Picture yourself sitting around a summer campfire: What are you wearing?
My guess is that you probably envision a t-shirt, maybe a flannel or a hoody on a cool night. When I talk to people about the clothing they carry backpacking, then, I ask them why they'd need to carry more than a couple of simple layers. I mean, if a t-shirt and a flannel will get you through most cool summer nights… why carry more?
Yes, this is Backpacking Light. And any given merino top is going to weigh more and insulate less than a light down vest. But warmth to weight ratio isn't the ONLY significant factor in choosing what to pack. We also have to ask ourselves what is most pragmatic and versatile in the field, in the conditions we anticipate. It doesn't make sense to pack too much warmth just because it weighs less than other options.
I typically wear a base layer top, and then carry a mid layer and an uberlight poofy vest. Ounce for ounce, nothing can match the insulation of a 4-ounce down vest. But in the summer months? C'mon, man, I don't want to wear down. It's too much warmth. I became interested in finding layers that were more versatile in the warmer months, and turned my attention to merino wool.
My upper base layer goes on at the start of a trip and comes off sometime after I get back to the car, so I need something that can sort of be a second skin. When I'm in camp, moving about doing light chores such as filtering water, I need a little something extra as the sun waxes or wanes. And, frankly, I enjoy lazy time in camp, sitting around and playing cards, taking photos, and enjoying the company of friends. When I first rise from bed and tend to coffee, or when the moon begins its show, I want enough warmth to sit comfortably, without fidgeting, to enjoy the moments fully, so… I need an outer insulation-ish piece. Knowing that I was looking for three pieces, then, I started trying to piece together a system.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Preamble:
- Making Choices
- Evaluation and Use
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Ibex Clothing Review
I have purchased least 10 Ibex items, using them since 2007.
Where do you live? Here in the coastal and western Maine mountains, I take an ultralight down jacket all year round. You must be out west? If we throw soaked shirts of any kind in the corner of the tent in the Northeast, they will NEVER dry, but start mouldering- there's too much humidity here.
I have used Ibex base and mid layers on three thru-hikes, but the base layer was torn to shreds mid way though both the longer hikes. I also found that I preferred a very thin short sleeve synthetic fabric over the lightest Ibex merino in the So. Cal desert where the wool was overpowered by the heat.
I agree that Ibex gear is good, but for the past year have been replacing worn items with Patagonia merino. The small amount of synthetic fabric that is now part of their wool line renders the garments much more durable than pure merino, which I find tears too easily. I have actually torn the lightest Ibex merino tights just putting them on after a shower, if I am not super careful. I agree that thumb slots are awesome, and have a Wool Patagonia hoodie that is teaching me to appreciate the hooded portion, as you outline.
I would have liked to see a comparison of the Ibex products you describe against similar Patagonia merino items, rather than referencing the synthetic lines but can understand your reasoning behind your choices. I have had excellent customer service from Ibex, an important consideration if you are too quick and your legs are too sticky after a shower.
Thanks for the review and bringing attention to Ibex Brad! My Ibex Indie hoodie is my go-to next to skin piece during the colder months.
The older version of the woolies were a bit too lightweight, I think something like 16.5? Now they stick to 17.5 or 18.5 microns and the tighter baselayers are a lot more durable. I got a pair of bottoms for christmas and they're totally great. About an ounce heavier than my old wool bottoms, but you can feel the difference in thickness if you compare them side-by-side. At any rate, if you happen to find some really light-weight wool base layers, consider sizing up!
Thanks for the article. I have been a woollie since the 80s, when it was very hard to find in any weight. A couple of years ago I tracked down my most essential piece of clothing: an Ice Breaker short-sleeved zip-necked tee, and I pair it with Smartwool arm warmers for a base layer for any season. The zip and warmers give a lot of control for temperature variation (I think I have a comfort range of about 1/2 degree and it's not always the same degree!). Of course, Ice Breaker has discontinued the shirt (fortunately I got a second) and I have located no similar garment elsewhere. Does anyone make such a thing anymore?
The Ibex hoodie intrigues me and I am glad to see your observations. I hope others will chime in to nudge me into getting something else I probably do not need. But it has sounded sweet for sooooo long that I seem to be heading in that direction.
Thanks for the wool report, even if it is totally about one brand when there are now many to choose from. It is remindful of the recent article on the sleeping bag that sounded more like an advertisement, but this happens to be about a subject I am glad to see discussion about.
Check out Icebreaker Sonic – Us Kiwis live in merino – after all we supply it to the world! You may want to try the Icebreaker outlet store – not too sure if they sell on line. I get all my Merino gear there. Not cheap but super quality comes at a price!
"A couple of years ago I tracked down my most essential piece of clothing: an Ice Breaker short-sleeved zip-necked tee, and I pair it with Smartwool arm warmers for a base layer for any season. The zip and warmers give a lot of control for temperature variation (I think I have a comfort range of about 1/2 degree and it's not always the same degree!). Of course, Ice Breaker has discontinued the shirt (fortunately I got a second) and I have located no similar garment elsewhere. Does anyone make such a thing anymore?
"
Jim,
Check out the Minus 33° Tarleton Men's Lightweight S/S 1/4 Zip at
http://www.minus33.com/catalog/tarleton-men-s-lightweight-s-s-1-4-zip/715FG
Should be what you're looking for.
Brad,
If I understand you correctly, you were looking for a touch more warmth in the evening/morning when not hiking? Over your lightweight hiking baselayer?
How about using a windshell? At 3-6 oz certainly a lot lighter, and more likely to be worn during hiking if it gets cold or windy.
The wool shirts have one big benefit you didn't mention: if you are having a campfire, small sparks won't ruin them as much.
Hi! Thanks for the article. I'm a huge fan of Icebreaker–I have had mostly good luck with sizing–with occasional forays into Ibex-land for things that they do better.
"Newsflash: If you put something on, it will be warmer than wearing nothing."
Under some conditions, cotton is cooler than nothing. Is this true when it's bloody hot out? I can't really tell because everything gets clammy and uncomfortable, but if we're talking actual thermal regulation, then I believe it's useful…? I presume that linen has similar properties, and may be better?
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