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Reviews > Clothing > Pants and Shorts > Ibex Approach Tights > James Triplett > Long Term ReportLong Term Test Report: IBEX Approach Tights
by James E. Triplett January 3, 2006 
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:
Additional IBEX Approach Tights information: (from the IBEX website) Features:
Colors
and Sizes:
Our best selling cold-weather performance tight with stretch. Wear it layered or alone depending on the conditions for:
Long Term Review: Test Conditions and Test Period: The IBEX Approach Tights test was extended to allow for more testing this fall and early winter. This allowed for three full months of additional testing which would not have been possible if the test had ended this past summer. The test period worked out quite well. The tights were first received in March of 2005 (see my initial report), and reported on again in June of 2005 (see my field report). At that point I suspended testing the Approach Tights as the weather was just too warm to wear them comfortably. On the precise date of October 1, 2005, the temperatures dipped and I began wearing them again. The temperature ranges for the extended test period have been from -8 to 60 F (-22 to 15.5 C). The Approach Tights have been used the rain and snow, both as a single layer and as a base layer beneath light hiking pants, mid-weight pants, and rain pants. Hiking distances have ranged from two to nine miles (three to fourteen kilometers), at elevations between 500 and 900 feet (150 to 275 meters). I have also worn the tights while snowshoeing multiple times this past December. I have used the Approach Tights as sleep-wear while backpacking in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, elevation 9,200 feet (2,800 meters). Fit and Comfort: The IBEX Approach Tights fit me extremely well. As I reported on earlier, I was a little concerned about choosing the large size over the extra-large size, but I wanted them to fit securely even if it was at the expense of having the legs a little on the short side. Well, they fit with appropriate snugness, and due to the stretchy nature of the wool/Lycra blend, they are plenty long enough. In fact, I often keep the cuffs of the tights under my heals when I put on my shoes or boots, and this does not cause the waist to pull any lower on my hips than I would normally wear them.. The Merino/Lycra fabric has been pleasant against my skin. I have allergies to some fabrics, including wool, but the Approach Tights have not irritated me in the least. The fabric is a tight weave on the inside and it is smooth and pleasing to the touch. The waistband of the tights is listed in the features on the website as being elastic, but to me is seems to have the same stretch and feel as the rest of the tights. I have not used the draw-cord as the tights hug me perfectly and do not slip down. I have also never used the interior envelope pocket, yet neither the pocket nor the draw-cord cause any distraction by being there. Trail Use: I have used the IBEX Approach Tights in pretty much the same fashion as I reported on in my field report. For temperatures above freezing, I have mostly worn them as an only layer. The exception being when I expected to run into other people and wished to conceal my form a little more than what is provided by the tights. In those situations I have worn an 8 oz (225 g) pair of ExOfficio trail pants over the tights. As an only layer the tights are comfortable up to 50 F (10 C) or so. The keep my legs nice and warm, yet they allow air to penetrate the fabric, creating a warm but well ventilated garment. This feeling is perfect for moderate exertion for 30 minute to several hour hikes. I have tried the tights down to 20 F (-7 C) as an only layer and they work pretty well when I am exerting myself. It is hard for me to refrain from adding a layer over them when I am starting out cold, but if I have already raised my body temperature a little before heading out then this works well. When hiking at 20 F (-7 C) I am fairly comfortable, although my rear end does get chilled. Most of the time below freezing, and all the time below 20 F (-7 C), I wear an outer layer over the Approach Tights. This can be the light ExOfficio pants, some heavier zip-off trail pants, and for temperatures from 0 to -8 F (-18 to -22 C) I have worn the tights under some Red Ledge full-zip rain pants, which seals out the wind providing for a warm and comfortable hike, and is perfect for making snow angels! I have slept in the Approach Tights on half a dozen nights, in a down bag, on a RidgeRest mat, in a tent, with temperatures at or below freezing. With a wicking shirt, and some liner socks, the tights have made for comfortable sleeping, and have not bunched up when I turn over during the night. I think that they are perfectly suited for sleepwear. Cleaning and Durability: I have worn the IBEX tights for days in a row and not noticed any stench. After wearing them for a particularly long stretch I actually took a whiff of the fabric and there was no odor whatsoever. That being said, I have washed the BEX Approach Tights at least six times. Each time I have laundered them at home, in the washing machine set on gentle cycle. Hanging them out to air dry in the afternoon, they are ready to be worn again the next morning. I haven't noticed any wear on the tights at all. They still have the same black color, and there are no frayed areas, loose stitching, or anything else to indicate they have a limited life. Really the only sign that they are used is that the legs are no longer straight and have stretched and formed (slightly) to match my form. Summary: I don't have much to add to what I have said above, except that I love these tights. The IBEX Approach Tights allow me to stay warm without bulky layers of clothing in cold weather, and provide new found freedom and comfort while hiking in moderate temperatures. I have come to depend on having these tights in my hiking and general outdoor wardrobe and hope that they last forever. Every indication is that they might do just that! Respectfully submitted, -James T.
Read more reviews of Ibex gear Read more gear reviews by James E. Triplett Reviews > Clothing > Pants and Shorts > Ibex Approach Tights > James Triplett > Long Term Report | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||