to top]
Manufacturer: IBEX Outdoor Clothing
Model: Neck Gaiter, #805
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL: http://www.ibexwear.com
Listed weight (average): 2.2 oz (67 g)
Measured weight (large): 2.2 oz (67 g), scale accurate to 0.1 oz
Color: Rock Red/Graphite
Other colors available: Cilantro/Graphite, Magenta/Graphite
Other sizes available: Medium
MSRP: $20 US
Features (from web site) [return to top]
- 100% Merino wool; dense knit outer surface, interlock interior surface.
- New for Fall '04
- Merino Wool
- Mid-weight warmth
- Reversible
- No itch
- Easy care. Machine washable.
- Average Weight 2.2 oz.
- USA
- It's there when you need it: coldest day, fiercest conditions.
Description [return to top]
The Neck Gaiter is part of IBEX’s Ibextremities series. It is a tightly woven reversible tube made to fit around the neck, preventing drafts like a scarf, but without the hassle of tying it on.
The Neck Gaiter is Rock Red on the outside, with a Graphite IBEX logo on the front, and is Graphite on the inside. The gaiter stretches easily over my head, tucks neatly into my collar, and can be worn either under or over the line of my chin depending on the amount of protection I want.
For a more detailed description, and photos, please see my Initial Report.
Field Testing [return to top]
Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly. Almost all of these outings include a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures expected to be from lows around 25 to 30 ºF (-4 to -1 ºC) to highs around 95 to 100 ºF (35 to 38 ºC). Elevations will range from sea level to approximately 2,000’ (610 m). We have also added monthly hikes to our schedule, which may or may not include up to 2 nights of camping. My fiancée and I, who between us have 3 First Class Boy Scouts (ages 13, 14 and 15), are also looking into additional camping without the Scouts, and the possibilities of beginning to do some AT section hikes in Pennsylvania as the weather warms up.
I just attended our Scout district’s Spring Camporee this past weekend, where rain, fog and mud were the order of the day. The Neck Gaiter was not needed during the day, as the temperatures were quite comfortable. It made a fine piece for hanging around the campsite or for sleepwear.
I also took the gaiter along on a few other trips during the Field Test period, and found it to be pretty much everything it is advertised to be. I have not noticed any soiling yet, although I will be washing the gaiter at least once during the Long Term testing phase, with results included in that report.
Things I am/will be looking for:
- Fit. Does it fit me? Is the sizing on the web site accurate?
- Fabric. Is the Merino durable (I have no prior experience with the fabric)? Does it stretch? Does it fade? Is it windproof? Waterproof? Does it pill, pull, or snag readily?
- Warmth. How cold can it get out and still keep me warm? Does it ventilate well?
- Comfort. Am I constantly aware of the gaiter, or does it just seem to disappear while I am wearing it? Can I wear it comfortably while sleeping?
- Washability. Are there special instructions? Are they easy to follow? Does it dry well? Does it hold much dirt in the first place?
My findings so far:
- Fit. The gaiter fits easily over my head, and does not cause any binding around my neck.
- Fabric. I have noticed no wear, stretch or fading. The gaiter seems only somewhat windproof, at least in the conditions I have experienced with it to this point, and I can see no damage to the fabric.
- Warmth. The Neck Gaiter has kept me warm to just below freezing, which was as cold as I experienced in the field with it.
- Comfort. The gaiter feels like any of the comfortable scarves I own, with no itch, and I have worn it comfortably while sleeping.
- Washability. So far I have not noticed any soiling, however I will wash the gaiter at least once during the Long Term phase and report the results in that report.
Things I like [return to top]
- Light.
- Compact.
- Comfortable.
- Warm.
Things I don't like [return to top]
- None yet.
Backpacking Background [return to top]
My family started car/trailer camping when I was about 5. I spent 17 years in the Army Reserve fine-tuning my packing methodology – when I got out, I was down to a fairly respectable 75-80 lb (34-36 kg) load in my ALICE pack. Advancing age, arthritic knees and a car accident have led me to seriously rethink my gear choices, experiment with tarps and hammocks, make some of my own gear, and take a closer look at my ‘toys’ with an eye for multi-use and light weight. I now have a sub-30 lb (14 kg) 3-season load, and should be able to reduce it to 20 lb (9 kg) – before food, fuel and water – without much more effort.
Thank you for your time.
Chuck Kime
a.k.a. Fuzzy
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