Ibex Ultimate Guide Sweater

[madscot13]

Oh yeah and I recieved the Ibex switchback in the small from REI. It was pretty big on me? Does Ibex always run so large or is it the switchback?

[Grog]

Oh yeah and I recieved the Ibex switchback in the small from REI. It was pretty big on me? Does Ibex always run so large or is it the switchback?

I ordered cycling shorts and a jersey from them this summer. I ordered according to their sizing chart and both were too big for my taste... I was warned so I got the UGS in small instead of medium, and I've been the happiest camper... er, guide since.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh yeah and I recieved the Ibex switchback in the small from REI. It was pretty big on me? Does Ibex always run so large or is it the switchback?

I am usually a medium, but in Ibex I take sometimes medium and sometimes small. In the switchback pullover I could have worn either the med or the small, but I chose the small so I could put jackets over it. You don't say what KIND of switchback item you got- pullover, full zip, vest....?

[madscot13]

i got the pull over in a nice plum. I think it has to go back to REI though. I am thinking of picking up an icebreaker because not a lot of the ibex line appeals to me (except for the ultimate guide sweater!) I thought that the switchback was really itchy. Is the rest of ibex like that, or is the weave?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

i got the pull over in a nice plum. I think it has to go back to REI though. I am thinking of picking up an icebreaker because not a lot of the ibex line appeals to me (except for the ultimate guide sweater!) I thought that the switchback was really itchy. Is the rest of ibex like that, or is the weave?

It's the "switchback" weave. Similar to "boiled wool". I happen to really like the waffle-y switchback weave feel- but then I always a soft thin base layer under it. The other Ibex wool weaves are different and not nubbly at all.
I saw the Ibex LongTrail sweater at a store this weekend. It was soft and tight weave- very elegant and smooth and thick. Nice! But I didn't need any more sweaters. The green one was a pretty & subtle cool beige/green.

[madscot13]

you don't need anymore sweaters. i have no idea where you are from, but I disagree. New sweaters are what make it worth braving it outdoors (them and along with new mittens)! Half the reason for winter itself- the other half being the combination of snowmen, snowball fights, snow angels, snowforts, and the hot cocoa that comes afterwards. Once again I beg to disagree. what other sweaters do you have that can compare to this new unpurchased long trail?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Normally I would agree with everything you said, Madscott!
Believe me, I have practically purchased an entire new wardrobe this autumn in preparation for my cold weather biking for the first time. I had nothing but inappropriate clothes before!- Baggy loose cotton sweaters, heavy coats, fashion gloves, berets, long dresses and skirts, cotton leggings, giant scarves, huge boots.... all totally USELESS for bike riding!
What was I thinking all these years??

DH was VERY understanding as I loaded up on merino base layers, helmet liners, gloves, socks, sweaters, hoodies, wind jackets, sweaters...you name it. Preparing for the cold. I know he is just so happy I love to bike with him now, and he loves seeing me getting into healthy shape. I showed him a drawer full of merino layers, and he said "Sweetie, I'm PROUD of you for being so determined to bike in the cold weather!". WHAT A MAN!!

I got two heavy switchback sweaters, two smartwool hoodies, a merino heavy vest, thermal windpro jacket, a gortex shell, several merino base layers to peel off and on, and I also picked up 3 all-wool turtlenecks at GoodWill on the cheap- one all cashmere, and one thick ribbed all merino turtleneck ($2.99!- my biggest steal)
And this just describes my torso layering system. We won't even get into my hands, legs and head layers...
The one thing I didn't have to buy was shoes. My Thinsulate hiking boots are working well and they fit in my pedal straps nicely and keep my feet very warm over heavy skiing knee socks.

[madscot13]

Okay, Lisa you might be right on this one. But lets talk about legs. which kind of merino do you wear for that one?