WoolWeenies Club

[uk elephant]

ooo....looks very nice! Some nice things on that web-site...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ibex Zephyr....on SALE $55....
http://www.ibexwear.com/

[KnottedYet]

OOooh, yeah, and in purple and gray. http://www.ibexwear.com/S07/View_Product.php?GarmentID=765&thePhoto=../Photos/S07/614_1203.jpg&Category=&CategoryLine=
Two of my favorite colors....

The long undies are gone, but the 3/4 undies are still there.

AAAH!! AHHHHH!
No, the longies are still there AND the ROASTER BOXERS ARE ON SALE!!!!! My absolute favorite women's boxers! Gotta buy some now! See ya! http://www.ibexwear.com/S07/Products.php?Gender=Womens&Category=1056

Ibex women's BIKE SHORTS are on sale, too! http://www.ibexwear.com/S07/View_Product.php?GarmentID=775&thePhoto=../Photos/S07/2086_5347.jpg&Category=1055&CategoryLine=

[KnottedYet]

I ordered a pair of the long undies and TWO pair of Roaster Boxers!

TTWWOOOOOO pairs!

Ooooh, yeah, happy dance!

(I almost ordered a Zephyr... I was *this* close, but I restrained myself.)

[DebW]

Anyone tried the Ibex Classica Road shorts? How is the chamois? Fitting advice? On sale now for $69. I'm very tempted, but do I buy mediums or smalls?

[KnottedYet]

I have the Ibex knickers, and love them. I found the sizes to run large. (I wear a Large in Ibex's women's boxers and long underwear, but Medium in the cycling knickers)

The chamois in my knickers is one of those 3-D welded foamy things. It's ok, but too narrow for my wide sit bones. (all chamois are like that)

[KnottedYet]

checked with FedEx: my woolie underwear is on the truck and due to be delivered TODAY!!!

(I'm still in bed, so I'd better get up and shower and *put some clothes on* so I don't scare the FedEx delivery dude off. They are timid creatures, y'know. They scurry away when unkempt nekkid women fling themselves at Ibex boxes in their arms.)

[Dianyla]

SAC Alert!!

Ibex Skyline Full Zip Sweater - Women's $62.50

Black/Pumice S, M, and L
Fuschia/Pumice M and L

:)

[sundial]

Is this stuff itchy? :o :rolleyes:

[mimitabby]

not really; it hardly feels like wool.

[KnottedYet]

No, not itchy at all (for me, ymmv). I wear wool UNDERWEAR. Yes, right there, up close and personal. Women's wool boxer briefs. Most comfortable undies I own.

(I have 3 pair)

This fall Ibex is s'posed to start running lighter weight seamless wool undies and camisole/bra tops. You can bet I'll be ordering some of them!

[Dianyla]

This fall Ibex is s'posed to start running lighter weight seamless wool undies and camisole/bra tops. You can bet I'll be ordering some of them!
What? Yay!!!! :D

*hops up and down*

[KnottedYet]

This rumour was confirmed by my local Ibex rep AND by the Ibex chickie I spoke to when I placed an order by phone.

Bring it on! :D

[DebW]

My latest wooly find: a Smartwool long-sleeved top for $35 at REI in children's XL. The sleeves could be a might longer and wider, but otherwise a perfect fit. And a lovely red color.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

This fall Ibex is s'posed to start running lighter weight seamless wool undies and camisole/bra tops. You can bet I'll be ordering some of them!

Here's a picture:
http://www.ibexbuzz.com/the_ibex_buzz/images/2007/08/20/seamless.jpg

Oooh they look yummy!!!!

(and it looks like they may have listened to my tomato color request?)

[Susan Otcenas]

Would this be an appropriate moment to mention that not only is TE a new Ibex dealer (we're expecting our first shipment any day!) but that we will also be carrying the seamless underwear?? :D

And all of YOU are to blame. The Ibex folks saw so many orders coming to their website from these forums that they called us up and asked us to become a dealer....

Susan

[mimitabby]

wow!! that's pretty cool!

[KnottedYet]

YEEEEEEHAAAWWWWWWWW!

Susan, I'll take one of each and can you carry the Ibex women's boxer briefs, too?

Hey, this is gonna be so cool!

[teawoman]

Ok, you evil weenies...I saw the sale on TE that someone posted about and bought the blue smartwool tee and the hot lava hoodie on sale (and my first bike jersey!). The hoodie is going to be perfect for my club rides now that it is getting cooler in the evenings when our ride ends! I am not sure how/when I am going to wear the tee...but I am sure I will figure something out. :D

[sundial]

No, not itchy at all (for me, ymmv). I wear wool UNDERWEAR. Yes, right there, up close and personal. Women's wool boxer briefs. Most comfortable undies I own.

(I have 3 pair)

This fall Ibex is s'posed to start running lighter weight seamless wool undies and camisole/bra tops. You can bet I'll be ordering some of them!

Ooh......uh......hmmm.....not sure how to answer to that. :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And all of YOU are to blame. The Ibex folks saw so many orders coming to their website from these forums that they called us up and asked us to become a dealer....

Susan

We rool...... :p :p :p

[KnottedYet]

Susan rulz, cuz she's gonna carry Ibex!

(BTW: I love my 3 pairs of Ibex boxers more than my 2 pairs of Smartwool boxers. Now I want some seamless lightweight Ibex boxers, too. They promised me they'd make them in compression-short length like the Roaster boxers.)

I was all set to buy a bunch of woolie-goodies from REI-outlet.com but by the time I went to "checkout" half of them were gone already!

Lots of nice Ibex vests and jackets left.

[KnottedYet]

Ok, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed...

I just realized TE has a "Wool Apparel" specialty shop.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/categories.asp?catID=114

MmmmmmmmMMMMMM, tasty!

And I already have a pair of some breathable man-made coffee socks, and here are two (count 'em TWO!) pairs of wool coffee socks! http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=12475

[Sheesh]

I just bought my first piece of wool, the Ibex Shak jersey that was on steepandcheap the other day (in a very beautiful orange color!). It arrived today and I couldn't wait to put it on. It fit perfectly, but was a bit itchy. Will that get better as it gets washed or is that how it will always feel? I'm sure it would be fine with a long sleeved shirt underneath, but not great with just a t-shirt.

[teawoman]

Funny...when I was a teenager and did outdoor stuff, wool was all the rage. A number of (....many) years later when I became active again, I got pooh-poohed at Eddie Bauer (which used to be more outdoorsy) when I asked for wool stuff and ended up with a bunch of wicking stuff.

I always liked the wool...so I am glad to have some again!

[KnottedYet]

Funny...when I was a teenager and did outdoor stuff, wool was all the rage. A number of (....many) years later when I became active again, I got pooh-poohed at Eddie Bauer (which used to be more outdoorsy) when I asked for wool stuff and ended up with a bunch of wicking stuff.

I always liked the wool...so I am glad to have some again!

Right there with ya!

[Susan Otcenas]

(and it looks like they may have listened to my tomato color request?)

The Ibex rep was just in this morning with the new color samples in the seamless underwear pieces. They are calling the color "burnt red". It's very nice. I think of "tomato" as being a little bit brighter than the color they are doing. Perhaps more "tomato soup" than tomato.

The same red will be available in several aparel pieces as well, for Spring 2008.


Susan, I'll take one of each and can you carry the Ibex women's boxer briefs, too?

Yes. All three colors will be available at TE. (those colors being black, burnt red and warm green, which to me is very sage in hue.) Expected arrival date is mid-October.

Susan

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

....They are calling the color "burnt red". It's very nice. I think of "tomato" as being a little bit brighter than the color they are doing. Perhaps more "tomato soup" than tomato.

The same red will be available in several aparel pieces as well, for Spring 2008.

....All three colors will be available at TE. (those colors being black, burnt red and warm green, which to me is very sage in hue.) Expected arrival date is mid-October.


Woo-HHHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I see luxurious scrumptious new underwear in my future!!!! :D :D :D :D

Tomato soup and sage, here I come!!! :p :p :p :p :p

(hhmmmm...these fonts colors are not quite right....maddening! :mad: )

[KnottedYet]

Sheesh - wear it with long sleeves for a while. I found that most of my ibex heavier-weight fabrics got softer on the inside after some wear.

(like my Switchback pullover, which when I first got it wasn't comfy over a tank top, but now is cozy enough that I sleep in it)

[Sheesh]

Sheesh - wear it with long sleeves for a while. I found that most of my ibex heavier-weight fabrics got softer on the inside after some wear.

(like my Switchback pullover, which when I first got it wasn't comfy over a tank top, but now is cozy enough that I sleep in it)

Good to hear. Thanks!

[Susan Otcenas]

Ibex uses 17.5 and more commonly 18.5 micron fibers in the pieces that are designed to be next to skin. These are very fine fibers that will feel very very soft to the touch. A piece like the Shak, for example, is considered a midlayer piece and they will use a 21 or 22 micron fiber in it. Slightly larger fiber means a little less softness.

Hope that helps.

Susan

[Sheesh]

More Ibex on Steep and Cheap.
Ibex Pingo Jacket - Women's in Carrot and Larkspur

Edit: Nevermind, they went so quickly!

[PinkPilot]

Okay, you WoolWeenies.......... I read enough of this thread that I was dying for an Ibex. (And I hold all of you responsible!) So, I succumbed to the Skyline Full Zip sweater at SAC a week or two ago. It hath arrived!!! But, for those of you who have this sweater, what on earth are those funny little carefully constructed holes at the wrist for?

[Sheesh]

PinkPilot - I think those are thumb holes, so you can pull them down over your wrists and have them stay there when you're running, hiking, etc.

[PinkPilot]

Ohhhhh.....cool!!! Might be a bit hard to shift gears that way though. Do I now have to take up running, too, because I had to have an Ibex? ;)
Thanks, Sheesh.

Actually, I tried this on again and this sweater is so well made, soft, flexible and, frankly, "unwool-like" that you can hook your thumbs in these cool little holes and very easily shift gears! I'm amazed with this sweater.

[aliwishus]

Hello WoolWeenies!

My name is Ali, and I am not quite yet a WoolWeenie, but am on the precipice, ready to jump into luxurious piles of soft wool. You all are very convincing.

I ordered from SAC the Pingo jacket Sheesh mentioned in Larkspur (blue). I'll let you know when it arrives.

Plus, my online shopping cart at Icebreaker is precariously full. :) (What a sexy website they have! Makes me want to buy buy buy.)

I'm glad to have this support group and am very much looking forward to not stinking like a truck driver after every ride.

Edited: SAC is deadly - I just ordered the Pico in Tonic/Black, which is still up.

[Grog]

Oh My Gawd:

Has anyone else seen the new Smartwool stuff on TE?????

I'm dying to get one of those new striped sweaters!!! And the blue ones with the thumbholes! *sigh*

[Susan Otcenas]

I'm dying to get one of those new striped sweaters!!!

These are going to go fast! I don't know how many *customers* are going to buy them (most people don't think of us as their source for sweaters, since we don't usually carry that type of item), but every member of the *staff* has her eyes on one for herself! They are SO cute. :)

Susan

[sgtiger]

Ohhhhhhh! I just checked out the wool apparel section. The selection of new sweaters is niiiice! I'll take the Ibex hooded Shak in pepper and one each of the Smartwool sport stripe crew sweater in celery and black. Oh, oh, and the matching socks! Sigh.... Too bad I'm broke right now.:( Hmmm.... I do have a CC with a ridiculously huge limit and I could pimp out Mr. Kiltiger to pay it off. JK BK :p

Susan, I see some Ibex shorts, but is TE going to carry their knickers? I really want one of those. Purty please!

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan, I see some Ibex shorts, but is TE going to carry their knickers? I really want one of those. Purty please!

Yes, we will have the El Fito Knicker. It was on the same order as all the rest of our Ibex pieces, but it hasn't arrived yet which must mean they are out of stock at the moment. That piece TOTALLY rocks. In fact, the El Fito was the piece that sold me on Ibex. Ibex sent one to me for evaluation, and I rode in it a fair bit in the spring. I was suitably impressed and decided we HAD to add Ibex to the website. I haven't used the shorts yet, but plan to soon. The chamois is a little different from the one in the El Fito but it looks very promising.

