Other Ibex products I’d recommend include the Woolies Zip T-Neck ($62), a thin, sweat-wicking top perfect for skiing and other winter sports, and the Approach Tight ($110), a thick merino/Lycra blend that can be worn as an athletic tight alone or as a heavy, cozy base layer for extremely cold days.
REI has even jumped onto the wool wagon, and its Lightweight MTS Wool Long-Sleeve Zip T-Neck ($70) and Lightweight MTS Wool Bottoms ($60) proved to be good performers. Like Ibex, REI uses a merino wool blend that is a smidge rough, but not itchy.
Finally, Vegard Ulvang, a Norwegian super athlete and three-time Nordic skiing Olympic Gold Medalist, has leant his name to a new company that makes wool base layers. Ulvang apparel, which is distributed by Swix Sport USA in this country, received high marks in my tests.
The Extra Warm Polo Shirt comes in men’s and women’s styles and retails for $90. As the name implies, the top is indeed extra warm, with cushy wool fabric and an extra long turtleneck collar that zips up tight to your chin.
—Stephen Regenold writes about outdoors gear at www.gearjunkie.com.
