I want to add a merino hoodie to my kit. I will likely use it in place of my Patagonia Merino 1, and layer it as needed under or over an Exofficio Dri-fly Lite or similar shirt. If cold and windy I sometimes add a Dri-Duck layer. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Edited by leighb on 09/03/2011 05:44:13 MDT.

I've been really happy with the fit and performance of my ibex indie. It's snug enough for a baselayer, but not too snug (ie still looks ok as an outer layer). It seems fairly durable such that I've been comfortable washing it with my other backpacking laundry. It still looks pretty new after 6 months of wear. It has those thumb loops that some like, though I rarely use them.

I also have an I/O bio that I use for trail running. It's also a nice piece, but a lot more form fitting. Some may like this and others not so much. I prefer the aesthetic and feel of the indie.

I've got an Indie that I'm very satisfied with, good fit (including the hood) and feels nice on the skin. It doesn't see any use in the summer- 190 is too heavy for a base layer for warmer weather and for it's weight there are better insulation choices imo. For shoulder season/winter though I find it a great base or mid layer!

I'm so completely impressed with my I/O Bio.

I'm thin so I appreciate the form fitting nature of it. But don't assume (as I did prior to getting one) that they compromise on construction and quality just because it's so form-fitting. The sleeves are plenty long, as is the body - this is one shirt that doesn't ride up. I can't say that about most.

Whats the weight/size of your ibex indie hoody?

I/O Bio hoodie, fits really well, perfect next to skin layer for me.

+ 1 on the i/o bio. Often its the only shirt i bring. Also with the hood and thumbloops i can skip hat & gloves.

+2 on i/o bio I love mine.The i/o bio size small womens is 6oz,the size small ibex(I gave away)was 7.4 oz.

Edited by annapurna on 09/03/2011 14:56:49 MDT.

It would depend on where I'm walking, but for general usage in my area I like my BPL UL hoody. I also have the Ibex Indie and IO Bio for Winter. IMO, the IO has a nicer feel to it. From what I understand they source their wool the same mill as the high-end fashion companies like Armani, etc. The Ibex is probably more durable, but that's just a feeling. The IO has a much longer torso, which I prefer. I have a long torso for my size, and hate shirts that show my belly button when I lift my arms.

I have the I/O as well, because I got it on sale.

Long length, next-to-skin performance fit without looking dorky. Great almost-balaclava hood. Thumb loops are great.

I still overheat in it, but a deep zip helps. It's my go-to piece.

Icebreaker GT200. awesome.

I have a whole run of IB woolies. best stuff on earth. i prefer the GT series. with 3% lycra

That's my favorite. But Ibex is right behind.

Maybe I can find one on sale this weekend. Can those of you that have the I/O tell me about their sizing? Do they run true to size?

Thanks again!

I'd say so. I'm ususally in between a large and a medium and went with a large in the i/o.

I agree on the sizing. Pretty standard.

I'd say true to size, but you could size up if you want a wee bit of extra room, the I/O Bio hoodie is semi-fitted, or athletically cut, so you can size up without swimming in excess garment. If I could do it all over again I'd probably size up to a Large even though the Medium is the correct size. Just a preference thing.

just looked at the weight of the io hoody- 160 g vs the Ibex which is 190, 160 would work for a 3 season baselayer imo, the ibex imo is a little too heavy and makes a better mid-layer at 190 g

the BPL was even lighter yet- 140 or 150 wasn't it?

I just ordered one in a medium from Backcountry. I'm hoping it will do just what you suggested.

Mike, the BPL Beartooth Merino hoody was 150g/m2, so yes, a bit lighter. I barely noticed the difference when I switched from the Beartooth (150g) to the I/O Bio (160g), both are quite comfortable and resilient. I used to wear the Beartooth next to skin as my only layer, even in April and May, midday sun never overwhelmed the piece, if only the cut on the Beartooth was better. In hindsight, I wish I had kept it, it made a great winter running piece and is now an extinct garment.

Eugene- sounds like they are pretty close then :) I can definitely tell the 150 from the 195, I have several of the Ibex Woolies pieces that are 150- wore a long sleeve on a recent trip w/ temps into the 80's w/ no problems, wouldn't even consider that w/ the Indie @ 195

Mike