Reviews > Clothing > Pants and Shorts > Ibex Approach Tights > James Triplett > Initial Report

Initial Test Report:

Personal Biographical Information:

Backpacking Background:

I grew up car camping all through my childhood as a means for family vacations.  I later started hiking to bouldering areas in Southern Illinois, which somehow led to continuously hiking the lower 1/3 of the Appalachian Trail, with an external frame Kelty Tioga (loaded to over 50 lb / 23 kg) and some rather massive Vasque boots.  Now I hike every day, and backpack when possible, which leads to many weekends backpacking and camping each year.  I try and take at least one annual one-week backpacking trip, in addition to many one to three-night weekend trips.   My style can best be described as lightweight, but not at the cost of giving up too much comfort.  I prefer a tent over a tarp, in fact I love tents, but have not yet tried a hammock.

Manufacturer Information:

Product Information:

• Elastic Waist with Drawcord.
• Interior Envelope Pocket.
• Form Fit.
• Plain Cuff (Tucks into Ski Boot)
• Easy Care. Machine Washable.
• Average Weight 13.5 oz (383 g)
  

Colors and Sizes:

• Black
  
• XS through XXL
  

• Climbing/Mountaineering
• Alpine/Nordic skiing
• Ski touring
• Snowshoeing
• Winter running

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Review:

There are no dimensions on the IBEX website for the Approach Tights, just a sizing chart.  My measurements resulted in a 32 inch (81 cm) inseam, a 40 inch (102 cm) outseam, a 30 inch (76 cm) waist circumference, and an 11 inch (28 cm) circumference at the cuffs.  All these measurements were taken with the tights lying on the floor, un-stretched.  There was one hang tag on the tights which is a generic IBEX Performance Wool tag with a sticker on the back with the style, name, color, and size.  Also on the tag is the IBEX lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects.

The IBEX Approach Tights are made of wool from New Zealand Merino Free Range Sheep.  IBEX touts this as a "renewable resource", which appeals to my conservation minded conscience.  The outside surfaces of the tights appear to be a course weave creating a soft and slightly cushy feel.  The inside surfaces of the tights have a tighter weave, are slightly less cushy, and feel nice to the touch.  The nylon pocket inside the waistband measures approximately 4 by 4 inch (10 by 10 cm) and is similar to those sometimes found in swimming trunks.  The outseam stitching is of a contrasting color to the black tights, and curves toward the front near the ankles.  (Note: This design is different than on the womens model, which curves the opposite way at the ankle, and also curves around toward the back at the top.)  The other seams are of a darker color thread and are less pronounced.

 

The tights are quite simple in their design and construction.  The fabric is the same throughout, meaning there are no reinforced areas anywhere.  There are also no zippers at the ankles, and the legs are straight, as opposed to a curved construction which follows the path of slightly bent legs.  The picture of the tights on the IBEX website has them on an invisible mannequin with bent knees, so it is difficult to tell this based on the available information.  Also, I am at a loss to find the "Elastic Waist".  All the fabric stretches, but I haven't noticed any actual elastic in the waistband.

Initial Fit:
Slipping on the Approach Tights, the fit is just about perfect.  They do not fit like stretch-to-fit spandex, but they closely follow the contour of my body with very minimal excess or bunched up fabric in any location.  They are very stretchy.  I do not need to tighten the tights with the drawcord.  I selected the size large IBEX Approach Tights which are designed to fit a waist of 34 to 36 inches (86 to 91 cm) and an inseam of 33 inches (84 cm).  I wanted the waist and leg circumference to fit correctly, placing the length as a secondary consideration.  As stated above, my waist is 34 inches (86 cm) and my inseam is 35 inches (89 cm).  My fear of the length being slightly too short was unfounded, as these tights definitely are long enough to overlap well with my conventional crew-length hiking socks.  The weight of the tights is hefty, in fact the tights weigh nearly twice that of my lightweight hiking pants, but they don't feel heavy when on, and in my opinion their intended purpose (warmth) warrants some additional mass.



Test Plan:
My test plans include evaluating the IBEX Approach Tights for fit and comfort, warmth and durability, and the features from the IBEX website listed above.  I will be using the IBEX Approach Tights on all my day hikes and weekend trips when tights are appropriate for the weather.  This will primarily be in Iowa, although I am currently planning a Rocky Mountain National Park trip which should fall within the test period.  The average temperature and precipitation data for Eastern Iowa is in the table below.  The elevations here range from around 480 feet (145 meters) near the Mississippi river, to around 800 feet (245 meters) around my house.  The temperatures in Colorado, based on previous trips there during the same time of year, range from 70 F (21 C) in Estes Park, down to 35 F (2 C) at higher elevations.  The elevations where I plan to go in Colorado will be above 7,500 feet (2,300 m), and hopefully as high as 14,000 feet (4,300 meters). 

Reviews > Clothing > Pants and Shorts > Ibex Approach Tights > James Triplett > Initial Report