WoolWeenies Club

Hey guys, I am considering one or both of these (trying to get outfitted now for next winter while its fresh in my mind):
smartwool headliner:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=10364

smartwool headband:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=10364

sheilamoon headband:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=22478

For any of you that have these pieces, I am wondering what temp. range they are usable in without being too hot or cold. I know that varies with the user, but in general, I worry about overheating in a hat, but maybe not if its wool.......

I prefer the smarwool headband to the sheila moon in terms of actual wool content, but I worry it may not cover my ears as it doesn't have ear flaps.

Currently I use a PI microsensor headband, combined with a helmet cover when its really cold, so you could relate these pieces to those if you have both. Maybe I am fine, and just going wool crazy...........

the first two are the same link.
I just got one used ( I guess it's called a headliner). It is nice and light. If you are in really cold weather you're going to want something else. OR do as I have done, use it in concert with another hat.
I have this castelli skull cap which does NOT cover my ears. Wearing both at the same time, i'm cozy and warm (at least my head/ears are)

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Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl

Hey guys, I am considering one or both of these (trying to get outfitted now for next winter while its fresh in my mind):
smartwool headliner:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=10364

For any of you that have these pieces, I am wondering what temp. range they are usable in without being too hot or cold. I know that varies with the user, but in general, I worry about overheating in a hat, but maybe not if its wool.......

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How about the Zephyr skull cap from Ibex. I just got one for $15 on sale. It has ear flaps and covers the ears very well. It's a tighter knit than the Smartwool headliner but still thin for easy fit under a helmet. I haven't biked in it yet, but it should work out well for 30-45 degrees, lower if you combine it with a helmet cover (but then I'd switch to a balaclava anyway to cover my chin).

sorry the link for the headband is this:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=21867

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

the first two are the same link.
I just got one used ( I guess it's called a headliner). It is nice and light. If you are in really cold weather you're going to want something else. OR do as I have done, use it in concert with another hat.
I have this castelli skull cap which does NOT cover my ears. Wearing both at the same time, i'm cozy and warm (at least my head/ears are)

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Thanks for the tip Deb. I went ahead and ordered the zepher cap. Your review helped a lot! I didn't realize it would cover my ears from the picture, and I have been so impressed by quality of Ibex, even over smartwool. In fact, I added to the order some ibex glove liners so I'll be all decked out in ibex from head to toe on the bike now (to add to my arm and knee warmers). I'd struggled to find leg warmers that fit, but the ibex knee warmers in a small (sizes posted here on TE) fit like a dream (w diff. thigh measurement than leg warmers, odd but true) and are on a really good sale now at ibex site. They took a few rides to learn how to position, the lycra/windblocker fabric goes on the front, and they are right and left specific (follows the curve of your knee) but if you pay attention to positioning they work like a dream. I think they will effectively work like full leg warmers when paired with wool socks, and therefore are a very versatile piece, especically for touring. They are great now for our in between weather where mornings are still cold enough to have my knees covers but its warm to downright hot by afternoon.

I should add that I have a sugoi helmet cover to keep the wind out of my helmet's air vents if its really cold, but wanted something to use between lycra headband and balaclava weather. Seems like the zepher skull cap will fit the bill nicely!

I have a zephyr, and it doesn't cover my ears any better than the castelli...:(

Hmmm, well if it doesn't cover MY ears I can send it back and order the headliner, but it shouldn't cost too much for return shipping. Out of curiousity, what helmet size are mimi and Deb? I wear the old S/M Giro stopped making, smalls are tight and mediums feel a tad too loose.

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

I have a zephyr, and it doesn't cover my ears any better than the castelli...:(

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I have a small head. I have a medium helmet BELL, but it adjusts WAY down.

I'm a small (~6.75 hat size). I found the Smartwool cap a bit too big, but the Ibex fits me. The Zephyr skull cap that I got is not symmetrical - it's cut longer in back and on the sides that it is in the front. Ibex did have the Meru hat in a regular and with earflaps version. My Zephyr has the "with earflaps" cut, but maybe there was a symmetrical version also.

Well, I did order the sale one in the link Deb sent, so lets hope for the best....

I guess the arrival of spring shortly is bumping this thread down! I keep getting emails from all these places about wool sales, but I can't spend any more money! I am having withdrawl. I did buy a bolero that arrived and fits perfectly and one of the new flared skorts from Terry, but that is on back order. At least when it comes in March, it will satisfy my bike clothing cravings.

