This is the divine base layer for the new era of merino wool. A comprehensive review of Ibex's revival of merino wool products
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
I started using Discord
Merino wool made a remarkable comeback in the outdoor world in the 1990s. As you know, base layers made from this natural material have grown to become a favorite for many people in a variety of situations, from outdoor activities to everyday life
Founded in 1997 Ibex was one of the manufacturers that played an important role in the revival of the brand at that time, and was a highly popular brand known for its high-quality merino wool apparel. In fact, the brand sadly ceased operations in 2018, but made a comeback in the United States a few years ago and is now happily re-launching in Japan in 2023.
Ibex has been a familiar brand to me Ibex in the field, so I'd like to share my review right away.
table of contents
- Main specifications and evaluation of the ibex base layer we tested this time
- Detailed review of each item
- WOOLIES 1 CREW: A classic IBEX piece perfect as your next-to-skin layer
- INDIE HOODIE: A unique piece that seamlessly blends comfortably from active scenes to everyday life
- WOOLIES TECH LONG SLEEVE 1/4 ZIP: A high-performance model that offers all the comfort and functionality you need for adventure
- WOOLIES PRO TECH CREW: A benchmark for a new era of merino wool, further evolving with groundbreaking technology
- Reference: Size and fit comparison
- Summary: Merino wool is entering a new era
- Learn more about and purchase ibex base layers
Main specifications and evaluation of the ibex base layer we tested this time
| item | WOOLIES 1 CREW | INDIE HOODIE | WOOLIES TECH LONG SLEEVE 1/4 ZIP | WOOLIES PRO TECH CREW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| image |  |  |  |  |
| material |
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| material | merino wool | MERINO EDGE COOL | WOOLIES TECH | PRO-TECH (Nuyarn) |
| Fabric Thickness | 17.5 microns / 180 gm² | 18.5 microns / 185 gm² | 18.5 microns / 180 gm2 | 19.5 microns / 125 gm² |
| Actual weight (g) | 186 (medium size) | 273 (M size) | 260 (M size) | 135 (medium size) |
| Variations |
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| fit | Close to the body | regular | Touching the skin | Touching the skin |
| Thumbhole | × | ◯ | ◯※Temporarily fastened | ◯ |
| Here is ◎ |
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| Here is △ |
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| Outdoor Gearzine Review | ||||
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Heat retention | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathable | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| quick drying | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review of each item
WOOLIES 1 CREW: A classic IBEX piece perfect as your next-to-skin layer
Recommended points
- A snug fit without being too tight
- Moderate stretch and raglan sleeves provide ease of movement
- 17.5 micron ultra-fine merino wool 100% for a comfortable feel
- Ease of layering
- Merino wool's properties (heat retention, moisture control, odor resistance)
Points of interest
- durability
- quick drying
- Cuffed sleeves make layering easy, but they also make it difficult to roll up your sleeves
Recommended occasions for wearing and layering
- The layer closest to your skin, the base for all your layers
- Great for layering in spring, autumn, and winter (not suitable for summer as it is a bit thick and you can't roll up your sleeves)
- Perfect for a wide range of chilly activities, including skiing, hiking, climbing, running, cycling, and outdoor work
overview
A staple since the old ibex era, the WOOLIES 1 CREW ibex model that showcased the high potential and possibilities of pure merino wool for activities in harsh environments . Thin and lightweight, with a pattern that eliminates unnecessary waste and fits snugly to the body, it is a simple and minimalist base layer with no pockets, zippers, thumbholes or other elements that add weight.
