Ibex Outback L/S Jersey
Initial Report May 21, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Chest: 42"/ 107 cm
Neck: 16"/ 41 cm
Sleeve: 28"/ 71 cm (from the middle of my chest to my wrist)
Email address: c4jc "at" hotmail "dot" com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, U. S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the Boy Scouts of America and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. I have recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and spend most of my time hiking and backpacking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington! |  |
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Ibex
Model: Outback L/S Jersey
Size: Large
Color: Kingfisher (received) Red Pepper, Rope, Acid, Stone, and Terracotta.
Year of Manufacture: 2006
URL:www.ibex.com
Listed weight: 6.9 oz (196 g)
Measured weight: 6 oz (170 g)
**Disclaimer: the closest my scale will measure is in whole ounces**
Listed Dimensions: Chest 42-44 (107-112 cm), Neck 16.5-17 (42-43 cm), Sleeves 35-36 (89-91 cm)
Measured Dimensions: Chest 44 (112 cm), Sleeves 32 (81 cm) measured from the middle of the chest to the end of the sleeve while laying flat.
Fabric Content: 18.5 micron Superfine Merino Wool
MSRP: $79 US
Country of Manufacture: USA of imported fabrics
Product Description:
This is a semi fitted long sleeve t-shirt made of 18.5 Superfine Merino. It has flatlock seams and flat (non-elastic) cuffs. The shirt is a solid color with a contrasting vertical stripe down the center of the back. In my case, the main shirt is Kingfisher (Royal Blue) with a Rope (gray) stripe down the back.
Ibex recommends the Outback for year-round, lightweight, temperature regulating performance while running, skiing, hiking, backpacking, travel, and everyday use.
Initial Impressions/Use:
The Outback Long Sleeve Jersey arrived in excellent condition with several hang tags attached. The hang tags described the benefits of the 18.5 Superfine Merino wool used in the top and the standard sizing information included on a standard hangtag. I tore the bag open and immediately put the shirt on and have had it on almost constantly since then. I have previous experience with wool products and how comfortable they are, but this shirt is more comfortable than I thought it would be. It feels like a super comfortable cotton t-shirt, but it isnt it is a wool technical top.
The shirt appears to be well constructed with no loose threads or uneven seams. The sleeves are a little bit long on me, but otherwise the shirt fit well.
The care instructions are fairly simple: Machine wash, gentle cycle in cold water with a mild detergent (Ibex recommends Ivory Snow), do not bleach and lay flat to dry.
The Ibex website provided detailed information on the Outback and all of their products including an easy to use size chart.
Improvements:
I can only think of one thing I would like to see, elastic sleeves. I have short arms so like most of my other t shirts the sleeves are too long. It should not be a problem as I am used to this, but it would be nice to have elastic cuffs to keep me from pushing my sleeves up all the time.
Expected Field Conditions:
Average temperatures range from highs in the 60s F to 70s F and lows in the 30s F to 40s F (16 C 21 C highs and -1 C to 4 C lows). The average precipitation in May, June, July, and August for the Seattle area is 3+ inches per month (8 cm) and will take all forms, rain, snow, and sleet. Most of my trips during this time frame will be in the Mount Baker and Snoqualmie National Forest. Specifically in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, 20 minutes from my house. Elevation may vary from sea level to around 10,000 ft (3048 m). My normal outdoor routine consists of at least two day hikes a month, and no less than 2 nights of backpacking a month. I do have several specific trips already penciled in this summer. I will be doing a summit attempt on Glacier Peak, WA in June, a 100 mile Mountains to Sound multi-sport relay race, and an eight day Big City Mountaineers trip scheduled for August.
Test Plan:
I will look for the following characteristics in the Ibex Outback L/S Jersey over the test period:
Fit:
- How well does the shirt fit?
- Can I layer a t-shirt underneath on cold and chilly evenings?
- What exactly does Semi Fit mean? Form fitting? Relaxed? Or somewhere in the middle?
- Is it soft next to skin like Ibex says or itchy like other wool products?
- Are the sleeves proportional to the rest of the shirt?
- Does the shirt breathe well? It should be as Ibex recommends it for high aerobic activities like running, skiing, and hiking/backpacking.
Durable:
- How durable is the 18.5 Merino wool?
- Do I need to be concerned during off trail hiking?
- Does the fabric wear more underneath my backpack straps?
- What temperature range is the jersey best used in?
- How easy is the jersey to maintain?
- Are there any special washing instructions?
- Does it trap smells?
Style:
- Living here in the trendy Pacific Northwest is this shirt stylish enough to wear on
a rainy day diaper run to Target or while out at dinner in downtown Seattle?
Thanks to BackpackGearTest and Ibex for allowing me to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Ibex gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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