Hope that info helps.

Susan

[sgtiger]

Woohoo! I know what's going on my Xmas list.:D (Hint. Hint. Nudge. Nudge. Yoohoo, r u reading this?:rolleyes: ;) )

[KnottedYet]

Ooooh, Susan, you're spoiling us! http://www.teamestrogen.com/categories.asp?catID=114 BTW, I looooooooove my El Fito cycling knickers from Ibex. Glad TE will be carrying them!

Any idea when the Ibex seamless undershorts will be available?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ooooh, Susan, you're spoiling us! http://www.teamestrogen.com/categories.asp?catID=114 BTW, I looooooooove my El Fito cycling knickers from Ibex. Glad TE will be carrying them!

Any idea when the Ibex seamless undershorts will be available?

Yeah, the heck with the striped sweaters....I'm holding out for the burnt red underwear! HOT STUFF!!!!! :cool: :D

[Susan Otcenas]

Per our Ibex rep, mid-October on the seamless undies.

[CorsairMac]

I just had to drop a line to all you Wool Weenies and let you know just what you started:

I was first introduced to Wool Socks here on this wonderful world of wool-lovers! At that time (about 1 1/2 -2 years ago) wool socks were just not very fun or fancy or I owned all the ones that were sooooooooooooo:
I started knitting my own wool socks. Superwash wool only so I can machine wash and machine dry them. Then I discovered hand-dyed sock yarns and now the question begs to be asked: can one have too many socks?? oh....and as a "foot" note - my hand-dyed sock yarns are now costing me waaaayyy more than the pre-made wool socks....but My Colours are better! :p

so Thanks TE Wool-Loving Ladies for helping me to find yet another way to spend my hard-earned cash!

[Looeez]

I'm thinking of splurging and getting the Ibex Hooded Shak but I'm unsure whether to get the Small or Medium.

Has anyone got the Ibex Hooded Shak or tried one on? I thought I remembered someone saying the Ibex stuff is quite generous in which case I think the medium might be too big but then the small sounds very small...

Advice?

[KnottedYet]

I found that the Switchback pullover I ordered this year shrank terribly compared to the Switchback zip I ordered two years ago.

For something of a heavier weight like the Shak, I personally would order the larger size.

Your mileage may vary.

(and I haven't asked Ibex to replace my shrunken Switchback, but I'm betting they would if I requested politely. I've never had any problem returning things in the past. It's just that I love the discontinued color of my pullover and my sweetie bought it for me.)

I've found Ibex cycling bottoms to be generous, but their regular bottoms and tops to be true to size.

[mimitabby]

Knot, ibex ought to be paying you.

:cool:

[KnottedYet]

Knot, ibex ought to be paying you.

:cool:

You tell 'em, baby!:D

[aliwishus]

Just thought I'd say, I LOVE my Ixeb Pico zip long sleeve. In fact, love isn't strong enough, I will take it as my second spouse.

I even wore it twice on two different rides just to see if I could make it stink, which I couldn't.

you have a convert.

[Susan Otcenas]

Per our Ibex rep, mid-October on the seamless undies.

So, I got an email from the Ibex rep that the seamless underwear release date has been pushed back to mid-december. As usual, I'll keep you updated with further developments.

Susan

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Susan thanks for keeping us posted. Wool underwear will be welcome in January! :p

I just ordered this Ibex short Lena skirt on sale:
http://www.ibexwear.com/F07/ProductDetail.php?GID=696&VID=7458&Product=Lena-Skirt
Should look great over my wool Ibex leggings. I got it in black. I ordered both the L and XL- and i hope one of those 2 sizes fits when it arrives.... my friend is much smaller than me and she ordered the brown one.

[mimitabby]

I brought only 1 warm thing to Italy with me. It was a "sweater" a pullover with a zipper. It was great on the airplane and whenever it cooled off in the evening.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just ordered this Ibex short Lena skirt on sale:
http://www.ibexwear.com/F07/ProductDetail.php?GID=696&VID=7458&Product=Lena-Skirt
Should look great over my wool Ibex leggings. I got it in black. I ordered both the L and XL- and i hope one of those 2 sizes fits when it arrives.... my friend is much smaller than me and she ordered the brown one.

Yay, the Lena skirt in Large fits me! :D :D :D

now I can wear the short black wool skirt over my wool leggings in the winter and be a warm hip chic all winter. :cool:

[mariposa]

for 66% off.

[mtbdarby]

Lisa - please post a picture - that skirt looks absolutely adorable!!! Darn you:rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa - please post a picture - that skirt looks absolutely adorable!!! Darn you:rolleyes:

OK.....here is the black Lena skirt in Large. -Please ignore my hip lumps and my gut!
It has a very wide elastic band waist that you can actually fold down if you want the waist lower or the skirt higher. Little zipper pocket on right hip. Diagonal seams.
The waist could be a bit snugger on me, but I have very wide hips and narrow waist so I'm used to such issues. I might fold the waist down on myself as I like low waisted things. I am wearing the skirt a bit lower on my hips because otherwise the waist would be looser. I'm wearing a cropped short shirt to show the waistband for the photo.
I'm planning to wear this thin merino wool skirt during cool weather, over my long Ibex wool leggings and with smartwool longsleeve pullovers or sweaters on top. Just enough of a coverup over leggings.
My hips= 42" Waist=32". Height 5'5", weight 145.

4330

4331

[Dianyla]

IBEX Long Trail sweater on SAC right now, lots of sizes/colors.

[mimitabby]

ah, Lisa, you're cute! you sure don't look like an old lady :cool:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks Mimi! :cool: I sure don't feel like one, that's fer shur.....

But if i get much more calf and quad muscles, I'm going to start feeling like one of those R.Crumb women..... :eek:
http://www.ursusbooks.com/thumbnail.php?img=./itemimages/105294a.jpg&maxwidth=700

[mimitabby]

R Crumb. WHOAH!

[mtbdarby]

Ok, Lisa, I got the brown and the black ones on ebay - $31 a piece! You look great in that - and you have bigger boobs than I do;) Now I can't wait to get them!

[Dianyla]

But if i get much more calf and quad muscles, I'm going to start feeling like one of those R.Crumb women..... :eek:
http://www.ursusbooks.com/thumbnail.php?img=./itemimages/105294a.jpg&maxwidth=700
*snort*
Well I already do look like an R. Crumb woman. And that's just fine with me. :D

[KnottedYet]

R. Crumb's wife has a book out of her own cartoons and such.

Frankly, I think *she's* the talented one.

Edit: and Lisa, don't take this wrong, but I think you're lookin' damm hot! (wonder if it's too late for me to get one of those Lena skirts?!?!)

[KnottedYet]

tell me how anyone could possibly resist this picture?
http://www.ibexwear.com/F07/Products_Landing.php?LPID=2
(click on the Pingo jacket)
well, for $185 I can dig up some resistance...

Look, it's Lisa!!! Uhhh, or is it Annie Lennox?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=H-y91mzjaHA
Annie has a new CD coming out next week.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ok, Lisa, I got the brown and the black ones on ebay - $31 a piece! You look great in that - and you have bigger boobs than I do;)

You're supposed to wear them over your HIPS, silly! :cool: ;) :D

Great! Let us know how they fit. I keep in mind that this type of wool tends to relax a bit and soften after the first wash. Plus, it *will* shrink a TEENY WEENY bit naturally.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

*snort*
Well I already do look like an R. Crumb woman. And that's just fine with me. :D

Yeah, I'm gettin' there! My DH has a BIG Crumb collection. He's also a "Crumb woman" fan....no boney sinew figures for him! He says if he wanted a stick he'd just have gotten a rawhide chew toy to knaw on.... :rolleyes: I just love having nice strong legs to stomp around on. :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

R. Crumb's wife has a book out of her own cartoons and such.

Frankly, I think *she's* the talented one.

Edit: and Lisa, don't take this wrong, but I think you're lookin' damm hot! (wonder if it's too late for me to get one of those Lena skirts?!?!)

Crumb's wife is definitely a really talented comic artist as well.

Knot....you know you want that skirt. It would go with your Euro halter for your espionage assignments.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Look, it's Lisa!!! Uhhh, or is it Annie Lennox?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=H-y91mzjaHA
Annie has a new CD coming out next week.

Hmm...well without all her makeup I have to admit now that she DOES look like me. I've been getting Annie Lenox comments for many years.

...But can she YODEL, I ask you???

My older daughter is here for the weekend....off we go with DH now for French toast and latte in town!
(gotta feed my R.Crumb legs...)

[mtbdarby]

You're supposed to wear them over your HIPS, silly! :cool: ;) :D

Great! Let us know how they fit. I keep in mind that this type of wool tends to relax a bit and soften after the first wash. Plus, it *will* shrink a TEENY WEENY bit naturally.

Oh you're a funny girl:rolleyes: I know you know what I was referring to;)

I've never seen the R. Crumb pix - I may have to start googling this morning. It's in the 30's and I'm not feeling motivated to go for a ride. I AM feeling motivated to go put on some wool though:D

[Looeez]

I was just looking at the Icebreaker website and saw they have very cute merino underwear which might be new as I don't remember seeing it before. They don't have bras though: http://www.icebreaker.com/site/catalog07/weight.html?gender=woman&range=Nature&weight=150

[trickytiger]

Hey woolweenies (admittedly I am part of this club ever since purchasing my first Ibex Cirque jacket upon graduating from college 6 years ago. It looks and works GREAT. Still. Even after 6 years of hiking, glacier-trekking for my master's degree research, drinking in dive bars in Montana,traveling, riding in my first Ski to Sea bike leg, etc. Best jacket EVER).

Actually, the first part is mostly for Knotted, cause she knows where I work: we're getting Icebreaker in! Men's, at first, but I'm doing my best to convince the buyers otherwise. Should be here soon! For the rest of you, think about the cult-like megastore in Downtown Seattle with the climbing pinnacle and the fun yearly dividends for members. ;)

Also, one of my coworkers is a hard-core biker, and trying to convince me of two things: wear wool on the bike, and get a Brooks saddle. He's got this lovely wool jersey that makes me want to pet it. Not him per se, but the jersey. I'm an easy sell. :rolleyes: Saddle aside, how do the Ibex shorts fit? True to size? I'm a medium in Pearl Izumi, Sugoi, pretty much most anything.

[mimitabby]

I have medium Ibex Knickers and they are a little looser than most mediums.

[KnottedYet]

I wear a Large in everything, but a Medium in Ibex cycling bottoms.

And, yeah, what is UP with REI's buyers? Why are there no women's REAL active clothes anymore? Just mall-crawler clothes for the women. Get those folks buying the same goodies for the women that they are buying for the men.

(don't even get me started... whew!)

[Brandi]

any recommendations on socks for riding. I have a couple paurs I really like. But thought there might be others i don't know about.

[mimitabby]

Brandi, I wear wool socks almost year round now. Not even bike specific ones.
Smart wool. thicker socks.

[Susan Otcenas]

I wear a Large in everything, but a Medium in Ibex cycling bottoms.

I wear XL in most cycling bottoms, but L in Ibex.


And, yeah, what is UP with REI's buyers? Why are there no women's REAL active clothes anymore? Just mall-crawler clothes for the women. Get those folks buying the same goodies for the women that they are buying for the men.

(don't even get me started... whew!)

It's perhaps inappropriate for me to state this in a public forum, but heck, it's just one gal's opinion, right? :) Seems to me that in the past 5 years or so, REI has gone much more towards the look-like-I'm-active-when-I'm-just-hanging-around apparel, rather than the wear-it-while-actually-BEING-active apparel. The REI in Tanasbourne (west of Portland) is just a clothing store. Almost no gear there at all (the only tents are suspended from the ceiling over the staircase, so I can't imagine they sell many), though they do sell bikes (this *is* Portland-metro, after all). Lots of casual wear, cotton, etc., tells me that they are going after the lifestyle crowd. Now, don't get me wrong. I LOVE most of the apparel they carry. I'm an REI member, and I buy my fair share of casual wear there. But alot of the truly tech-y apparel is harder to find there now.