I am *thinking* about doing another sale order (rooted to nature also sent me a 10% off coupon.........):

Has anyone seen or tried on this piece in crab apple red?
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Product...Product=Razzel

I am trying to figure out
1) Is the red as dark as the pic, or is it a bit lighter like the norgie crew I saw in a store. THe color has the same name, crabapple red, but looks diff. in the pix. In general, when ibex uses a color name, are all pieces with that name the same color (I have also noticed that dff. images of space blue and warm green also look diff depending on the piece). I want a color to wear with my charcoal gray and black suits. Bright red is great, I just wonder if this will be too dark a red.

2) How does the fit compare to the kate and full zip shak. In both those pieces I am a small, but they are billed as semi-fit and this is billed as fitted. I also have the ribbie which while snug fits well in small. I am just trying to figure out if I need to size up to a medium or not.

Tri- I don't know nothin' about the Razzle.

If any of you guys order from Root to Nature, just be sure to check to make sure their sale prices are not higher than some of the sale items right now at Ibex! I noticed a couple were higher than Ibex's own sales prices at the moment.
ALERT: Ibex winter sale ends in a few days....as does their free shipping deal.

I really have so many merino wardrobe items at this point (mostly Ibex, but some Smartwool and thriftstore too) that I really am starting to be able to resist their endless sale coupons now. Sounds crazy, but it's true! I have a LOT of ibex & smartwool stuff. :cool:
It will be interesting to see what develops as Spring comes around. I might need a few sleeveless lightweight merino tanks. I have enough knickers, tights, capris, and bike shorts for an army, so I definitely have my butt covered! :p

Triskeliongirl
Just fyi.....I have a smartwool headband and I love it. I wear it over my ears, under my helmet and it really does the job.


I just did a "last" hurrah on Ibex...ordered a black bella vest and a zephyr half zip...
I have yet to meet an Ibex piece I haven't developed a crush on EXCEPT for the Bergenz jacket...which just seemed like a duplicate of oher things I have...:p

Well you guys got to me! I ordered the loose tights,a kate shirt,a shak,and the ribbies tank from the Ibex sale. I actually don't expect to like the tights in the brown, but I can check the fit out with the free shipping. If I like them, I can get them in black here at TE. I have a really short inseam (27 or 28) so they may look wierd anyway hemmed up that short. By the way, did you guys see the leopard print smartwool socks here on TE? http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30923 .... so cute! I ordered both colors. I'll let you know how the Ibex works out! Carol

Welcome fellow WW. Carol! :)

Carol
I have the loose tights and have to hem them...I've been wearing them rolled up a bit...but I don't think they'll look weird hemmed shorter..

Thanks so much Elk! My zepher hat arrives tomorrow from ibex, and if it doesn't do the trick then maybe I'll give the smartwool headband a try. So, I take it that its wide enough to cover your ears as well? Is it the one on TE since that one says its one size fits all?

I confess, I also did a last ibex order today as well, one red razzel, one blue norgie crew, and one neck gaitor on the way.....

Today the ibex gloves and and blue short sleeve polo arrived. Both are lovely. The glove liners fit perfectly and layer exactly as I hoped under my cycling gloves. The short sleeve blue polo lets me lengthen the seasonal wear on my gray suit.

I guess the only bad thing about buying all this stuff now, is that I won't need a thing next winter!

On another note, how do you store your wool over spring and summer to keep the mothies away?

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Originally Posted by elk

Triskeliongirl
Just fyi.....I have a smartwool headband and I love it. I wear it over my ears, under my helmet and it really does the job.


I just did a "last" hurrah on Ibex...ordered a black bella vest and a zephyr half zip...
I have yet to meet an Ibex piece I haven't developed a crush on EXCEPT for the Bergenz jacket...which just seemed like a duplicate of oher things I have...:p

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Yup...that's the one. I think M got it at REI, it was a present;)

It's soft , thick, stays in place and covers my ears perfectly.