Comfort and fit
Made from 100% merino wool with a super-fine 17.5 micron weave, this ultra-thin garment features a tagless design and flat seams. Its light weight and natural feel makes it so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing it
Ease of movement
What's more, it's stretchy enough that you'll wonder if it's really made of merino wool, and the raglan sleeves around the shoulders mean that even large movements are stress-free
Ease of layering
The cuffs are designed to prevent the sleeves from riding up when layering. This is a very convenient feature for winter, but it means that you can't roll up your sleeves when it's hot, which makes me a bit worried about wearing it in the hot summer
Heat retention
As expected from a 100% wool jacket, it's incredibly warm considering its thickness and weight. I wore it on a low mountain in December, and it was comfortable enough to wear just this jacket over a shell for activities that produced a lot of sweat (meaning it could be worn for mild activities in October and November with just the right amount of adjustment). On the other hand, for winter skiing and other activities, this jacket, along with fleece, insulation, and an outer layer, is just right. The 180 gsm fabric isn't too thick, so it has the advantage of being able to adjust to a wide range of temperatures (by layering). However, it's a bit thick for summer wear, and the aforementioned issue of not being able to roll up the sleeves makes it unsuitable
evaluation
The WOOLIES 1 CREW a versatile base layer that can be worn on cold days, whether skiing or hiking, climbing, cycling, or any outdoor activity. It will also keep you warm and comfortable when working outside. However, because it is made from 100% merino wool, it has some drawbacks, such as durability (although I haven't used it for a long time) and quick drying, so you should be aware of this.
INDIE HOODIE: A unique piece that seamlessly blends comfortably from active scenes to everyday life
Recommended points
- A silhouette that is comfortable not only outdoors but also in everyday life
- Relaxed regular fit
- A luxurious feel that will enchant you
- Quarter front zip keeps out the heat and hood keeps out the cold
- Moderate stretch and raglan sleeves provide ease of movement
- Thumb holes make layering effortless
- Merino wool's properties (heat retention, moisture control, odor resistance)
Points of interest
- durability
- quick drying
- weight
- Regular fit and hood make it less suitable for layering
Recommended occasions for wearing and layering
- Spring, Autumn, Winter (assuming you wear layers in winter)
- Moderately intense activities such as hiking and bikepacking in areas without snow, such as mountains in mild seasons or low mountains in cold seasons
- It's best to wear a base layer or dry layer that fits snugly against the skin, and then put on a jacket over that
- Wear it over a short-sleeved T-shirt or directly as everyday wear in warm weather
overview
The INDIE HOODIE is a unique and versatile hoodie made from 100% merino wool that can be used as both an active base layer and an everyday parka. It is suitable for all-day wear in harsh environments and out in the wild, as well as for everyday work, travel, and outings.
Comfort and fit
What impressed me most was how comfortable it was to wear. The moment I put it on, I was impressed by how smooth it felt against my skin, and the relaxed fit with just the right amount of room made me think, "Wow, I want to wear this every day."
The difference appears to be due to the unique "MERINO EDGE COOL" steaming process applied to the merino wool used in the INDIE HOODIE . While the slight sheen of this process is impressive, the official description states that it "feels cooler against the skin, making it more versatile in a variety of climates," but the "cool" part of this description seems to be more of a "smooth feel" to me. Regardless of how it's described, this unique feel is so exceptionally comfortable that it's a shame to dismiss it as just merino wool. Incidentally, I was worried that this slight cooling sensation would make me feel extra cold in the winter, but I didn't notice that at all.
Ease of movement and layering
Here too, you will feel almost no stress when moving thanks to the raglan sleeves around the shoulders and flatlock seams that prevent the seams from rubbing against your skin, reducing stress on the skin
Raglan sleeves allow for ease of movement around the shoulders and avoid the shoulder harness of a backpack
The underarms have three-dimensional cutting that takes movement into account
Unlike other models, this has a slightly looser regular fit, so rather than being the perfect layering piece, it feels more like a lightweight hoodie that can be layered as mountain wear. However, the cuffs have thumbholes, so it wasn't uncomfortable to layer over it
The regular fit is a little loose, but the thumbholes mean the sleeves won't roll up when layered
Heat retention
Made from 100% merino wool and 185 gsm thick, it has a wide range of volume adjustments, just like the WOOLIES 1 the WOOLIES 1 and then the INDIE HOODIE , and the two layers kept me just warm and comfortable while I was out and about. Of course, you can also wear this jacket directly against your skin as a base layer, but in that case, it's best to keep in mind that the sizing is a little tighter than other models from the company.
