Long Term Report

IBEX Roaster Boxers
Long Term Report 16 September 2005

Product Information (from their web site and packaging)
Website: http://www.ibexwear.com

IBEX advertises this underwear as a mid weight base layer with the following features:

no stink
no itch
regulates temperature
machine wash
merino wool

Colors: Graphite

Sizes:

Men's - S, M, L, XL, XXL

Women's - XS, S, M, L, XL

"At a web-thin 18.5 microns, IBEX 100% superfine Merino is the finest and highest quality wool fiber on the market today. It shatters every old perception you've ever had about wearing wool. IBEX WOOL BASE LAYERS are your foundation for performance and personal climate control." quote from the package

Long Term Use Results
I have worn these boxers one or two days per week while hiking and working in the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon U.S.A.) for the last six months. Temperatures have ranged from 32F (0C) to 98F (37C). Three areas I have taken special note of are 1) Comfort, 2) Temperature regulation, and 3) Durability.

COMFORT

Does the wool make me itch? NO. Wool generally makes me itch, so I had avoided using it as a base layer, but these IBEX Roaster Boxers have changed my mind. From day one to day one hundred eighty one they never made me itch.
Do they give me a wedgie? OCCASIONALLY. For the first few months I would get a wedgie about once a day but that is no longer the case. I believe they have stretched out just a bit, fitting more loosely, eliminating the wedgie issue. After washing these boxers have a snug fit and slowly loosen throughout the day, this is fine with me since I prefer loose fitting boxers.
Does the waistband roll? NO. The waistband remains strong and elastic without rolling.
Do my legs chafe? NO. This is not normally a problem for me and is not an issue with these boxers.
Are they comfortable when wet? YES. As expected with wool they keep me warm when wet. They also absorb water, becoming heavy, but his is offset by the material contracting and sticking to my skin so that they do not feel like they will fall down to my ankles.
Are they truly "no-stink"? YES. A qualified yes, they are better than cotton or polypropylene, but that does not mean that foul odors are not present after days on the trail.
For male users, the most noticeable comfort issue is the lack of a fly. There is a double wool panel in the front but for some reason no fly opening. Yes, this is a major issue, and the strong elastic waistband makes it even worse.

TEMPERATURE REGULATION

Do they keep me warm in cold weather? YES. The IBEX wool base layer provides noticeable warmth.
Is there a temperature when it is too warm to wear them? YES. At temperatures over 85F (29C) at rest and 75F (24) while hiking the boxers become wet, hot, and clammy.
Do they keep me warm when wet? YES.
How are they at moisture management (sweat)? GOOD. In cold and moderate temperatures they perform very well, but on warm summer days these boxers rapidly become wet & clammy.

DURABILITY

How do they hold up after repeated use and washings? GREAT. I have washed them dozens of times, and they are still in excellent condition. If anything they are softer. Note: The instructions say machine wash cold, lay flat to dry, but often this was not the case as I washed them in streams, hung dry on a line, and several times they went through the dryer on the low temperature setting. I am happy to report that there is only a slightly looser fit, which I appreciate.
Shrinkage? LITTLE. After each wash they have a snug fit, but within an hour of wearing they fit more loosely (the way I like my boxers to fit). Over the six month test period I believe there has been a slight stretching of the material.
How long do they take to air dry? ONE DAY with a day time temperature around 70F (21C); less time if in direct sunlight and less time if it is windy.
How long will they last? UNKNOWN. Thus far they show very little wear. If anything, they are softer and fit better now than at first. The elastic waistband is still firm.

CONCLUSION

IBEX Roaster Boxers are great three season underwear and I'm looking forward to using them for the next three seasons.

Biographical Information
Name: Tom Van Rossum
Age: 49 Gender: Male
Height: 5'10" (1.78 m) Weight: 155 lb (70 kg)
Email: tomvr1 at yahoo dot com
Portland, Oregon, USA

I started backpacking in Scouts and have been hiking ever since. Most trips are in the typically wet mountainous Cascade Range in Washington and Oregon - from thick underbrush to old-growth forests to snow above the tree line, I enjoy it all. I also make occasional trips to the more arid region east of the mountains or along the damp Pacific coast. One or two night weekend backpacking trips are my most common, followed by day hikes, and a couple of week-long hikes each year. I am a traditional "heavy" packer, enjoying comfort and low risk. The last few years I have tried to lighten my load but have had minimal success.

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