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IBEX Scull Cap
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
Additional Information applicable to this test
Hat size (US): 7 – 7¼, depending on haircut
Head size: 21 – 21¾ in (53 – 55 cm), depending on haircut
Product Information [return to top]
Manufacturer: IBEX Outdoor Clothing
Model: Scull Cap, #815
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL: http://www.ibexwear.com
Listed weight (average): 2 oz (57 g)
Measured weight (medium): 1.4 oz (40 g), scale accurate to 0.1 oz
Color: Ice Blue
MSRP: $30 US
Features (from web site) [return to top]
- Climawool Lite® in a low-profile design that sheds snow and cheats the wind.
- Softshell Fabric
- Merino Interior
- Average Weight 2 oz
- Low profile, lightweight Climawool® softshell performance beanie for:
- Nordic skiing
- Winter running/cycling
- Snowshoeing
- Ultra-racing
Description [return to top]
The Scull Cap is part of IBEX’s Ibextremities series, made with a Climawool soft shell and a Merino wool lining. It is meant to fit snugly on the head, covering most of the ears. The Scull Cap is Ice Blue inside and out, with an IBEX logo on the front.
For a more detailed description, including 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 Scull Cap 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 cap along on a few other trips during the Field Test period, and found it to be pretty much everything it is advertised to be. It has proven to be a nice inner layer under the Tilley TH4 Hemp Hat I am also testing, providing additional warmth and coverage on particularly nasty days. I have not noticed any soiling yet, although I will be washing the hat 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? Does it stay on well in windy conditions?
- Fabric. Is the Climawool Lite 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 cap, or does it just seem to disappear on my head? Does the headband effectively keep sweat out of my eyes? 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 cap fits well and stays put.
- Fabric. I have noticed no wear, stretch or fading. The cap seems quite 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 Scull Cap has kept me warm to just below freezing, which was as cold as I experienced in the field with it.
- Comfort. Once the cap has leveled itself out on my head, I more or less forget that it is on. I have not had any sweat in my eyes, and I have worn it comfortably while sleeping every night I have been out.
- Washability. So far I have not noticed any soiling, however I will wash the cap at least once during the Long Term phase and report the results in that repor.
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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