The 1/4 zip on the front helps regulate your temperature when you sweat, and the balaclava-style hood that can be worn under a helmet provides a little wind protection, making it suitable for a wide range of temperatures (although it does feel a bit heavy)
evaluation
The uniqueness and appeal of this model is that it has the seemingly easy-to-find but difficult-to-find feature of being "excellent as a serious base layer for outdoor wear, yet easy to wear in everyday life." If you're looking for something specialized for serious activities, I would recommend the two models I'll explain below, but for people like me who do outdoor activities and don't want to give up the comfort of outdoor wear in everyday life, this one is sure to appeal
WOOLIES TECH LONG SLEEVE 1/4 ZIP: A high-performance model that offers all the comfort and functionality you need for adventure
Recommended points
- A natural, streamlined silhouette with a comfortable fit without feeling too tight
- WOOLIES TECH fabric provides high levels of durability, heat retention, quick drying, and mobility
- 1/4 front zip for easy temperature regulation
- Moderate stretch and raglan sleeves provide ease of movement
- Thumbholes for easy layering (can be closed when not needed)
- Merino wool's properties (heat retention, moisture control, odor resistance)
Points of interest
- Nothing in particular
Recommended occasions for wearing and layering
- Mainly during the cold seasons of autumn and winter
- All activities in cold mountain areas, including snowy mountains during the coldest seasons
- Wear it directly against the skin or over a dry layer or other undergarment that fits snugly against the skin. Depending on the environment, you can wear it alone or combine it with a mid-layer or outer layer
overview
WOOLIES TECH is a premium base layer made with high-quality merino wool, nylon, and elastane for added stretch. It looks great on its own and layers seamlessly with a mid-layer, making it ideal for a variety of low-temperature adventures. Its versatility in active scenes is second to none.
WOOLIES TECH is characterized by its high level of functionality, including comfort. It's comfortable to wear, warm, easy to move in, quick-drying, and durable. It really has no flaws.
The main element that makes this high level of perfection possible is the "WOOLIES TECH*" fabric, a hybrid material made from merino wool and synthetic fibers
*The Japanese official website calls it "PRO-TECH," but as of January 12, 2024, the US official website calls it "WOOLIES TECH," so we are using that as a reference.
WOOLIES TECH fabric is constructed with merino wool wrapped around a nylon core. This allows it to maintain the comfortable feel of pure wool while being more durable than wool (which tends to stretch, wear out, and develop holes over time). This combines the durability and quick-drying properties of nylon with the warmth and comfort of wool. The remaining 7% is made up of elastane, which gives this layer a very comfortable stretch with a definite kickback unlike other models
Comfort and fit
the original WOOLIES 1 WOOLIES TECH has a slightly looser and more natural fit (especially around the arms and sleeves), and it certainly has a streamlined silhouette that is optimized for active wear. And even WOOLIES TECH is a hybrid of synthetic fibers and wool, the part that touches the skin is wool, so it doesn't feel inferior to other fabrics.
Ease of movement
The high elasticity allows for large arm and upper body movements, and the raglan sleeves ensure ease of movement by avoiding the shoulder peaks, while the flatlock seams provide a smooth lining, and the three-dimensionally cut underarm panels ensure exceptional ease of movement
WOOLIES TECH offers a much more comfortable range of motion than 100% merino wool
Heat retention/quick drying
I tried wearing this layer while backcountry skiing and climbing a snowy mountain, and in both cases I didn't feel any extreme discomfort from sweating while hiking up, nor did I feel cold from the sweat when I stopped afterwards (of course, this depends on whether I'm wearing a mid-layer or something), and it kept me comfortably warm
Ease of layering
The silhouette fits the body lines without any stress when layering. Another unique feature is that the sleeves have thumb holes that are temporarily fastened in advance. This is especially important for those who don't need thumb holes, and by cutting the sewing thread, the thumb holes can be used by those who need them.
