Home > Apparel

Review: Ibex Balance Sports Top

Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

By CHELSEY GRIBBON

For trips and during expeditions, it is often easy for guys to pack light in the clothing department. For me — and most girls I know — it is a different story. I like to change my underwear every day (shock!) even when on an expedition or a mountain trip.

Ibex’s Balance Sports Top, $59, is a tank top with a built-in shelf bra. The seamless garment is made primarily of fine merino wool plus there’s a little bit of nylon and spandex, too. The result? Because wool is naturally antimicrobial, this is a bra I can wear multiple days in a row outdoors and on trips.

During a recent six-day trip, I wore the top the entire time — no changes needed. It was comfy and plenty supportive when I was biking and kayaking. I would have liked a little more support for running, but I realize that this top was not designed for “high-impact” support.

Ibex Balance Sports Top

Thermally, it kept my core warm during the trip and it never got that clammy feeling I get from synthetic materials. I often struggle with being either too hot or too cold when outside. But the Ibex top regulated my temperature nearly perfectly — it felt warm when I was cool, and it was cool and breathable when I was warm.

On a sexy side note, I am happy to report that the built-in bra did not create the dreaded “uni-boob” effect.

One caution: The Balance Sports Top runs a little small in the size range. I am normally an XS, but this was a bit on the tight side for me. In perusing Ibex shoppers on the Web, this seemed to be a fairly common note from other women. “[It] feels a little tight but still way more comfortable than many bras,” noted a commenter.

For me, the size issue meant that during certain activities it rode up and exposed a bit of my belly. A small sacrifice for an otherwise reliable, high-performing product. https://www.ibexwear.com

—Chelsey Gribbon is a member of the YogaSlackers.

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!