Of course, in many ways, REI is very smart. Frankly, the lifestyle market is WAY WAY bigger, and more profitable, than the technical apparel market. If it's where the shoppers are, then it's where the retailers want to be. ( Heck, we'd like to sell more casual wear as well. ;) )

Just my random thoughts..... That and 3 bucks will get you a Latte. :D

Susan

[boy in a kilt]

This is kinda funny in a way.

I bought a pair of wool cycling shorts off the rack from REI in 1983. I was 15 and that was all I could afford. Lycra anything was too expensive then. My first "cool" jersey was a wool one. Again, that was what I could afford.

Flip forward 24 years. Wool is crazy expensive. REI doesn't carry much by way of wool cycling anything. Sometimes I get a case of the giggles walking around the REI Flagship store in Seattle.

Here's another thing I miss from back in the day.

http://image.sportsmansguide.com/dimage/98594_ts.JPG?cell=200,200&cvt=jpeg

Every time I find some online they are always sold out.

The whole "manpri" thing is too hard for a lot of men to get past, but they are some of the best cycling pants ever. Rivendell has the MUSA knickers, but only in hobbit and cave troll size.

[Trek420]

Ibex Collo T Neck Top - Women's on Steep and Cheap

[mimitabby]

20 minutes later... men's raincoats... :(

[Trek420]

20 minutes later... men's raincoats... :(

Ah technology, I saw the alert in the corner of my screen - think it's called RSS feed, text Knott, she calls from the bus, got her one. :rolleyes:

[mimitabby]

ah. I guess i can't do that on my work computer.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

ah. I guess i can't do that on my work computer.

It's for the best, Mimi. For your own good. :cool:

[Dianyla]

Ah technology, I saw the alert in the corner of my screen - think it's called RSS feed, text Knott, she calls from the bus, got her one. :rolleyes:
The RSS feed is anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours delayed. Suckage. :mad:

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, check it out! Ibex lets you review stuff now!
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=844&VID=10134&Product=Roaster-Boxer

No reviews on the El Fitos for women. Lets get some reviews out there! http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=900&VID=10067&Product=El+Fito+3/4+Bike+Knickers

[Trek420]

The RSS feed is anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours delayed. Suckage. :mad:

Yes, that's also for our own good ;)

[OakLeaf]

20-year-old Cortina wool jersey came out of the closet this morning.

Also the 20-year-old Pearl Izumi wool tights, minus the natural leather chamois they came with. :eek:

SmartWool socks are new(ish), anyway :D

45 degrees when we started out.

[Dianyla]

SAC Alert: Ibex Vertigo Wool Vest, $63.

[KnottedYet]

somebody, stop me! http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0066/Ibex-Long-Trail-Wool-Sweater-Womens.html?CMP_ID=ODAT_HPFP2001&mv_pc=R223&CMP=BAC-SACHPReson&ATT=IBX0066

[Dianyla]

somebody, stop me! http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0066/Ibex-Long-Trail-Wool-Sweater-Womens.html?CMP_ID=ODAT_HPFP2001&mv_pc=R223&CMP=BAC-SACHPReson&ATT=IBX0066
Knotted, what size/color were you interested in for the Long Trail sweater? I got a Black/Tea in M about a week and a half ago on SAC (M runs generous) and the black is actually very a warm dark chocolate color. I like my blacks to be very dark cold black, not warm/brownish. Interested?

ETA: I've knew I should've just stuck with my tried and true blue colors, but I as trying to branch out. What was I thinking? :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

Hmmmm... I was thinking of the Black or the Plum. An espresso-ish brown might be just peachy.

In every top I've gotten from Ibex, I am a Large. (size 12 or 14 or so, with very long arms)

How much too big is that Medium?

[OakLeaf]

I for one am not a weenie, I am a person of amazing fortitude for even going outside when the temperature is four-fifths of the way to frostbite (which I have had more than once, and it is seriously no fun). I suspect the same is true of YOU all, too.

[KnottedYet]

I for one am not a weenie, I am a person of amazing fortitude for even going outside when the temperature is four-fifths of the way to frostbite (which I have had more than once, and it is seriously no fun). I suspect the same is true of YOU all, too.

I think we're using "weenie" in the same sense as "nerd" or "geek". We like our wool, and we like it LOTS!:D

And we don't care if it's Fred or Fashionable! :eek:

WOOL POWER!!! :p

[Dianyla]

Hmmmm... I was thinking of the Black or the Plum.

In every top I've gotten from Ibex, I am a Large. (size 12 or 14 or so, with very long arms)

How much too big is that Medium?

The Medium fits me well enough. I find that I prefer a closer fitting M for the big chunky sweaters, but L for the base layers and thinner stuff (otherwise it's just way too sausage-y highlighting every lumpy brastrap/back boob detail). I do have the Ibex Ultimate Guide sweater in L and it is a little roomy on me, which is nice and cuddly to wear on it's own but annoyingly bulky to layer under a jacket.

It's the color that I'm just less than thrilled with. I like winter/jewel tones, and it's very warm/autumn for my preferences. I paid $76 for it (incl. shipping) and would be happy to pass it on to someone else for that price. Put it this way - it's as much hassle for me to return it to SAC as it is to just ship it to someone else. :p

ETA: I've decided to return it. The sale price that KnottedYet posted is cheaper than what I paid for it at SAC. So I'm going to return this black one and go get the BLUE one that I wanted all along! :D

[KnottedYet]

sending you a PM.

[sgtiger]

somebody, stop me! http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0066/Ibex-Long-Trail-Wool-Sweater-Womens.html?CMP_ID=ODAT_HPFP2001&mv_pc=R223&CMP=BAC-SACHPReson&ATT=IBX0066

Ummm... I think you're in the wrong place for an intervention.:rolleyes: :p We're more likely to give you that last little push, no wait, shove to feed your addiction! ;) :D

And why, oh why, did I click on that link? I really should know better by now.

[KnottedYet]

Here's what I'm yearning for... and might buy tonight cuz I have NO self control and I get paid this week:
http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=5133&c=On+Sale

And as long as I'm placing a Terry order I might as well order a couple Xmas-akkah presents.

(TE doesn't have them, or I'd be ordering from TE)

and frankly, that Neve sweater looks a whole lot more Scandahoovian than Austrian to me...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And as long as I'm placing a Terry order I might as well order a couple Xmas-akkah presents.

(yeah right.....for YOURSELF!) :rolleyes: :rolleyes:




and frankly, that Neve sweater looks a whole lot more Scandahoovian than Austrian to me...

I think it might be good for when I'm yodeling....

[Dianyla]

SAC: Ibex Top Knot Hat, $12

[DebW]

I'm getting one of these (http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/SPO0002/Sport-Science-Raglan-Polywool-T-Shirt-Long-Sleeve-Womens.html?id=SSCPu4dJ) from backcountryoutlet. Long-sleeved T of 88% poly/12% wool. Same fabric combo as the OR Essense T, and I absolute love that one. I went kayaking in that shirt this summer, did 10 rolls, and then sat around for 2 hours in the breeze and was prefectly comfortable. Even straight from a dunking, it was never soppy or clingy or felt like a wet shirt. And the fabric feels much sturdier than pure wool.

[Grog]

SAC: Ibex Top Knot Hat, $12

The Top Knot, wow, didn't know she got her own hat!!!

[mimitabby]

good grief. I should put this whole thread on "ignore!"

BUT I CAN'T!!! (I wore wool all weekend!) (and am in wool sweater (ibex) and socks (smartwool) this morning.)

[sgtiger]

The Top Knot, wow, didn't know she got her own hat!!!


Heehee! With as much $$ she spends on Ibex and all the glowing reviews she posts they really should be sending her free stuff or something.

[mimitabby]

Ibex already gave her a free hat!

[ChainsOflove]

Has anyone figured out how to knit a bike jersey? My mother died last winter and I got all her knitting stuff.

[Susan Otcenas]

Our El Fito Knickers have shipped from Ibex....

[Dianyla]

Our El Fito Knickers have shipped from Ibex....
Say, do you think they'll ever make wool knickers in a shorter/petite length? IMO knickers ideally end somewhere in the narrower part of the leg between the knee and the calf muscles. I have a 30-31" inseam and The El Fitos end right at the widest part of my calves, which is both unflattering and slightly pinchy on wide calves...

BTW, I just received the new Ibex Calais (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=28677) short and it's wonderful! The older Ibex wool short (Classica, I think it was?) had an inseam that just went on forever, while the new Calais is a perfect mid-thigh length. :D

[Susan Otcenas]

Say, do you think they'll ever make wool knickers in a shorter/petite length?

I wouldn't hold your breath. :p I'm trying to convince them to make an El Fito TIGHT in women's. I think if it's chilly enough for me to want the wind blocking over the knee, that I will also want the coverage on my calf. I tend to have very cold feet and I dislike having my feet turn to blocks of ice.

However, as with adding any new piece to the line, they have to be convinced that they will be able to sell enough units to make it a viable proposition. They'll add a piece only is they get enough requests. And in the case of a new style, we'd probably see it added in men's before women's, I think.

So, if you really want to see something happen, send them an email. :)

Susan

[Dianyla]

So, if you really want to see something happen, send them an email. :)
Will do, thanks! :)

[Dianyla]

SAC alert: Ibex Skyline Full Zip, $62, Black/Pumice or Fuschia/Pumice, both in M and L

[kelownagirl]

I have always wondered about this clearly popular thread. Do you really just talk about wool stuff all the time or is that just a vegemite ploy?

I do not own anything made of wool. Wool is itchy isn't it?

[Susan Otcenas]

I do not own anything made of wool. Wool is itchy isn't it?

Old style wool was itchy. I couldn't wear the stuff. Now I wear undies made from it! I'm wearing a Smartwool top right now, and I came to work this morning with a Smartwool zip hoodie over it. My socks are wool today too.

Modern wool garments are far advanced from wool of yesteryear. One of the critical things to look for when buying wool is the MICRON measurement of the fiber used in that garment. The smaller the fiber, the softer and more luxurious the fabric. Smartwool, Ibex and Sugoi use 17-18.5 micron fibers on all of their next to skin pieces. They feel amazing on your skin. Mid-layer pieces will usually be slightly higher, say 20-21 micron. Still soft, but perhaps slightly itchy to folks who are more sensitive to wool. Anything smaller than 17 microns gets VERY expensive. 13-14 micron wool is the kind of stuff used in $5,000.00 Italian wool suits.

Does this address some of your concerns?

Susan

[kelownagirl]

Thanks for the info! I kept hearing about people wearing wool but imagined bulky, hot sweaters. I had a hard time trying to see it being used in cycling gear. I guess I'd better check it out at the LBS next time I'm down there.

[KnottedYet]

KG - I have maybe 10 Ibex pieces, and probably 15 wool next-to-skin pieces in all. (that's not counting sweaters and socks) Some are very thin, great for very hot days; some are thick and cozy but not bulky.

I have the El Fito capris Susan O says TE will be carrying. GREAT bike capris!

"Ibex already gave her a free hat!" Only because I was very aggressive! (I gave it to Trek and she wore it on ALC, does that balance out my karma?)

[DirtDiva]

I have always wondered about this clearly popular thread. Do you really just talk about wool stuff all the time or is that just a vegemite ploy?

I do not own anything made of wool. Wool is itchy isn't it?
It's the sheep that eat Vegemite that make the lovely, non-itchy wool stuff they all talk about in here all the time. ;)

Psssst... I still have more merino than Knot. :p

[uk elephant]

I'm being lazy and not reading through the entire thread, but I figured you experts would be able to help....what I am hoping to find is a camisole type thing but in wool. It gets really cold here in the UK in the winter, but without being actually cold if that makes any sense. It rarely gets below freezing, but with 99% humidity the cold gets to your bones while your skin still feels warm enough. So I was looking for a warming under-layer I can wear tucked into my pants to keep my back/kidneys warm while still wearing regular tops/t-shirts at work. I have plenty of long sleeved things for running/cycling but am looking for something discreet to wear under every-day clothes at work. Any ideas?

[KnottedYet]

Ibex is supposed to be coming out with a seamless camisole soon.

Smartwool has a tank-top.

Someone had a link to Icebreaker camisoles and undies.

