Field Report

Ibex Neck Gaiter

Date: May 17, 2005

Reviewer Information

Name: Jim Sabiston
Age: 50
Height: 6' 3" (1.9 m)
Weight: 207 lb (94 kg)
Neck Size: 17.5 in (44.5 cm)
Email address: JimSabis(at)aol(dot)com
State: New York
Country: USA

Backpacking Background:

I've been camping since my teens. My outdoor activities include backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering and cross country skiing. I have expanded my backpacking to include winter mountaineering, back country skiing and ski backpacking. I have received winter mountaineering training with Chauvin International Climbing Guides. I actively study ways to backpack lighter and more efficiently. During the summer months, my style tends toward very light, but not quite ultralight. I use a hammock or tarp for warm weather, and a small four season tent for winter trips. Most of my other gear is very changeable, as I am constantly experimenting with gear and techniques.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Ibex
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL: www.ibexwear.com

Manufacturer’s Specifications:

Fabric: 100% Merino Wool
Size: Large
Dimensions (laid flat on the table): 7 in (18 cm) X 10 in (25 cm)
Weight:
            Manufacturer’s: 2.2 oz (62 g)
           As Measured: 2.25 oz (64.5)
Color: Red Rock/Graphite
Price: $20 US

Product Description:

The Ibex Neck Gaiter is a fabric tube intended to be slipped over the head and worn around the neck as an insulating garment. All Ibex products are made of wool and the Neck Gaiter is no exception. The Gaiter is actually comprised of two layers, an outer layer of rust colored wool and an inner layer of softer wool in a dark charcoal color. The inner and outer layers use different weaves: “100% Merino wool; dense knit outer surface, interlock interior surface” to quote the web site. The inner and outer layers are connected at the top and bottom of the tube, where both layers are sewn through with a single row of straight stitching. The only additional stitching is at the front of the Gaiter. Two rows of flat stitching form an open bottomed ‘V’ which frames the stitched Ibex logo on the front center of the Gaiter. This pattern is repeated on the inner layer without the logo. The logo on the front of the Gaiter is sewn in the same dark charcoal as the interior wool layer.

Field Experience:

As the Gaiter arrived too late to be used on any extended winter backpacks, it did not  see any use in deep cold temperatures. I have used it on a series of cross country skiing excursions and several Catskill climbs in mixed weather. The Ibex Neck Gaiter is aesthetically pleasing enough to be worn while commuting to work and it received much use in this aspect, as I walk 1.5 miles (2.4 km) across midtown Manhattan twice a day. This latter bit might not sound like much unless you have experienced the wind that funnels through the deep ‘canyons’ formed by the closely packed skyscrapers.

My experience has been very positive. The Gaiter folds up into a very small, convenient package that fits easily into the small chest pocket of my shell jacket or the cargo pocket of my winter hiking/skiing pants, which keeps it close at hand when needed. There are no unusual signs of wear or pilling of the wool fabric. The close cut of the Gaiter allows it to fit comfortably under my jacket collars, including the upright cut collar of my shell jacket, without crowding my neck uncomfortably.

The most extreme conditions experienced were during a climb of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Catskills. The temperatures were not extreme, but were quite cold at about 15 F (8 C) at the summit. The weather conditions deteriorated quickly during the descent with increasing wind and snow. The Ibex Neck Gaiter showed its real potential on this climb. I wore it during the easy climb to the col, but removed it, quickly folding it and slipping it into my shell chest pocket, as we started the harder work when we transitioned to the very steep route for the next 1000 ft (305 m) towards the summit. As much more body heat is generated under these conditions, removing the Gaiter allowed my neck and chest to vent which helped me remain comfortably cool.

During the descent, I put the Gaiter back on and zipped up my shell jacket against the wind and heavy snow. The Ibex Neck Gaiter is cut long enough to be pulled up to cover the tip of my nose, but it just starts to pull away from my neck at this point. This is not an issue if my shell zipper is pulled up to cover my neck, but illustrates the limits of the cut of the Gaiter for extreme conditions where I might want to pull it up to completely cover my nose. For this particular trip, and all the others that followed, the Ibex Neck Gaiter was ideal, as most of the time I just want to keep my neck and chin warm, so the close cut design proved to be very good for more the typical conditions that I experience and a more heavy duty gaiter would be overkill.

The wool fabric is highly wind resistant, but not windproof. I do not recall ever feeling cold through the Gaiter due to wind penetration, however. It is possible to breathe through the fabric, but the weave is dense enough that it is a bit difficult to do so. There is no hint of itchiness at all. The wool fabric has a great, quality feel and is very comfortable against my skin.

Summary:

Likes:

1 – Small and light.
2 – Easy to pack.
3 – Quality materials and construction.

Dislikes:

1 – Cut is a bit short, but this may contribute to some of the advantages listed above.

I wore the Gaiter almost daily in the winter, both in town and in the field. The fabric has held up extremely well, showing little or no wear and no pilling. The Gaiter has proven to be very comfortable, durable, easy to use and, most important, very warm. Add the good looks and this item is an all around winner in my book.