evaluation
WOOLIES TECH has almost everything you need in a top-notch base layer, making up for the weaknesses of wool while still allowing you to enjoy its full potential. It's not exactly cheap, but the quality and expected lifespan make it well worth it
WOOLIES PRO TECH CREW: A benchmark for a new era of merino wool, further evolving with groundbreaking technology
Recommended points
- Incredibly light
- Comfortable fit without feeling too tight
- PRO-TECH (Nuyarn) fabric with dramatically improved functionality in every aspect
- Excellent quick-drying properties
- Moderate stretch and raglan sleeves provide ease of movement
- Close-fitting silhouette and thumbholes for easy layering
- Merino wool's properties (heat retention, moisture control, odor resistance)
Points of interest
- Nothing in particular
Recommended occasions for wearing and layering
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- All kinds of activities in mountain areas throughout the year, from the slightly chilly spring and autumn to the harsh winter
- Wear it directly against the skin or over a dry layer or other undergarment that fits snugly against the skin. Depending on the environment, you can wear it alone or combine it with a mid-layer or outer layer
overview
WOOLIES PRO TECH is the lightest IBEX base layer ever, designed to deliver the best performance in cold conditions, using Nuyarn® technology. This technology dramatically reduces weight without compromising the properties (attractiveness) of traditional merino wool, while providing 35% more heat retention, 85% more stretch, 5 times faster drying, and 8.8 times more durability
Comfort, fit, ease of movement, and layering
The fit is WOOLIES TECH , close to the body yet just a little loose and natural.
Despite its 19.5-micron fiber thickness, thicker than other merino wool models (though still ultra-fine), this model's smooth, comfortable feel is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the skin. Features like a tagless back neck, raglan sleeves, flatlock seams, and underarm gussets ensure a comfortable, layerable, and easy-to-move fit. The 85% increased stretchability makes it hard to believe it's made without any stretch fibers like polyurethane, providing a smooth, comfortable fit
But what's most surprising is its extraordinary lightness of 120 gsm. WOOLIES 1 , we said that it was so light you'd forget you were wearing it, but this is truly a "second skin" feel.
Three-dimensionally cut gussets are placed under the armpits to reduce tightness during movement
The seams are also finished flat, so there is no discomfort even when pressure is applied
Heat retention/quick drying
Nuyarn® technology uses an untwisted fiber structure, which allows natural air pockets to form within the fibers, acting as effective insulation. The increased loft, combined with the warmth of wool, allows the fabric to be lighter and provide superior warmth compared to conventional merino wool. Improved breathability also improves quick-drying properties. When worn in the field, even on relatively active backcountry hikes, it offered the same breathability, comfort, and quick drying speed as a synthetic base layer. It's refreshing to be surprised at how merino wool can wick away sweat at such a light weight
evaluation
I've worn this base layer in a variety of winter situations, and in every situation, it has always provided unparalleled comfort. WOOLIES PRO TECH is a groundbreaking and highly refined product that heralds a new era in merino wool base layers, combining cutting-edge innovation with merino wool craftsmanship. Furthermore, it can be said to be a new benchmark, as any merino wool product developed in the future will inevitably be compared to this one. That's how impressive it is. I recommend it not only to hikers, skiers, climbers, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, but also to anyone looking to stay comfortable during the cold season.
Reference: Size and fit comparison
176cm, 64kg, wearing size M
Summary: Merino wool is entering a new era
I've been saying "Nuyarn® is amazing" on this site for several years , and now that I've finished this review, I feel like I've finally found the perfect product with the " WOOLIES PRO TECH CREW ." Nuyarn® retains the allure of merino wool as a comfortable material while significantly improving its performance during activities, while also achieving lightness and durability. Ibex and created a flawless (almost) ideal winter base layer. I don't think there's a winter base layer that beats it yet. It's not too thick, so you can wear it from when it starts to get a little chilly until early spring. Even though I've tried dozens of products and check out new releases every year, if someone asked me for a base layer suitable for use outside of summer, I would recommend this one without hesitation. Of course, the other models also offer excellent basic performance and design, and as I mentioned in this article, each has its own strengths and merits, so choosing one that matches your preferences is sure to satisfy.
We'll continue to keep an eye on amazingly revived Ibex
Learn more about and purchase ibex base layers
For more product details, please visit the official ibex website
Related reading
Once you try them, you'll never go back! 10 recommended merino wool base layers (innerwear) that are even more comfortable
Fall/Winter Essentials! 10 Recommended Merino Wool Base Layers to Wear Now [2015]
Comparison Review: What I Learned After Trying Over 20 Merino Wool Base Layers
Comparison Review: Trying out different merino wool base layers (underwear)