<Knot goes to look for links>

Icebreaker tank top: http://www.backcountry.com/store/group/307/c/s38/b100000062/Icebreaker-Womens-Sport-Tank-Tops.html?id=GRbK5xtX

Icebreaker camisole: http://lonelyplanet.altrec.com/shop/detail/30921/

Smartwool tank: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=26644

Ibex tank top: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=835&VID=9482&Product=Woolies-Sleeveless

[uk elephant]

ooo! that camisole looks really nice! and the smartwool stuff. and of course now I'm finding lots of other things on those sites that I want too. decisions decisions.....lucky for me the dollar is so weak. It as if everything is half price :D

[DirtDiva]

If you're in London anytime soon, you can get Icebreaker at Ellis Brigham (store I know of in Covent Garden) and Kathmandu (stores I know of just off Oxford and by Spitalfields Market) has merino undies and camisoles.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks for the info! I kept hearing about people wearing wool but imagined bulky, hot sweaters. I had a hard time trying to see it being used in cycling gear. I guess I'd better check it out at the LBS next time I'm down there.

Yes, this thread is totally serious....for serious wool lovers.
Wool is FABULOUS for biking, skiing, hiking....any sport really. It breathes, stretches, keeps the sweat off you, keeps you warm if it's cold out, lasts a long time, and doesn't get body odor until worn quite a few times (unlike polyester and tech gear). The new merino micro-fiber wools also FEEL wonderful on the skin to most people.

You may not find a lot of good wool in your LBS though....most LBS's are woefully behind in the wool movement. They tend to carry only bike-specific brands of "technical" (man-made material) spandex type apparel. We wool weenies have to haunt online makers of real 100% merino wool clothing like SmartWool, Ibex, IceBreaker, Rivendell, and others. TE sells some good real wool stuff, as do other sport clothing purveyors like REI, EMS, SteepNCheap, Rivendell, Patagonia, Sierra Trading Post....
Here are TE's current wool offerings:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/categories.asp?catID=114
Also check out Ibex.com if you want to get addicted.
Run while you can...... :cool:

[sgtiger]

Icebreaker Tornado 1/2 zip, long sleeve on SAC! $56.88

[mtbdarby]

Sac - $68.75

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Has anyone noticed that the ribbies longsleeve crew and the Switchback full zip are on sale right now at Ibex?:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?Outlet=1&Gender=Womens
I just got me some! :p

[Grog]

With the Canadian $ at 1.02 US, it's becoming tempting...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

IBEX SALE.....
30&#37; off ALL Ibex Cycling clothes until Oct. 22. (includes El Fito knickers)
....on Ibex.com

[sgtiger]

Thanks, Lisa. O boy! Where's my wallet? :rolleyes: ;) :D :D :D

[KnottedYet]

must not go to www.Ibexwear.com must not go to www.ibexwear.com must not go to www.ibexwear.com must avert my eyes and stay calm because I need to be getting xmasakkah presents now, not wooly goodies for myself...

urrrrrrg!

[Trek420]

must not go to www.Ibexwear.com must not go to www.ibexwear.com must not go to www.ibexwear.com

There's Ibexwear you don't have? :eek: :p

[Dianyla]

Ibex Long Trail Wool Sweater is back on SteepandCheap!! $68

[KnottedYet]

I want a pair of these, even more than I want a Utili-Kilt. http://bicyclefixation.com/prod_wool_knickers.html

they'd look oh so fabulous with my scandahoovian style wool sweater and my bikes with the spring seats. Oh, yeah....

[songlady]

There's a couple of sizes left

http://www.rei.com/outlet/

Smartwool lightweight zip top $21!!!

[KnottedYet]

I tried to buy one, but it wouldn't let me! Darn! SKnot says it's an error on REI's site. Boooooooogers!

[Dianyla]

SAC Alert:

Icebreaker Raven Zip-Thru Top Long-Sleeve - Women's - Black only but lots of sizes. $79 (regularly $179)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I noticed that Ibex seems to have eliminated its "switchback" line. :(
I did get one of the last full zip ones in persimmon orange.

So now I suppose one goes to their "Shak" line instead?
I ordered a shak half zip and a full zip just to try them on and see what they are like.
But...the color choices seem a bit somber: black, brown, a dark heather eggplant, and a soft pale green. No hot tomato, robin's egg blue, or mango/pepper colors? :( :rolleyes: How am I going to be seen in traffic on my bike? :confused:

[Dianyla]

How am I going to be seen in traffic on my bike? :confused:
What I've been doing for pretty much every shirt/jersey I own is to just wear the PI Whisper Vest in screaming yellow over everything. And I've been making sure to buy only bright colored cold/rain jackets.

That way I can buy whatever color of wool that I want. I'm terribly partial to blues, greys, and black, which are quite invisible.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yeah, I do that often as well- wear a screaming yellow vest over my black woolies, etc. Or my switchback persimmon vest.

Still...I hate to see no rich reds or saffron yellows in the offing.

I have a whole selection of Brooks Nightlife stuff that I wear in various combinations while either biking or fitness walking:
http://www.terrybicycles.com/search.html ....enter "nightlife" in the search box.
I like their capris and tights too, with the screaming yellow on the backs of the calves....can't help but get seen on the road! :)

[KnottedYet]

I do the same thing. PI Screamer vest over my lovely ASPHALT gray Ibex.

[mariposa]

Yes - I know Smartwool does - who else? Anyone tried any other brands? I specifically like/want the lightweight wool (not fleece or other material).

Just trying to save a buck here; the Smartwool ones are $30.

[Duck on Wheels]

I just got an email alert from Ibex that all their cycling gear is now on a 30% off sale. But I guess you all knew that already.

[elk]

I want in. I have a herding dog after all and we hang with sheep...:cool: and when I hear the verb "to spin" I think of my wheel and piles of fluffy stuff...
I love woooool.

But! On my ride Sunday I saw several people wearing these crew neck long sleeve shirts over other shirts...they were nice faded/grayed colors and were kind of boxy...like they had shrunk in length but not width...

what do you think they might be?

e

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So now I suppose one goes to their "Shak" line instead?
I ordered a shak half zip and a full zip just to try them on and see what they are like.
But...the color choices seem a bit somber: black, brown, a dark heather eggplant, and a soft pale green.

Well, I got the Ibex full zip Shak and the half zip Shak, both in black.
I really like them! They are much thicker wool than typical Smartwool midweight crewneck longsleeve shirts. Sort of like sweatshirt thickness. Nice and cozy and soft, but not bulky at all.
I got the half zip in medium, which fits me great with a little room for a bit of shrinkage, and I got the full zip in Large so it is roomier and I can wear it over stuff like a thin wool jacket. They are tailored-shaped and very elegant feeling.
Now to figure out if I want any of the other colors. I think I'll wait til after I wash these on gentle and see how much they might shrink. Might take a while to decide, but I love these in black for now. :) I bet the Shak hoodies are swell too.

[Natasha]

I have a Shak full zip in the plum color from last year. I love how it feels and wears. I have not washed it yet as it never seems to need it. I haven't had trouble with any of my Ibex shrinking so far. I ordered another in the thistle heather color. Udans.com has them on sale right now in a variety of colors.

[madscot13]

Yes - I know Smartwool does - who else? Anyone tried any other brands? I specifically like/want the lightweight wool (not fleece or other material).

Just trying to save a buck here; the Smartwool ones are $30.

just a warning, I own an Outdoor Research Gore Windstopper balaclava (had to work hard at not saying baclava, mmm tasty). It is great for Minnesota bite you in the butt winter and downhills, but otherwise it is much too warm.

[KnottedYet]

I got the scoop on the Ibex Switchback!

The fabric is unstable (explains why mine self-destructed and shrank so bad) and so they phased it out.

Shak, y'all!

[KnottedYet]

Forgive me Woolweenies, for I have strayed.

I want a pair of these: http://www.bicyclefixation.com/prod_hemp_knickers.html

Now, if Ibex started making HEMP stuff instead of boring ol' organic cotton which is still hard on the environment...

[KathiCville]

Heads up that a few Ibex items have just been reduced further at STPost: Cirque jacket, Bregenz jacket, full-zip Switchback and their vests. 60% off, today only (October 27)........Cirque and Bregenz are now @$88, less any coupons you might have. I used a Sierra Woman 20% off coupon and got both the Cirque and Bregenz for @$70 each. :)

[KathiCville]

....I forgot to mention in my post (above) that I settled in last night and read the whole WoolWeenies Club post from start to finish, all 43 pp. Like wool, it's addictive! I learned a lot and laughed even more. Thank you!

One question (that I hope won't get me booted out of here....). :) I didn't see much about silk as an alternative to wool for folks who can't have wool next to their skin because of the itch factor. I've got a handful of light LS base layer tops from WinterSilks that I love for cool and cold weather. I admit that I haven't tried wool as a base layer. (Egads, did I really confess that?) Have many of you tried silk or silk blends and found any downsides? (Other than price....)

[KnottedYet]

I love silk, too. But I've found I sweat way to much for silk to handle it. (when I'm riding or something... I don't sweat like that all the time!)

I like the stuff WinterSilks makes.

[mimitabby]

Kathi, my husband wears silk under all of his wool stuff.
silk is good, but not near as fun as wool, i guess!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I used to have pure silk base layer tops and long johns. Overall, they felt soft and nice. But the tops used to get smelly under the arms after one wearing, they felt clammy if they got sweaty, and they didn't keep me nearly as warm as merino wool thin base layers.
Wool gives you that lovely layer-of-air insulation that keeps you from feeling damp or sticky, and also wool doesn't get smelly because it does not encourage bacterial growth under your arms (like other fabrics do).

[elk]

1. WHich Cirque jacket do you like/have? There seems to be 2 different ones...I bought the one that appears first...not the "light" looks slimmer.

2. Silk keeps you warm but doesn't "wick". I was just reading about dressing for field trials (yeah, dogs) and the woman who wrote the article owns either backcountry or ST..can't remember...she said to stay away from cotton and silk as they don't dry....wool and synthtics made for cold weather layering work much better.

3. So yeah...what about the next to the skin merino crew I just got from Riv that is a little itchy...will washing help? If not, what do you put under it that doesn't negate it's values?

e

[KathiCville]

I guess I haven't experienced the clammy thing (yet) with my silk base layer pieces. But then, I'm not exactly a speed demon biking or hiking, so I'm probably not kicking up enough sweat to test the soak-and-sop limits of silk. :)

Now that I've heard this group swoon over the virtues (and vices) of wool, I can hardly wait to get the Ibex pieces I snared on STPost today! Of course, temps have to actually DROP to something resembling AUTUMN before I'll get to test the warmth factor......... ;)

[mimitabby]

gee, Kathi, don' t you have some killer hills where you live? that's where I get hot and sweaty!

[KathiCville]

Yes, indeed, LOADS of killer hills 'round here----very much part of the charm that drew me to this part of Virginia. My cycling fiend boyfriend regularly throws himself up and down the mountains in MTB and road century races, and loves every painful minute of it!.......I've never been strong on hill-climbing of any kind, so have learned just to take it slow, at a comfortable pace. Result? I rarely end up being more than damp even in the hottest weather. I suppose I'm more tortoise than hare! I'm just getting back into riding after a decade off, and am happy to be averaging about 12mph for the moment. Today I did my longest ride yet: 16 miles, in 1hr 20 min! At the end, as the sun was dropping, the temps dropped fast and I was glad I'd put on two layers---'though neither one was wool...yet!........I'm looking forward to doing some mileage on the Blue Ridge Parkway when I get a little stronger. Right now I think I'd just get disheartened by the longgggg climbs. I figure in another month or so I'll be ready to give it a whirl. (Plus the bumper-to-bumper leaf-peeping traffic will be gone.....) That's when my new Ibex goodies will come in handy! :D

[KnottedYet]

KC - I loooooove your doggie picture!

Elk - I've found washing to help make my non-Ibex woolies more comfy. (my Ibex next-to-skin woolies are soft and delicious from the very start) I use Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap, whatever flavor I have handy.

[SandyLS]

Right now at steepandcheep.com $65.63 Blue or Brown.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I posted this in the forsale/wanted thread, but thought I'd catch you wool weanies too:

Does anyone have any women's medium or large Ibex wool "Shak" tops in their "red pepper" color they'd like to sell? Could be the shak half-zip, full-zip, or shak hoodie.....but it has to be the red (not the orange "persimmon" color).