Everyone is slightly different.... :p

personally, I found my Smartwool headband to be too narrow and thin to really keep my ears warm well. What I discovered however is that an Ibex neck gaiter will do it ALL!:

The Ibex neck gaiters are double layer merino- very warm and plenty wide. I go out walking for miles in 20 degree cold and wear a neck gaiter over my shak neck but tucked under any jacket or vest. I can also pull it up to cover my chin if it gets cold. Sometimes if my ears are getting cold I just pull the gaiter up and fold an edge under a bit and it makes a fabulous thick warm headband that really covers your whole ear area and even most of your head too if you don't fold it much. If it starts to drizzle I just wear it like a hat with a hole on top, it looks like a cute chimney hat like that. Then if I get overheated, I just take the neck gaiter off and it folds right into my pocket, so it's more convenient than carrying a bulky hat around if you are trekking along and having to keep carrying all your stuff. On really cold days sometimes I will go for my 5 mile walk wearing TWO neck gaiters- one on my neck and one as a wide headband ear cover. I know I will warm up during my walk and then I can either fold one or two up and pocket them, or sometimes I have even twisted the gaiters into figure-8's and just stuck them on my wrists while I finish my walk. :p

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

The Ibex neck gaiters are double layer merino- very warm and plenty wide. I go out walking for miles in 20 degree cold and wear a neck gaiter over my shak neck but tucked under any jacket or vest. I can also pull it up to cover my chin if it gets cold. Sometimes if my ears are getting cold I just pull the gaiter up and fold an edge under a bit and it makes a fabulous thick warm headband that really covers your whole ear area and even most of your head too if you don't fold it much. If it starts to drizzle I just wear it like a hat with a hole on top, it looks like a cute chimney hat like that.

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Y'know, I was just at REI today, looking at buffs, and wishing that there were a buff made of wool. It looks like the Ibex neck gaiter would work similarly... although it isn't as long as a buff. Hmmm....

Ibex does have an extra long neck gaiter on sale for the next couple of days...it's a greyish clay color. I have it and it's great too:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Product...&Gender=Womens

Lisa, I am starting over since all my items were out of stock.........

SO tell me more about the long neck gaitor. I didn't order it cuz the color is described as foliage green, but if it looks more gray I am tempted.

It's more grey than green, like that modeling clay. At first glance you think it's grey.

I like the Ibex "regular" neck gaiter too, very useful as a folded headband particularly, or just for some warmth and color at the neck. That red is lovely, and it's on sale too!
Sale ends in the next day or two i think.

Neck gaiters can double as headbands, but can also be worn around the neck and even pulled up over the chin. I wear them a LOT.

If there was an item you wanted on the Ibex site and they were out...its worth checking again. I wanted a black bella vest in XL...they were out the first 2 times I looked...and then bingo...they had it again. I guess people return things!!

Triske...
I can see how the sw headband might not be enough in the NE...but in here in the NW it was plenty for me.

A wool buff would be great...when it is really cold here, I wear my buff and my headband.

The Ibex gaitor would be versatile...

OK, so here is the scoop on this weeks packages:

1) Ibex 17.5 micron polo shirt. I love it. It reminds me a lot of the Kate but in short sleeves. I wore it today. The blue goes nice with black or gray pants. I liked it so much that today I ordered another one in red since they sold out on the red razzel in my size. Sizing similar to my kate and shak.

2) Ibex glove liners. Another winner. *Very lightweight* but that is what I was looking for, layers perfectly, sizing as expected (I am a womens L mens M in most gloves and the M fit pefectly).

3) Solid norgie crew in blue. I LOVE IT!!! I don't know why I hesitated. While it is a little sporty due to the flat lock seams, being all one color it still looks fine with my suits (unlike the two tone ones that looked even sportier), and it is the prettiest shade of blue. Nice texture, nice weight, between the weight of my kate and ribbie, very smooth and soft texture, fit is also similar to kate and shak.

4) Zepher hat. At first I thought it didn't cover my ears, but I realized you really have to pay attention to how you put it on. If you put it on with the ibex logo facing forard, its a perfect fit. While it doesn't go way below my ears, it does cover them, and I think with a helmet to hold it in place there will be no problem (I have a lot of curly hair), although I would say if you have a medium to large head the suggestions to get the smart wool one may be better. But, I love the ibex logo, the way it matches my other ibex pieces, etc, and I think the ear coverage will be adequate. It also works alone too, so its not just for cycling. So, today I ordered a matching neck gator. I ordered the normal blue one, just cuz it matches the other things I own the best. I wanted solid black to match all my other stuff but that was sold out.

