Ibex Wool Review: Testing Merino Wool Base Layers + Mid Layers for Winter!

 

Ibex

As I’ve gotten more into skiing and being outdoors in the winter time, I’ve slowly revamped my wardrobe to focus on high quality, warm clothing made from all natural fibers.

Practically everything in my winter closet is made from wool at this point!

So I’m always on the lookout for cozy winter clothes that look nice but are also durable, machine washable and warm. 

Recently, I discovered Ibex, a direct to consumer brand that makes exclusively merino wool clothing, accessories and home goods. I was most curious about the brand’s base layers and mid layers and how they’d hold up to all day skiing.

Here’s my thoughts on everything I’ve tried from Ibex wool.

 

Ibex Wool

Available on Ibex

Browse all merino wool clothing here

 

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Ibex Review

Ibex focuses exclusively on making merino wool clothing and accessories.

All of their wool comes from Australia and New Zealand on farms that are regularly checked to ensure the sheep are well treated. They also measure their carbon footprint and partner with their suppliers to reduce their carbon impact and offset the rest.

Merino sheep live through both freezing winters and sweltering summers in the same coat. So, their wool is an all natural fiber that withstands all the elements, in all four seasons. 

But funny enough, the brand itself is named after a goat!

The Ibex goat is an agile, active rock climbing goat that migrates according to the seasons.

I’ve found that Ibex the brand makes classic, well made merino wool clothing that can easily transition from the city to the mountains like their namesake animals.

Everything is well fitted and tailored, and made from natural fibers to wick away moisture and retain warmth. 

 

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Woolies Tech Base Layer Top

Available in 4 colors 

Wearing Deep Ocean in size xs

 

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I’m always on the lookout for great quality base layers.

I just think you can never have enough in the winter – they add so much warmth and they’re the first layer I put on whether I’m walking around in NYC or on a freezing cold winter ski trip.

Ibex has a ton of base layers, in all different styles, colors and fits.

I opted for their Tech series, which is their midweight option.

The Tech series is designed for high activity in cold conditions and contains 81% merino wool. I find these to be thin, comfortable and not itchy. 

The nylon + elastane helps the base layers keep their fit and not stretch out, which is great especially if you wear them for multiple days in a row. 

I like that there are thumbholes and the zip up neck isn’t too high.

Overall, super comfy and I love the teal color!

Ibex Base Layer Top

Shop on: Ibex

 

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Woolies Tech Base Layer Bottom

Available in 4 colors 

Wearing color Deep Ocean in size xs

 

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I ordered the Woolies tech layer bottoms to match the base layer zip up top.

These are super comfortable, made from the same 81% merino wool fabric. They feel like a comfortable second skin, and the waist band is a nice mid-rise.

They come in tons of colors, but I opted for the bright teal

Ibex also offers these in a 3/4 capri version (which is great for skiing or if you’re petite). 

Ibex Base Layer Bottom

Shop on: Ibex

 

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Wool Aire Hoodie Jacket

Available in 5 colors 

Wearing Deep Ocean Orange in men’s size medium

 

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I’ve worn my trusty Arcyteryx atom jacket for countless ski trips, but was on the hunt for a similar thin puffer jacket in a slightly looser fit.

I saw Ibex’s Aire Hoodie and loved the design of it!

It comes in both men’s and women’s (in the same colors for both genders) but I ordered the men’s version to try out. I generally prefer men’s sweaters and zip ups because they’re a little roomier in the torso and just the perfect amount of oversized.

The Ibex Aire jackets are pretty much identical, except for the front pocket placement. The men’s hoodie has an extra chest pocket on the left side. (Ibex also makes the Aire jacket in a vest version)

The puffer is super light weight – it weighs less than 10 ounces

It can actually be packed and stuffed inside the chest pocket so it really compresses down!

The jacket is also wind and waterproof, with elasticized hems, cuffs and a scuba-style hood to really block out the wind.

Meanwhile the insulation is made from merino wool, so it keeps you super warm, regulates your body temperature, and is anti microbial.

Ibex Aire Jacket

Shop on: Ibex

 

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Shak Jacket

Available in 7 colors 

Wearing black in size small

 

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I saw this merino wool jacket on the website and was drawn to the classic, simple design.

It’s made from dense merino wool and double knit, so it’s quite warm but still elastic, stretchy and slinky. It feels super comfortable to wear and adds a ton of warmth, despite being quite thin and lightweight!

I like that it has extra long sleeves with optional thumbholes. It also has two hand pockets that zipper shut, so it’s quite functional.

The jacket works as a great mid-layer for cold days and as a comfy outer layer on warm days.

The design is quite slim fitting, so it doesn’t add any bulk. Ibex also makes this knit jacket in a vest version as well as a hooded version.

Overall, I think it’s really versatile and well made!

It’s a soft, solid staple that will look just as good for hikes + outdoor activities as it would everyday in the city. I just had trouble choosing which color to go for.

In the end, I went for black – maybe a little boring, but more versatile. I think the yellow or orange would be fun if you hike often.

For sizing – I went with my usual size so that I could still comfortably layer a base layer underneath. The jacket runs slightly longer in the body than I’d like (I have a very short torso) but is great if you want something that covers your butt!

Ibex Shak Jacket

Shop on: Ibex

 

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Lizzie Tavern Pant

Available in 4 colors 

Wearing black in size xs

 

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For winter ski trips, I never pack jeans.

I’ve learned from experience that comfy travel pants are the way to go! So when I saw these sleek, straight leg style travel pants from Ibex, I was immediately interested in trying them out.

These versatile pants are made from a blend of merino wool and nylon, so they’re perfect for winter. Merino wool keeps you warm and dry, while the nylon and elastane add stretch and compression, so they’re cozy and comfy.

I like that they’re quite a fitted pant (but should have sized up 1 size, since I like to wear base layer leggings underneath).

They come in lots of different muted shades, and they even have zippered pockets on both hips!

These are pretty high rise too, with a wide waistband for support.

Ibex Lizzie Pants

Shop on: Ibex

 

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 Read More:  in our ski style series:

 

Ski Trip Packing Essentials

What to Wear Skiing: Packing List Must Have's

The Best Ski Pants for Women (Stylish & Functional)

The Best Men's Ski Pants

I Found the CUTEST Women's Ski Pants (Video)

Are Designer Ski Pants Worth It? (Try-On Haul)

The Best Ski Sweaters for Apres-Ski 

 

Planning the Perfect Ski Trip

What to Know Before Skiing in Vermont for the First Time

 

Ski Trip Recaps + Mountain Guides

Lake Tahoe, California: Heavenly, Kirkwood & Northstar

Montana: Big Sky

Vermont: Stowe

Catskills, New York: Belleayre Mountain

Quebec, Canada: Mont Tremblant

+ More Ski Vlogs on Youtube

 

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