Gear Hub: Ibex Woolies 2 Baselayers
Baselayers seem to be collecting in my outerwear drawers like socks — I have too many pairs to give them all equal use and I always seem to grab certain ones first. The industry has coined this as “top-drawer,” a status that refers to the most-loved pieces that never seem to drift beneath the surface layer in a drawer.
It hasn’t taken long for the Ibex Woolies 2 Zip and Bottoms to become my top-drawer baselayers. 100% Merino wool has been woven into garments that have a soft hand feel with the durable and technical properties you can count on from Merino. Ibex has a way with wool, as it’s their complete focus as a brand, and the way they craft the performance fiber of Merino into pieces that are functional, comfortable and flattering have kept me a fan since the first time I wore one of their tees.
I tested a baselayer kit during an early-season winter hut trip. We skinned up to the high-country hut on a sunny day in the low 40s — warm for early December. I had my Woolies on under a light shell and ski pants (unzipped on the sides). When I first started uphill, I thought I was going to get too warm, but the temperature regulation and sweat wicking qualities of the Ibex Merino baselayers were ideal. Once we were near the hut and in the trees, the outside temperature dropped significantly, and I stayed comfortable while on the move.
Once we reached our destination, stepped out of our skis, ripped off skins and unbuckled boots, the baselyers were perfect to wear around the hut while I was getting settled. The pieces are form-fitting but move with you, and I love how the thick and comfortable waistband sits in just the right spot and doesn’t ride up or down with movement.
When I did change clothes for the evening, I noticed some perspiration had created moisture through my socks and on the band of my bra, so I definitely did a good amount of sweating on the approach. The Ibex Woolies 2 top and bottom pieces were dry to the touch and had no odor — thank you Merino.
The next morning, I happily slipped these baselayers back on before we headed out to skin and ski. The Ibex Woolies 2 are as cozy as they are technical — an ideal combination for anything you’re looking to do outside this winter.
Woolies 2 Zip: $145; Woolies 2 Bottoms: $135