[Natasha]

Hi Lisa,
You could check at Ibexwear.com. I returned a red pepper shak half-zip in medium about a month ago. Red pepper is a beautiful color, but I decided that I wanted a full zip.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, thanks Natasha-
I just asked the people last week at Ibex if they had any med or large redpepper full or halfzip shaks lying around on the shelf, and they wrote back and said no, they only have the 4 colors now listed for sale. Perhaps I should ask them one more time with a reference to one having been recently returned? :(

I'm somewhat peeved that the MEN'S shaks come in 6 fabulous colors almost all of which I love. But the women's only come in 4 colors, 3 of which are dark and somber. :confused: :confused: I doubt the men's would fit me in small, since I suspect the neck and maybe the shoulders would be too big and loose.

[KathiCville]

Lisa......I think you can find the hooded red pepper Shak at www.steepplanet.com. It looks like they have it in stock, S-M-L, at $140, plus free shipping.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks Kathy, yes I did find a few red pepper HOODED shaks around (even on TE!) but I was looking for the half-zip and full-zip styles in the red. I'll probably get the red hooded one anyway.

[KathiCville]

Ah, sorry,Lisa.....I missed the key fact that you wanted the hoodless variety! :o

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks Kathi- I probably will get the hoodie one anyway, but I knew there were several of those still available here and there online- it's the red half-zip and full-zip non-hooded ones that are now impossible to find.
Natasha- I did email Ibex about your returned one- got no reply. I think they are tired of me asking about other colors. :rolleyes:


P.S. added: I did wind up ordering the red hoodie shak from TE. Who knows, maybe I'll find another red shak top to go with it eventually. At least I'll have the one that I can wear over other stuff. It'll be cozy in red. :)

[Natasha]

I got the Shak full-zip in thistle heather. The color is beautiful, but not very bright. I have a plum one from last year also. They are amongst my favorite pieces of clothing.
Good luck with your hunt for red pepper.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I got the Shak full-zip in thistle heather. The color is beautiful, but not very bright. I have a plum one from last year also. They are amongst my favorite pieces of clothing.
Good luck with your hunt for red pepper.

I just love the shak fabric and fit. I have the black jersey. I did get the red pepper HOODIE shak from TE(!). That will be nice as an outer layer.
I have looked high and low over the internet- and their just are no redpepper shak half or full zips anywhere. I saw some Ice Blue ones (not me).

I'd like a change from the black shak jersey when it's in the laundry. I agree the thistle heather is a nice color but every time I buy a piece of clothing in a lavender or purpley hue I wind up not liking the color after I wear it a few times. This has happened several times and I just won't buy any more purple-hued clothes....they just don't click with me.

The brown is "comforting" and "safe", but not very interesting and I can't say I love how brown tops look with black pants. I wear mostly black on the bottom, either leggings or skirt or wool pants. Do you gals like brown tops over black pants?

I guess I may just need to think about going with the "warm green" as an alternate to my black shak.
Any opinions? :o

[KnottedYet]

Purple-y blues look great on me. If you have any woolies in purple hues that you don't like in a size L; pm me, eh? :D

[madscot13]

I mean balacalvas. does anyone have any recommendations? i guess the only companies with wool balaclavas are smartwool, icebreaker, and ibex. Does anyone have any experience with the balaclavas? I own a lot of smartwool socks and like them. Icebreaker has really great fitting and nice wool tops. Not much from Ibex has worked out for me- they just are always too big. So many woollie sellers so little money.

[KnottedYet]

Not much help, but Trek420 and I really love our Ibex wool helmet liners.

[Natasha]

Lisa,
I think a brown shak would look great with black bottoms. On the Ibex website the model for the full zip shak has a brown shak with black pants. However, the green would give you more variety than the brown as an alternative to your black shak. The green is brighter and cheerier.
I agree, I love the shak fabric and fit.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Purple-y blues look great on me. If you have any woolies in purple hues that you don't like in a size L; pm me, eh? :D

Sorry Knot- I gave the Smartwool purple heather zip to my biking daughter! :rolleyes:

Natasha- thanks for the input- it helps! I am still thinking what to do- the brown or the green?.....:cool:
(I have the black shak jersey, and I'll be getting the red hoodie soon....)

[Dianyla]

IBEX Long Trail sweater on SAC, $68.

I already have this and lurrrrrve it so much. :D

[3weight]

What a great sweater! Backcountryoutlet.com actually has this sweater for a bit cheaper, plus free shipping. (Backcountry.com runs SAC).

[short cut sally]

OK ladies, I have read and read your posts and am amazed at how many items you all have and how you sing the praises of wool. I must confess-The ONLY items I own are wool socks. Don't ban me please! I just went to a website and put 3 items into a shopping cart. BUT before I order. I need to ask a question. The items say that they are a base layer item, all 1/4 zip top. I thought I wanted to wear something like underarmor next to me then this top. I am under the impression that this is a no go correct? I use this wool as my baselayer and then what do I put over that (see below first)? If they are a base layer, how heavy are they? I am in the wool-less club here. I am looking at these items for x-c skiing, walking, and perhaps snowshoeing. I usually wear a heavy biking jersey and a soft shell jacket for walking/x-c skiing and find it okay and haven't had any problems. Would I use the wool top instead of my biking jersey? I have read the advantages, I just need to be sold now. i know- too many questions.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Tell us exactly which zip base layer tops are in your cart (brand, item name description), then we can advise you better. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

sigh.....I got my red pepper Ibex shak Hoodie.....and I'll have to send it back. :(
It fits me perfectly- but I wanted it to wear over some base layers and it's too snug for that. It's a LARGE, for goodness sake! :eek: :eek: What is up with that??- I'm just a medium average sized woman and a large fits me perfectly?? Sadly, they do not seem to be available ANYWHERE on the internet in an XL red pepper.
I have to give up my quest for the red shak. :(
Time to rethink again.

[elk]

yeah...those ibex jackets run SMALL!
sorry! maybe a men's S would do it?

[short cut sally]

Ok Lisa, went to the Backcountry.com and went to the womens tops/jerseys and then when that page came up I put in a search for wool. On pages 1 and 4 are the items I was looking at. IcebreakerBodyFit200 OASIS crew long sleeve and also was the IcebreakerBodyFit260 Altitude Zip. Page 4 was the Kuhl Ridgerunner 1/4 zip long sleeve. I would post their links-I am not computer savy. The last 2 items are similiar and it looks like maybe the first item is thinner? THanks

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

....BUT before I order. I need to ask a question. The items say that they are a base layer item, all 1/4 zip top. I thought I wanted to wear something like underarmor next to me then this top. I am under the impression that this is a no go correct? I use this wool as my baselayer and then what do I put over that (see below first)? If they are a base layer, how heavy are they? I am in the wool-less club here. I am looking at these items for x-c skiing, walking, and perhaps snowshoeing. I usually wear a heavy biking jersey and a soft shell jacket for walking/x-c skiing and find it okay and haven't had any problems. Would I use the wool top instead of my biking jersey? I have read the advantages, I just need to be sold now. i know- too many questions.

Hi,
I'm afraid I am not familiar at all with Icebreaker stuff- can someone else help Shelly with the style/thickness question about the Icebreakers?
I only know about Smartwool and Ibex items.
I tend to wear the thin 17.5 micron "base layers" underneath, next to my skin. Then in cold weather I might put a heavy mid-weight wool layer on over that. You *could* wear a jersey over your wool base layer too. Usually two wool layers are enough. But if I'm biking in 35 degrees or less, then I'll put a 3rd layer on- either a jacket or another wool mid-weight or maybe just a vest.

The Smartwool lightweight base layers and the Ibex "Woolies" base layers are quite thin and soft, and best as an underlayer, or for warm days, or for sleeping in :p . The mid-weight stuff in both brands are more appropriate for wearing alone with just a bra, or over the base layer.
The "shak" line from Ibex that I like now is a thicker-midweight that feels good either alone or layered.

I personally don't recommend wearing your wool over a polyester/manmade base layer like Underarmor. Why?- because the wool works with your skin to keep it ventilated and insulated- put a fake layer between the wool and your skin and the wool will not be doing what it does best. Also, the man-made stuff will smell under the arms. If you put wool first, THEN the other layers, you will smell less after a workout and save some laundry energy! ;) 100% wool can be worn several times before it gets smelly.

For leg layering however- I do sometimes wear an Underarmor winter tech or a chamois legging, then I pull my Ibex wool tights over that because they stretch softly and easily over anything I have on already- no tugging. And I don't need to consider the underarm odor factor for bottom items. It's just an extra layer that's soft and easy to get on and off.
When I'm not biking in the cold I like to wear my wool tights alone- they feel so good on the skin! :p

[madscot13]

I love Icebreaker. Fit wise I think it is pretty normal it I am an xs small in clothes form REI I am an xs from icebreaker. The once caveat is their next to skin line, which I would buy in a s small next time. the next to skin line material is akin to the ibex superfine merino 18.5 line- a bit on the see through side. The oasis crew,of which I own 3, are pretty thick material. Warmer than a cotton long sleeve, but not something I wear on their own in the winter. I think they are great for layering since it has a pretty close/ flattering cut. I usually wear a tank top under them because I think it is more comfrotable- not necceassily a warmth issue. the ignition top is my favorite of all my clothing articles. I love the theumb holes and how well it fits. it even has a drop tail for bicyling. In the winter I don't leave home without it.

For my winter sports I wear, an oasis crew with the ignition zip over it (the pinnacle, tipper, and classic zip are sort similiar but I think the igniton is tighter and more wind resistant- but don't quote me on the last part). I wear my wind proof fleece until I am warmed up and then I take that off and I'm pretty toatsty for the rest of my adventure. layering up like this lets me avoid those periods where I am freezing cold and wicked hot.

I wear wool for my outdoor activities because I can be just as warm without the bulk. personally if I am going to be doing an endurance activity where I layer I prefer 1/4 zips. fewer bulky zippers and I can let off some steam easily.

[elk]

Wool. I'm wearing my Rivendell merino crew under a flannel shirt right now...I'm findin it easier on the skin than I did. But....what and how do you layer that wool? Is it right next to your skin? What do you wear for wind and wet over it? If you wear a waterproof shell, does the wool still breathe? HOw many layers ?

How to dress, is the question, for riding in this wet 35-50 degree climate of the NW in winter?? give me some specific stuff to shop for...
please.
oh! and I find Ibex runs a little small...anything good that runs more true to size?

[KnottedYet]

Wool. I'm wearing my Rivendell merino crew under a flannel shirt right now...I'm findin it easier on the skin than I did. But....what and how do you layer that wool? Is it right next to your skin? What do you wear for wind and wet over it? If you wear a waterproof shell, does the wool still breathe? HOw many layers ?

How to dress, is the question, for riding in this wet 35-50 degree climate of the NW in winter?? give me some specific stuff to shop for...
please.
oh! and I find Ibex runs a little small...anything good that runs more true to size?

Buy one size up in Ibex if it runs small for you.

Buy Icebreaker if you can't afford Ibex, but buy Ibex any time you can get it on sale. (check the Ibex Outlet and BackCountry.com and Sierra Trading Post and REI-Outlet)

Wear a bra under the wool. Ibex is coming out with wool bras this winter, but until then wear a regular bra.

Treat your wool t-shirt like you would any other t-shirt for layering. Put your favorite warm goodies on over it. It'll be just fine.

Wool just keeps on breathing, but how much vapor gets out your waterproof shell is entirely up to the SHELL. (not the wool)

When it's wet and in the cooler temps here in Seattle I like to ride in wool Ibex capris, wool socks, bra, wool longsleeve t-shirt, and wool sweater. I might put a shell on over the sweater if it's *really* raining, but tend not to. I generally wear just my PI visiblity vest cuz I sweat so much.

I have a wool helmet liner and wool gloves for those really cold days.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I like to wear the thin Ibex longsleeve crew "Woolie" shirts as a base layer underneath (over a bra), then a thicker wool shirt over that, like the Ibex Shak or the Ibex Zephyr. Then I'll either wear a wool vest or a screaming yellow windbreaker jacket or vest. On the bottom if it's really cold I'll wear my regular chamois tights and then my wool Ibex tights over them....or vice versa.

