SmartWool NTS Microweight Tee Vs. Icebreaker Tech Tee

I haven't tried both, but I've got the IB, which is kind of relaxed, pretty much a slightly slim tee… However I wanted even more relaxed, so I ordered an OD Heather shirt from Ibex which is most relaxed of all.. (I inquired about actual measurements)..

Ibex tops in general are an inch or two looser, based on measurements provided… Will confirm this when I receive the item.

Thanks for the reply, Lachlan Fysh. While I don't mind spending for quality, my CT hike budget for this year is pretty set in stone. I just don't see myself shelling out $95 for a Tee shirt. $65 is a hard enough pill to swallow. Is the Ibex worth the extra $30, other than fit?

I love the Ibex, I would pay $30 more for it, but it's very close-cut. I'm talking about the L/S Woolies, 195 fiber count which I believe is their lightest weave.

Icebreaker tech t is an awesome shirt because it looks casual but it's made of no stink fabric. I too hate the tight fitting nts (next to skin) ones. I like them loose and cool.

Smartwool Microweight short sleeve runs almost a size smaller and is cut slimmer than the icebreaker tech T. Both are slimmer than Ibex Ts. Smartwool has the tightest sleeves followed by icebreaker followed by Ibex.

FYI, icebreaker tech T has become wider and longer in the last couple years…I have heard that this has affected the men's line too.

Size inflation is nothing new, of course.

I think you will find the Icebreaker Tech T much roomier than your Smartwool Microweight T in the same size…you may even want to size down.

I buy icebreaker for my dad from time to time…he thinks it's getting TOO big…he's a small so he's been sized out.

Watch out for "measurements provided"!

And forget about Patagonia. They have been trying to get merino right for years. Patagonia merino is a crapshoot and the sizing is all over the place…one color is sometimes a different size than another color. And the quality is not up to the contenders mentioned above.

For cross over casual, I think Ibex is the smartest looking stuff for both sexes. The fit is less technical though.

Just saw the post about the Ibex OD heather. I ordered one too in the ladies…yeah, that is probably the most relaxed of all. But if you are slim waisted and using it for backpacking…there may be a little TOO much material around the middle.

Ibex wins hands down when it comes to style points!

Yes, Ibex woolies are skin tight…they are a special exception…and they are marketed as underwear!

Yeah, I'm sure you were looking for a women's point of view on such matters. LOL

There was lots of Ibex about 30% on Amazon.com sold directly by Amazon a few days ago. Amazing what Amazon is getting into these days.

I use the Icebreaker Tech T short-sleeve as my go-to baselayer. Mine fits just right, not fitted like a compression/lycra type of shirt, but not baggy either. I like the sleeves as well, which do not come down too far, maybe 2 1/2"-ish inches above the elbow (but that's just the way I like a t-shirt). I don't have the long-sleeve version so I can't comment on that, but I do have a 200wt Icebreaker L/S top that is form-fitting and that particular style is labelled as form-fitting. The Tech T is not, so there is a difference. Mine are also a few years old, so I'm not sure if there has been "size-creep" like Hartley mentions.

FInally, it's worth looking for these on sale. There are many different graphics, so depending on your color preference and whether you want something printed on it, you can find the s/s for around $40.00, give or take.

I own the Ibex OD Heather T-Shirt and it has the relaxed fit you're looking for. Plus, it's made in in the United States, unlike the SmartWool and Icebreaker which are assembled by what Louis CK calls "the same Asian suffering."

Is it a bit more expensive? Yes. But, on balance, it's a more ethical choice.

Thanks for everyone's insight. I'll get the Tech Tee for this trip and then work the Ibex shirt into my PCT thru budget for next year.