Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Ibex Woolies Crew Stripe > Owner Review by Michael Pearl

IBEX WOOLIES CREW STRIPE
BY MIKE PEARL
OWNER REVIEW
October 14, 2010

TESTER INFORMATION

My backpacking experience began six years ago, after years of car camping. Most trips are for two or three days, some lasting a week. I hike with a group of two to four, with plans for a multi-day solo hike next summer. I pack a tent or tarp depending on availability of trail shelters. My average mileage is 15 mi (24 km). While aware of weight, it is not my primary concern. I strive for enjoyable outings with functional, reliable gear. I usually travel in woodland mountain terrain. I am a three season camper, but enjoy hiking all year.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Ibex Outdoor Clothing, LCC
Year of Manufacture: 2009

Ibex logo

Manufacturer's Website: www.Ibexwear.com
MSRP: US$ 75
Listed Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g)
Measured Weight: 7 oz (198 g)
Size: Medium (Also Available in: S, L, XL)
Color: Black / Med Heather Grey (Also Available in Dark Ivy / Dark Ink)
Material: 18.5 Micron lightweight rib 100% New Zealand Merino Wool
Other features: 150 g/m2, Form-fit, Raglan sleeves,
Wide sleeve cuff detail, Flatlock seams, Tag-free labels, Machine washable
Fiber & Fabric Source: New Zealand
Garment Source: Fiji
Guarantee/ Warranty: Ibex offers lifetime warranty against manufacturing and materials defects.

Tag-Free Label

The Ibex Woolies Crew Stripe (hereafter referred to as the Woolies or shirt) is a long sleeve base layer. The Woolies is a close-to-the-body form-fitting shirt. It helps maintain body temperature while pulling moisture away from the skin. The fine gauge ribbed fabric provides soft texture while making the shirt breathable. The Woolies is naturally odor resistant as it is 100% Merino wool.

Wearin' Woolies

FIELD USE

I have worn the Woolies for many cold weather outdoor activities. This includes hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and snowboarding. I even wear it to shovel snow from the driveway, only for the higher purpose of getting to the mountain. The Woolies is layer number one of three or four layers depending on activity and weather. When snowboarding layer number two is my standard issue Vermont lumberjack flannel. Then layer three is a ski jacket/parka. For all other activities layer number two is an insulator of thicker wool or fleece. Layer number three is a mid weight jacket/windbreaker. The wild card fourth layer is the waterproof one in case of rain or snow. Locations are of a wide range through out Vermont and New Hampshire mountains.

On day hikes with temps in the 40 to 10 F (4 to -12 C) range the shirt has performed nicely. It keeps me warm and never feeling clammy. If I start to overheat removing my outermost layer helps to regulate body temperature. The only time I have felt the least bit moist is when wearing a waterproof layer during heavy exertion. Again remove the waterproofing and things balance out nicely. I have noticed a fair amount of static when peeling off a second layer of clothing. A mild discomfort when dealing with wool fibers.

While backpacking I will wear the Woolies if temps are similar to those mentioned above. When bedding down the Woolies and similar bottoms are my "PJ's". On nights as low as 20 F (-6 C) I have been comfy in a 30 F (-1 C) rated bag. This has impressed me as I am usually a cold sleeper. Normally it's a baselayer and light fleece at such temps. I have worn the shirt as baselayer and/or PJ's as many as three days in a row. I can almost forget I'm wearing it. After several days of use I was surprised to prove the claim that Merino wool does not retain odors!

Once there's good snow cover the Woolies is on all shoeing and boarding trips. The shirt feels nice against the skin, never itchy. The Woolies dries fairly quick after a day of tumble down the mountains. The Woolies never feels too snug or poses any restriction to movement. Which is necessary for battling New England trail conditions.

SUMMARY

The Ibex Woolies has been great addition to my winter apparel. I look forward to cool temps knowing the Woolies will keep me warm in all outdoor conditions. The stripes are pretty cool too. I have been very satisfied with the performance of this shirt. The Woolies is a well-made quality shirt.

THINGS I LIKE

Warmth
Comfort
Fit
Stripes

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

Static factor

SIGNATURE

Michael Pearl

Reviews > Clothing > Underwear > Ibex Woolies Crew Stripe > Owner Review by Michael Pearl