Sometimes i wear an Ibex woolie longsleeve to sleep with my ibex wool tights....yummy! :p
I find the new soft merinos are too soft to be itchy, but they have a nice subtle springy texture that feels like i'm getting a skin massage. Cotton doesn't have that effect somehow.

Always check Ibex's "Outlet" section too, for discounted items, and make sure it's showing "all" outlet items, not just the tops. The link to the outlet alway sseems to start with showing just the tops on sale.

[sgtiger]

My El Fito knickers arrived today! Yay! I'm in between sizes right now and I like my shorts on the snug side, so I ordered down a size. I'm really glad I did becuase they fit great! (Weeeeell, the waist is a bit snug, but it's not squishing internal organs or anything.) Like all Ibex the fit and finish is great. I can't wait to try out these puppies tomorrow. Maybe I'll just wear them around the apartment for a while....:rolleyes: :D :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yeah just wear them around the apt, wear them on non-biking days too with a cute short skirt! :p
I wear most of my wool biking clothes half the time whether I'm biking or not- they are just too damned comfy and make me feel so good. I wear my Ibex wool tights to bed now too. (and DH can't resist squeezing merino) :D


Hey, does anyone have the Ibex "Skyline" top?:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=851&VID=9675&Product=Skyline-Full-Zip-Wool-Top
I just ordered one to try it before I decide about the shaks, and wondered if anyone had any experience with them....they look nice. Are they thick?

[surgtech1956]

What about the cheaper wools? Terramar Thermawool products?

[KnottedYet]

The last time I looked at Terramar wool, it was mostly man-made fiber with a little wool thrown in. That was a couple years ago, though. Do you have any links to 100% wool Terramar? I've had their poly-whatever long underwear in the past and liked their stuff. If they're doing 100% wool I'd like to find it!

[surgtech1956]

Sorry, I don't know how to attach a link for the specific page. They're at Campmor, Terramar Thermawool Pant(Mens) Item No. 79607 ($29.99) - its described as '100% merino wool'.

[sgtiger]

Do you mean these (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39298944&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1)? For 30 buckaroos, they may be worth trying.

[KnottedYet]

OOOOH! And check out the price for the zip mock neck! Trek420 is sitting here egging me on to get the charcoal one... (not that I need much egging on:p )

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39298950&memberId=12500226

Thanks for the head's up SurgTech!

[surgtech1956]

I just ordered the pants and the zip top. I hadn't seen the zip just the crew neck.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What about the cheaper wools? Terramar Thermawool products?

You know, to be honest, I just don't trust that this wool is what it claims to be.
For that kind of price, and they come from China, made supposedly from imported Australian merino wool....well I just don't believe it for a second.

Look here, these $30 women's Terramar long johns claim to be "100&#37; merino", made in China:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,14308_Terramar-Thermawool-Bottoms-For-Women.html?cm_mmc=PaidPlacement-_-SortPrice-_-WSORT7-_-Terramar_Thermawool_Bottoms_-_For_Women

Then, on another page:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/239,13861_Terramar-Merino-Wool-Long-Underwear-Bottoms-2-Layer-Body-Sensors-EC2-For-Women-.html
they claim to be not only "merino wool", but also they say they are "Fabric is 80% polyester, 20% wool"....and right below that they state they are "100% polyester"....:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Then they are labeled as "seconds" from China. Just inspires confidence, doesn't it? :rolleyes:
LIARS!!!!!

OK....so they are 80% polyester/100%polyester/merinowool seconds from China. Maybe they are made from lead?

Um, i think I'll pass.

[Eden]

whoa nelly - you are looking at 2 different products and it looks like someone from Sierra Trading post actually made the big goof on the second one (note that it is not actually available for purchase). If you look on another site selling the same long johns, they don't actually contain any wool (they are cotton poly) and they are not that expensive in the first place $14.99 on sale (from $20) at a ski web store.

Not that I'm going to defend products from China - we take advantage of them to get cheap stuff and they take advantage of us by selling us crap..... (and the workers are the ones that suffer the most) but this one looks like a data entry error.

[elk]

I better get well soon...and away from this mecca of bicycle accessories!!! I just went shopping at ibex, STP AND Backcountry buying wool...the only thing I got not on sale though was the Shak full zip (in brown) which I have been eyeing since I got my switchback...which I STILL haven't taken off...!!!

When you're sick, the idea of soft wool head to toe is kinda hard to resist!!!

So with this all this wool...am I a weenie? I'll be a wool weenie, but I don't want to be a world weenie....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes, you are now a weenie.

Hey you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE that full zip shak! I am wearing mine like every day- so warm, so cozy....I know I will be wearing it for years to come.

Eden- well that's some whopper typos they have going there. :eek: But even if that's a mistake I still find it all rather suspicious. Those poison toy beads they just analyzed... turns out the list of ingredients didn't match what was actually in there at all. Same with the toothpastes....etc. Too many products coming from China with completely false ingredient statements and strange added toxins for me to believe their claims at this point. If the wool items from China feel good and cost way less, hey more power to you all, really...
...but I personally will never be convinced that their "Thermawool" fabric is 100% Australian merino wool. I'll stick to my Ibex and Smartwool that I feel I can trust. :cool:

[KnottedYet]

The second item you linked is a dual-layer: one layer is 100% man-made, the other layer is a mix of wool and man-made. They are warm and cozy (I had some) similar to Duofold in that sense, but I prefer 100% wool.

Terramar is not a "wool only" company, in fact this is the first time I've seen 100% wool from them.

I've never been disappointed in any of my Terramar, other than it wasn't 100% wool.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have some Duo-Fold long underwear from years ago, and so does my DH. He used to swear by it. But now we have both discovered 100% merino and there's just no going back- for us, the Duo-Fold just doesn't measure up to merino. :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

But now we have both discovered 100% merino and there's just no going back- for us, the Duo-Fold just doesn't measure up to merino. :rolleyes:

Ditto! Love my Ibex long undies!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ugh...just thinking back to a year or two ago- does anyone else besides me remember the news story about the "faux fur" coats sold in high fashion department stores in NYC? It was in the news for a week or so.

I remember it was a big deal in NYC, and people were outraged at the time.
Seems there were lots of designer brands of coats getting sold in all the fancy NY stores like Bloomingdales, Macy's, Lord&Taylor's, etc, --"faux fur" coats that were quite convincing copies of fur. They were all labeled faux fur. They were being sold under various designer brands, in many different styles and lines. Apparently someone from Peta became suspicious and Peta bought several in different places and had them tested. Turns out they were all REAL fur, from China, and what's more they were all DOG fur coats. The Chinese manufacturers had the coats all labeled as "synthetic faux fur", and apparently the NY designers had no idea what they really were. :mad: :mad: :mad: They were pulled from the stores, needless to say.
Anyone else remember this?

[mimitabby]

oh Lisa, that's disgusting. I hadn't heard that one. My DH bought me a coat with a faux fur on the lining. the first thing I did was pull a few hairs out and burn them (they melted! ) because if it was real hair I wasn't going to want to wear it (Because it looked like dog)
so hair burns and stinks badly,
polyesters kind of melt and burn and have a very different smell.

I do that with yarn too. What's confusing is mixes of wool and acrylic. burns, stinks, melts? :confused:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh, I did find one article about it:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2862608

Unbelievably, in China, it's common to "harvest" fur by quickly skinning the animal alive.

[mimitabby]

Lisa, there are groups berating the use of wool because wool ranchers are cruel to their sheep. :eek: who knew?
I still love wool and i eat lamb too.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes I know what you mean. I eat meat (except for beef) and wear leather and wool, etc. I try to not buy meat from large commercial meat producers. (see http://themeatrix.com/ )
But at least here in the US we have laws about animal cruelty that can be enforced- no such laws even exist in China, where inhumane and cruel treatment of animals is a casually accepted part of daily life.

[Brandi]

I just bought a new pair of smartwool stripped socks! I love all my smartwool socks. They hard to resist. Got three brand new pairs off of ebay a couple weeks ago for about $25.00. they were a close out color. Orange my favorite!

[mimitabby]

oh, wow, smartwool on EBAY! ORANGE???!?!?!?
(my favorite too)

[GLC1968]

I think I need to admit to being a wool weenie. :o

I've always touted the benefits of wool, but until recently, I would wear wool sweaters (my favorite all winter) with cotton underneath.

My conversion started last winter when the only jerseys I liked wearing in the winter (while biking) were my wool ones. They just worked SO much better than all my synthetic ones! A month ago, we went for a mountain bike ride and I threw on an Ibex crew (lightweight) that I had. It was perfect for the ride. Then, for whatever reason, I kept it on for the rest of the day running errands and such. One day and I'm a convert.

I've since bought a few more lightweight wool tops (and dug out a couple of ones I bought last year) and that's all I wear on the weekends, biking or not! I just told my husband that I need more wool tops to wear and lo and behold, there was an icebreaker style on SAC this morning (I bought 2).

OMG, I'm addicted! They are particularly suitable here in the south in the winter where the temps change all day (30's in the am, 60's at noon, 40's at night) and where the sun is hot but the breeze is not.

Now I need to know, does anyone make wool bras? :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

GLC,
Don't you feel better after confessing your weeniedom? :p ;)
Now that you are wearing your wool around all day for whatever....the next step is to wear it to sleep in. MMMmmmmmm......wool tights or knickers, wool top baselayer....snuggleeee under the covers....... :cool: There's something wicked and yummy about wearing merino wool without any underwear or bra at all...I love to sleep that way! (not sure I'll be doing it in the summer though)

I don't know about other brands of wool bras, but I hear Ibex will be coming out with a new line if wool undies, camisoles, and bras this winter sometime. :p Maybe others will know of some more brands with wool bras.

Also, Ibex is having a sale on some of its "Ribbies" lightweight base layer tops:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=908&VID=10296&Product=LW-Ribbed-Crew
Not all sizes available in all colors.

[xeney]

A question about Smartwool socks (and I'm sorry if this has been answered, this thread is too long for me to keep up): all of the Smartwool socks I bought last year are wearing out in the toes, and since I do not darn socks I'm going to have to throw them away. I've never had socks wear out so quickly so I am sort of irritated. Is there something I should have done to make them last longer? Hand washed them? Used a special detergent? I don't dry them in the dryer but I'm not sure that would have made a difference anyway. They aren't too small, but they are nearly see-through at the toes after just one season of wear.

These are my last Smartwool socks, I think, I just would like to know if I could have avoided this somehow.

[mimitabby]

I have not had that particular problem with my smartwool sox. (I have had that problem with a leading chain of socks and no longer buy my sox there)
the socks I am wearing today are on their 3rd season now and i wear them all year round. (taking off shoe to examine sock)
the bottom of the toe and heel areas are noticeably thinner but all stitches are completely intact.
maybe it's your shoes (I have no idea)
my biggest problem is some kinds of "smart" wool are not so smart; and they shrink. These however, did not
http://images.ems.com/media/images/products/210/21024/2102463/210246337/210246337_CHOCOLATE_200.jpg

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh wow, Mimi, I am wearing those exact socks RIGHT NOW! except mine are with brown base color, not black.

Polyester and nylon socks do last longer than wool socks in terms of going "bald" at pressure points. Wool does lose some of its fuzz in places like toes and heels because of friction. I had some merino blend socks 2 years ago (not smartwool but another good brand) that went bald at the toes much too quickly for my liking. But so far I have had good luck with SW socks.

Xeney, part of the problem might be that you live in CA. :eek: No kidding!- it never gets so cold there that you need more than one pair of socks at a time usually, right? Much of the winter here I wear 2 pairs of wool socks every day, one of them usually fairly thick, too. And in Fall and Spring I might typically wear 2 pairs of thinner wool socks. I like to layer the colors sometimes and turn the outer cuff down. I think that keeps things cushier and keeps my toes and heels from grinding too hard at the socks.

One thing I have found that is funny is the different people wear through socks differently. A few years ago, a girlfriend and I bought the very same socks and wore them all the time. We also wore mostly the same clogs. Her socks went bald and wore holes in the toes quickly yet mine were still perfectly fine. Go figure!