This isn't the first time I've noticed how some ibex pieces have to be positioned just right. The knee warmers are like that too, very front/back and left/right specific, but when positioned correctly are amazing. Here my problem is being warm when I have to be and then not overheating, and I am finding these ibex wool pieces are just perfect. I hope the short sleeve tops aren't a mistake. I don't know how hot it can be for wearing wool, but the polo shirts are very lightweight so I am hopeful they'll at least work for fall and spring, if not summer.

One more package waiting for me at home from stp (ibex order shipped to work), my wool socks are here. Smartwool cabin fevers. They are hiking socks, but I ordered them cuz I hoped they would be just the right height to hook up with my ibex knee warmers, turning them into leg warmers (and they were closeouts not seconds at a great price). I tried them on, hoping, wishing, the height will be right and it was. So, I checked the temp. for tomorrow to lay out my clothes, and alas its gonna be in the 70s, so laid out shorts and a short sleeve shirt, no wool arm warmers, leg warmers, socks, gloves, or caps. DARN! Just when I am finally completely outfitted in wool am I gonna have to wait until next year to wear it all???:(:(:(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl

Ibex does have an extra long neck gaiter on sale for the next couple of days...it's a greyish clay color. I have it and it's great too:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Product...&Gender=Womens

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Consider me sufficiently enabled!!

Oh, and also? I decided to order that Thistle Heather Full-zip Shak after all. I love it, and especially the smaller snugger Medium size! I'm going to return the Sea Mist light blue Large to backcountry.com. I just don't like the color contrast of the dark zipper on the light blue garment, while the zipper goes very nicely with the Thistle Heather color.

Oh, and also also? I'm in love with my new Chili Red Shak Hoody. It is pure love! <3

I am having to use all of my will power not to buy the Kate or the loose tights.
HELP!!!

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Originally Posted by Crankin

I am having to use all of my will power not to buy the Kate or the loose tights.
HELP!!!

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You'll get no help here. :cool:

why wouldn't you buy them??? you really want us to help you break through your own will power, don't you....:p:cool:

I'm going to be in the Berkshires again on Monday eve/Tue morn. I may stop by the Acadia Shop again to look at/touch/try on more Ibex. But I'm trying not to spend any more money.

I have to stop the crazy spending. I mean I don't NEED these things, I just want them.
OK, I am going to get ready for snow shoeing with my son who just flew in from sunny San Diego, into a snow storm.
Have fun at the Arcadian, Deb. We told our friends about it (the ones who we go to the Berkshires with every year) and we all wondered why we had never stopped there before???
Lisa, I also told them that we had a new bike route for our trip this summer; one that would take us to NY for a lovely lunch!

Has anyone bought an Ibex beanie and washed it? Did it still fit?

I've lost a couple ski caps even though I washed in cold and air dried.

Looking forward to it Robyn. :)
Deb- you could go there and pile on a whole load of ibex and just sit in the fitting room and meditate for a half hour, absorbing the merino goodness..... :D

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Originally Posted by Quillfred

Has anyone bought an Ibex beanie and washed it? Did it still fit?

I've lost a couple ski caps even though I washed in cold and air dried.

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I've washed my Meru, and it still fit peachy!

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

I've washed my Meru, and it still fit peachy!

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we think ours shrunk.

Mimi, do you have the meru or zepher? Just curious as the zepher fit me better than I was expecting based on your review, so I wonder if you were confused between the meru and zepher?

Anyone else having troouble making the Ibex homepage work right? I can't seem to navigate to the women's sections- the menu links keep disappearing before I can click on them. :eek:

It seems OK now, but earlier in the day they were updating it with their spring collection, so perhaps that was the problem.

Lisa, thanks for the heads up that the free shipping and sale was ending. I did notice that a lot of sale items ended up in outlet, but not all of them, so I am glad I got my last order in on friday, per Lisa's sage advice......

I am sitting here in my office, freezing cuz I AM NOT WEARING ANY WOOL. Now, where I live winter is over, the outside temperature is currently 57, but after our high of 84 yesterday they had no clue how to thermoregulate the building, so I am sitting here FREEZING in my heavy ribbed cotton sweater as they pump my office full of overly air conditioned air..... I am gonna go back to wearing at least a wool base layer until its spring for real, and maybe keep a shak in my office just in case!