[Dianyla]

Lisa, I have the Skyline top. It was advertised as a warm mid-layer but I personally find it to be more of a light mid-layer or even a heavy base-layer. Otherwise, the color contrast is very snazzy and it's a great piece. And the long sleeve/thumbhole thingies are kinda cool, too. :)


One thing I have found that is funny is the different people wear through socks differently. A few years ago, a girlfriend and I bought the very same socks and wore them all the time. We also wore mostly the same clogs. Her socks went bald and wore holes in the toes quickly yet mine were still perfectly fine. Go figure!
Yep, I always wear bald spots through my socks at certain places due to the large wide shape of my feet. Doesn't matter if it's cheap socks or expensive socks, it's all the same.

[elk]

maybe it has something to do with
a. how long you keep yr toenails
b. how your shoes fit...is yr toe right up against the leather or not...

[Dianyla]

How to dress, is the question, for riding in this wet 35-50 degree climate of the NW in winter?? give me some specific stuff to shop for... please.
Here's what's been working for me this winter:

Morning or late night commute (sub 40 degrees)
I usually wear about three woolly layers, varying them for the temps.
1 light wool layer next to skin (Smartwool or Ibex underwear layer)
1 light wool shirt layer (not much thicker than the baselayer) (e.g. Smartwool Zip-T, Ibex Pico)
1 warm wool layer (either a sweater like the Ibex Long Trail or a jacket like the Ibex Pingo. I don't actually have the Pingo, I have something from a few years back that's a lot like it.)
Outer shell varies by weather - for wet the Showers Pass rain jacket in Mango color, or for dry the PI Whisper jacket or vest for high visibility and wind-blocking.

Bottom (I'm sadly wool-deficient in these areas):
Bike shorts or knickers (PI, Sugoi, etc. For wool I just got the Ibex Calais shorts and love them. The El Fito's just don't fit my legs at all for some reason.)
Fleece tights or pants (PI Amfib, Craft storm pants, etc)
Alternately, I may just combine my PI Sugar knickers with knee-high Smartwool ski socks. Classy! :rolleyes:
If rainy, Craft Rain Pants over shorts + baselayer

Extremities:
Thick wool socks (Smartwool snowflake, adrenaline, or ski socks)
Balaclava (Smartwool, or some off-brand wool-blend thingy I bought from Sierra Trading Post)
Gore Vulcano Windstopper gloves
Gore-tex overshoes
(Helmet has rain cover)

Midday commute (~50):
Stash one or more warm wool layers and the balaclava in my panniers to prevent overheating.

I find it much easier to dress for cold 30's rain than warm 50-60's rain. For warm rain, often just a thin longsleeve wool underwear top under the rain jacket (with pitzips wide open) is enough.

[DebW]

A question about Smartwool socks (and I'm sorry if this has been answered, this thread is too long for me to keep up): all of the Smartwool socks I bought last year are wearing out in the toes

All of my light hiker Smartwool socks have gotten holes at the right big toe. The medium and heavy hikers haven't had this problem. Since I usually don't punch holes in my left socks, I just wear the holey ones on my left foot so my big toe doesn't stick out. I figure it must be my right big toe nail that's shaped funny. I do keep my nails trimmed.

[KnottedYet]

maybe it has something to do with
a. how long you keep yr toenails
b. how your shoes fit...is yr toe right up against the leather or not...

+1 :D

[xeney]

Hmm. I keep my toenails short and my shoes mostly have plenty of room, although my feet did get huge in late pregnancy ... but I wasn't wearing socks then anyway, just my huband's ratty flipflops. And these are wearing pretty thin on the heels, too.

Oh, well. I bought them for the cute factor -- I like the stripes -- but I mostly wear much thicker wool socks in the winter.

[mariposa]

Icebreaker midweight something on SAC

[GLC1968]

I don't know about other brands of wool bras, but I hear Ibex will be coming out with a new line if wool undies, camisoles, and bras this winter sometime. :p Maybe others will know of some more brands with wool bras.

Also, Ibex is having a sale on some of its "Ribbies" lightweight base layer tops:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=908&VID=10296&Product=LW-Ribbed-Crew
Not all sizes available in all colors.

Go Ibex! Can't wait for wool underwear!!

Ok, I love that top in the link but I've put off buying it because I can't decide on color. Unfortunately (or fortunately), every color appears to be available in my size - so that's no help. I LOVE the plum, but my other shirt is that color so that's the only one I can immediately rule out. Now what? My coloring is similar to the model...which color looks best on her (besides plum)???

Lisa, there is no way I could sleep in wool unless Ibex does camisoles really soon. I get too hot sleeping in anything but a thin tank top because my husband is a furnace. :p

Anyone have any suggetions for wool work wear? Dressier ribbed t-necks or sweater sets perhaps? Business-y looking long sleeve tops?

"Hi, my name is Catherine and I am a wool addict"

[Trek420]

"Hi, my name is Catherine and I am a wool addict"

Hi Catherine! :)

I'm in Wool'anon, that's for family and friends of Wool Addicts. :rolleyes:

No offense meant to any 12 step members on and/or reading this thread. These are important programs that work but I just could not pass up the joke. :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa, there are groups berating the use of wool because wool ranchers are cruel to their sheep. :eek: who knew?
I still love wool and i eat lamb too.

In case anyone is interested- the Ibex company participates in this New Zealand program: http://zque.co.nz/ which manages production of NZ wool using methods that are socially and environmentally responsible, with a big emphasis on humane treatment of animals. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa, there is no way I could sleep in wool unless Ibex does camisoles really soon. I get too hot sleeping in anything but a thin tank top because my husband is a furnace. :p
Yes my husband is a furnace too. :cool:
I can "sort of" understand you not wanting to sleep in wool if you live in NC. ;)




"Hi, my name is Catherine and I am a wool addict"

In moments of weakness, review post #4 of this thread.

[GLC1968]

Yes my husband is a furnace too. :cool:
I can "sort of" understand you not wanting to sleep in wool if you live in NC. ;)

In moments of weakness, review post #4 of this thread.

I'm working on relocating somewhere cooler - so I'll keep the wool jammies in mind when that happens.

OMG, and #4 is awesome! Thanks for bringing it to my attention (and for posting it originally). :D


I'd also like to mention that wool has given me a winter riding partner again. My husband (the furnace) is a cold weather wimp. A true southern boy! I bought him two smartwool tops last year and not only did he never wear them, but he hardly ever rode with me. I thought I'd be riding alone again this winter, but last weekend he pulled out the wool and he's convinced! He loved it and it's inspiring him to try colder temps with me! Yay for wool!!

[mimitabby]

steep and cheap ibex switchback full zip 58% off!!!

[Dianyla]

steep and cheap ibex switchback full zip 58&#37; off!!!
In Periwinkle/Charcoal and Persimmon.

Persimmon, Lisa S.H., Persimmon!!! :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

In Periwinkle/Charcoal and Persimmon.

Persimmon, Lisa S.H., Persimmon!!! :D


I have it already, and I did get it on sale!! :rolleyes: :D
But thanks for thinking of me!

I have moved on to Shaks this year. ;)

GLC- that is so great about your husband!!! :p :p :p
My husband is happy today- he just got some very nice new merino long john bottoms. MMMmmmmmm........ :cool: :p

I think about past years when I had not discovered good wool yet. I always avoided being out in the cold winter. Now, with good wool layers, I love being out in the freezing cold- biking, walking, snowshoeing....wool has changed MY life too!

[elk]

Yipppeee!!! that's me yelling on the inside as I rode around and up and down the hills of my neighborhood this afternoon ON MY NEW AURORA----IN MY NEW WOOL!!!

I wore a LS crew and my persimmon switchback and even though it was chilly and i am still lingering on the edge of a cold/flu...I did not overheat and thus sweat and I was not cold...I was happily thermoregulated!

Can't wait for all that wool I bought this weekend (dangerous lying in bed with nothing to do and a credit card).

I also just got 2 100% merino sweaters on ebay for 20.00...!!! including a black full zip....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh man, Elk....you are really COOKIN'!!!!! :D :D :D :eek: :D
I am so happy to hear how happy you are with your new touring bike. :p :p :p

I LOVE the Skyline Ibex top in black/chalk I got today:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=851&VID=9675&Product=Skyline-Full-Zip-Wool-Top
Dianyla was right- it's not "that" thick- it's thinner than the shaks and switchbacks, but thicker than the usual base layers. It is very cozy and soft, and it looks great on me- a very slimming and flattering style. I feel like I'm on Star Trek. :p :cool: A nice change from the cat burglar all-black look I tend to wear too much. I don't care for the new Ibex "warm green", so that one is going back and I'll keep the black/chalk one.

[elk]

I agree with you about that green...besides, I think that black one is kind of sexy....!!

The combo of a lighter bike with lower gears and I was zippin up hills---even in my weakened state:rolleyes: --that I struggled like mad with before---and I think the 2 wool layers made it all possible....

Now I need to rethink the shell part...I have a showers pass dbl century but it fits pretty closely....and I want something I can wear over several layers of wool that breathes and is wind and waterproof....suggestions gladly accepted!!!


(:D OMG...that Aurora is awesome...instant passionate bonding---I had to force myself to go home so I wouldn't overdo it...I am madly in love!!! and I think it must fit just right, I have no complaints.:eek: )

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I agree with you about that green...besides, I think that black one is kind of sexy....!!

The combo of a lighter bike with lower gears and I was zippin up hills---even in my weakened state:rolleyes: --that I struggled like mad with before---and I think the 2 wool layers made it all possible....

Now I need to rethink the shell part...I have a showers pass dbl century but it fits pretty closely....and I want something I can wear over several layers of wool that breathes and is wind and waterproof....suggestions gladly accepted!!!


Yes the black/chalk skyline top IS very sexy- I'm wearing it today! :p
The green one looked good on the website, but on me it just looked vaguely pukey. :(
I feel like I have more energy when I'm biking if I'm wearing wool- sounds crazy I know, but my skin can breathe better and I can move better.

Here's one suggestion since you asked- wear your thin wool base layer, then a longsleeved wool midweight top, then get one of Ibex's VESTS to wear over that. If it's just light rain or drizzle, either the Ibex dense wool vests or their Cirrus fabric vest, will keep you dry and snuggly. Heavy rain requires a real rainproof jacket of course, but I'm usually not biking in heavy rain myself.
My Ibex switchback vest (in persimmon!) keeps me pretty dry and warm in light rain. The wetness seems to mostly stay on the outer surface. Just hang it over a chair to dry out when you get home.

OK- here is something really funny that happened to me an hour ago at the supermarket......
I swear this is true!- I was standing at the checkout in my new Ibex skyline top and my black wool leggings and smartwool socks. This tiny little 80something year old white haired lady next to me, who looked like Church Lady or something, says to me:
"That outfit looks so GREAT on you!"
Well I was very pleased and I said ThankYou!!. Then she said:
"That must be PURE MERINO WOOL!"
:eek: :eek: :eek: Well you could have knocked me over with a feather.

I asked how she knew that. And she said "Well I have a couple of pure merino sweaters and there's just NOTHING else that keeps you as warm and feels and looks as good as merino!"

OMG it was too great! :D :D :D

[mimitabby]

cute story, Lisa.

[elk]

well you and wool, Lisa...obviously meant to be..:rolleyes:

I just found a land's end jacket i bought years ago that is windproof and i think it might even be waterproof...and its BIG on me...I must be losing weight...and it'll make a good shell too!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Here, I took a picture somehow in the mirror (believe me, this takes all my brain power, hence the vacant expression!) of me in my new Ibex Skyline merino top and my Ibex wool tights. Smartwool thick socks.
I used to wear this kind of stuff only when biking. But it feels so good that I often just wear it, like today- it was cold and windy and rainy and I went to the supermarket and bank and PO and was sooo cozy. People ask me "Are you riding your bike?" and i just answer "Not right now, but I might jump on it at any second!" :D

4883

[elk]

that's a great picture!

That skyline top is designed so that the white part makes the black part look like a an evening dress!!!

I got my shak zip today...brown...very soft!!! i'm waiting for my icebreaker leggings.....my ibex capris and Lena skirt....all, of course, on sale...:p

[Dianyla]

Lisa, you look fabulous! It makes me think we should all start a Wool Weenies Photo thread showing us wearing our woollies... :eek:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa, you look fabulous! It makes me think we should all start a Wool Weenies Photo thread showing us wearing our woollies... :eek:

Yeah, and call "Weenies On Parade". Hmmm....maybe not.... :cool:
Maybe "Show us your woolies", or "Bully Woolies"..... :p

Elk- my brown zip shak arrived today too- haven't opened it yet! :D

[Dianyla]

Yeah, and call "Weenies On Parade". Hmmm....maybe not.... :cool:
OMG!!! :p


Maybe "Show us your woolies", or "Bully Woolies"..... :p
Um, that would probably be more appropriate... :rolleyes:

[emily_in_nc]

Cute pic, Lisa! Love the outfit, and your cute bedroom too, especially the floor! Very charming!

Emily

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well Dianyla, why don't you you post a pic of you hiking in some exotic place in your woolies?

Elk- I am pleased with the brown shaks (halfzip and full zip). The brown is a soft mocha color that is pretty pleasant...between that and the skyline it will provide an alternative to the ninja look. I like to wear the half zip shak in medium with a Large full zip over it like they used to wear "sweater sets" in the old days. :rolleyes: They'd have a pullover sweater with a matching cardigan over it.
God knows I go out in below freezing often enough to justify it. Chance of snow all day tomorrow (will likely just be cold rain though) and I plan to do my 3.6 mile walk in the morning in the 30's. Definitely will be layering wool.

I still wish they had picked more yummy women's colors this year in Ibex. But the black and brown will work, -especially if I wear colorful socks or vest or neck gaitor or a hat in an interesting color. My switchback vest in persimmon will go very nicely over the brown shak. :)
Dianyla- I do the same thing as you with putting the Smartwool ski socks on over my leggings and pulled up to my knees, then my hiking boots. They have some great wacky colors and patterns in those ski socks!

Wool diary confessions:
With the success of the skyline top for me and the arrival of the brown shaks today, I feel like a frustrating weight has been lifted off.
I had gotten enough thin merino base layers last year to last me a good while. I also had good outer vest, jacket, socks.... But i was kind of lacking in the mid layer torso dept- something warmer and thicker to wear over my base layer but under a vest or jacket. Or just by itself indoors, over a base layer. I had given two midweight SW wool zip tops I had to my daughters.
I knew the Switchback line from Ibex, and have a vest and jacket, but switchbacks were now eliminated by Ibex. Hence the search for mid layer tops like the shaks and the skyline this Fall.

But i had trouble finding colors I liked. The black was a no-brainer, and I loved the black shak I got- have been wearing it every day, and was getting sad when it was in the laundry. But a second color choice to alleviate the all-black-all-the-time look proved more difficult.

I tried the loose tights in grey- Had no idea what size I'd take so I ordered M, L & XL. The Large fit me, but they just did not look good on my type of figure. :(
I found a shak hoody in red- it was too snug when worn over things, and no larger size was available. Back it went.
I tried the skyline in the new "warm green"....didn't like that shade of green.
With all these new unfamiliar items, I'd be unsure of the sizing so I'd order 2 different sizes to be sure and then send stuff back.
Because of all this trying things out, packages were arriving from Ibex at an alarming rate. I had to try to send back the returns as quickly as possible, to stay ahead of my credit card billing cycle as much as I could. :cool: Most of the stuff was arriving and then getting returned. I consolidated stuff together if I could. I was able to narrow down my choices slowly.
This morning was truly the last Ibex box to arrive (of how many?.. 5 or 6 maybe?), and I pretty much knew I could be happy with the brown shaks, and from having the black shak I knew just what sizes I needed for the brown ones.
DH brought this last package in from the porch this morning and hollered up the stairs in an amused manner: "Oh Sweetie!- Your daily Ibex delivery has arrived!" (he's just too good really) :rolleyes:
Now I am finally set with the mid layer thing (whew). The shaks in both black and brown, and the skyline top in black/chalk. I don't foresee any more Ibex deliveries this winter. It's been rather frustrating but I think I made some good decisions and I'm feeling well prepared for lots of outdoor activities and exercise this winter.

Ok I've babbled on long enough. :o

P.S. Thanks for the kind words! And Emily- that's our little attic guest room- but it has a good mirror for trying to photo yourself. The floor is the cheap pine subfloor that was underneath the ragged 1950's linoleum which was glued on with black asphalt(!!). It looked sweet in a humble way so we just had the guy sand the black tar off it and then I sealed it.

[elk]

you bike in yr boots?

my fave shoes to bike in are my Keens...

Let's see. I now have a switchback persimmon zip up.
A yummy brown shak zip up
A black crew neck LS under layer.
Waiting to get: (all of it was onsale!!)
pair of icebreaker capri leggings black
ibex capris black
ibex norgie crew brown and berry
icebreaker tank. lilac

NOt as cold here as it is in the northeast.....but wetter...

[madscot13]

You know, I love reading this thread because it is like a blog for wool loving. It makes me want to buy more and more wool. But then as I put more and more items in my internet shopping basket, I pause and think about it, and then I realize one of things about wool is it is sooo versatile and durable, I don't need a million pieces.

I don't need a million pieces unlike synthetics because
1. I don't wash them all of the time (take that as you will).
2. They are color fast, unlike any other cotton shirt.
3. Layering with them is easy because they are so thin for their warmth, and
I swear layering is the way to go! This way I can wear a crew shirt
different ways and enhance its use.
5. and they can take a lot of unintentional abuse.

[sandra]

Ducking in in my Dufold midweight to say

Lisa, I love the picture. You look great! What pants are those you are wearing? Love the top and the pants really look nice!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ducking in in my Dufold midweight to say

Lisa, I love the picture. You look great! What pants are those you are wearing? Love the top and the pants really look nice!

Hi Sandra! Yes, I think the Duofold qualifies you membership in the Wool Weenies society. ;)
The pants in the picture are Ibex merino wool tights (footless) that I got last year on sale. They are nice and thick and stretchy. They now make the "Energy Tight" instead, with zippers at the ankle. But the ones I have I just love.
At home I wear them alone, but going out in the real freezing cold I might put another tight under or over them. I wear them to sleep in too, but that might be too hot where you live. :o

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

you bike in yr boots?

my fave shoes to bike in are my Keens...

Let's see. I now have a switchback persimmon zip up.
A yummy brown shak zip up
A black crew neck LS under layer.
Waiting to get: (all of it was onsale!!)
pair of icebreaker capri leggings black
ibex capris black
ibex norgie crew brown and berry
icebreaker tank. lilac

NOt as cold here as it is in the northeast.....but wetter...

Hi Elk, I have biked in my Keens too, but it's way too cold now for that here.
Yes, I bike in my heavy hiking boots, or whatever hiking shoes I want. I use PowerGrip straps on my pedals, which are adjustable and just go diagonally over whatever shoes I wear. I would freeze my poor toes off if I had to wear those wimpy clipless special shoes in the winter! :eek: :eek: I like being able to wear whatever the hell shoes I like when I bike. :) And I can wear two or even three pairs of wool socks with my thinsulate hiking boots too if i want!
Believe me, after 3 hours biking in the 30's in wind....you want all the wool socks and insulation you can manage.
That list of your stuff sounds very well thought out! Hey are you wearing your brown shal zip today?- I am!! I'm liking that soft cocoa brown color more every hour. I have a nice brown Vermont wool hat with ear flaps that looks wonderful with my brown shaks. This morning I went for a 3.6 mile walk and it was 37 and VERY windy! I had my brown shak halfzip on with the brown shak full zip over it, and I needed nothing else besides my warm tights, hat, socks, and gloves. It was refreshing- the wind kept the air circulating through the wool, yet I never got overheated or sweaty. :p
That Norgie crew was sure tempting on sale! I went with the skyline instead cause I liked the black/chalk combo.

Pictures, we want pictures! :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You know, I love reading this thread because it is like a blog for wool loving. It makes me want to buy more and more wool. But then as I put more and more items in my internet shopping basket, I pause and think about it, and then I realize one of things about wool is it is sooo versatile and durable, I don't need a million pieces.

I don't need a million pieces unlike synthetics because
1. I don't wash them all of the time (take that as you will).
2. They are color fast, unlike any other cotton shirt.
3. Layering with them is easy because they are so thin for their warmth, and
I swear layering is the way to go! This way I can wear a crew shirt
different ways and enhance its use.
5. and they can take a lot of unintentional abuse.

You are so right about all this. Wool will last a long time if cared for properly (it doesn't ask for much, just a little common sense). And I wear my wool items quite a few times before they need washing- even my socks. Wool just doesn't get stinky easily.
But I do layer several pieces over each other on any given winter day, plus I love to layer colors in interesting ways sometimes. So to accomplish this I do need a modest variety of pieces to work with and combine. I feel I mostly have what I "need" now.
I have two big bags of "useless" older winter clothes in the basement. All from a time only a couple of short years ago when I cluelessly thought bulky acrylic sweaters, cheesy waffle-cotton longjohns, puffy jackets, and cotton turtlenecks would keep me warm. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: I plan to sort through all that soon and Salvation Army most of it after my daughters pick out anything they might want.
It's all really DH's fault. He turned me on to real wool a few years ago. I grew up in hand me downs and just never really knew anything about good quality natural fiber clothes until recently. He has worn real wool for decades already. But I still notice a recent change in his wool buying habits- he now buys more thin merino layers and layers them rather than just wearing a thick heavy wool shirt and heavy wool vest. He's realizing how great it is to be able to move in soft multiple stretchy layers as opposed to stiff heavy wool. :p

(can you tell I love to talk about wool?)
But I can stop talking about wool any time I want to. :o

[madscot13]

I can't. I once told my best friends that I wanted to be reincarnted into wool

[Andrea]

Based on the ravings in this thread, I went to Ibex's site & ordered the long sleeve crew (from the "clearance" page). You guys have me all excited to try it out!

[elk]

Ok...I'm IN LOVE with my new Jamis and my 2 layers of ibex merino ...but I'm wondering what kind of vest to put over the layers...Want wind and rain protection...another wool layer? or a shell kind of vest...?

i've been looking at vests and most of them seem pretty form fitting...i mean, how are they going to go over 2 layers?

[Dianyla]

Ok...I'm IN LOVE with my new Jamis and my 2 layers of ibex merino ...but I'm wondering what kind of vest to put over the layers...Want wind and rain protection...another wool layer? or a shell kind of vest...?
I'm really fond of wearing the PI Whisper Vest (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=24206) in screaming yellow over my woolies. Gives you visibility and some windproofness. Not much water protection, though.

[KnottedYet]

ditto the PI Whisper vest.

If you are afraid it won't fit over your layers, measure yourself while wearing the layers! Choose the size that fits over the layers.

I have a wool vest from Woolrich that I'm quite fond of, but I'm more likely to put on a sweater for the bike ride rather than my wooly vest. (I like the sleeves, and the PI vest does most of the core warming I might need.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm a Brooks Nightlife screaming yellow fan myself. You can get them from Terry. I've tried the Whisper vest and jacket and they just don't fit my body shape as well as the Nightlife stuff does. Same purpose, though- some wind and light rain protection and high traffic visibility.
I do like vests for biking- the arm ventilation keeps me from getting overheated, but my core/torso stays warmer. Also they are smaller than sleeved jackets if you have to stow them in your saddlebag.
In heavy rain all bets are off and you really need a true bike rain jacket of some sort. Maybe Gore? I have a Craft screaming yellow rain jacket from TE that I like. But keep in mind that when something is truly rainproof then it often does not breathe well, and it tends to get hot and stuffy in it if you're working hard.
Wool does have the advantage in light rain of keeping you warm and ventilated even if it gets damp. So sometimes in drizzle I'll wear my dense wool Ibex vest over my other wool items.

[elk]

well i ordered the PI whisper late last night...we'll see. I tried to order the Brooks vest at Terry that night of the 50% off and just got so frustrated!

JUST got a box from Ibex...:D

BUt one of my fave pieces is the Icebreaker tank I got from Sierra TP...it's SO soft and fits so well. I ordered 2 of the same by mistake....but I think I'll keep 'em both!

I SO wanted to take a long ride today but it's RAINING..grrrrr
In Portland rain means RAIN...not drizzle or mist...