Ibex Rim T: Blending wool with performance
How about a t-shirt that wicks sweat away, doesn't smell bad after a hard workout and is cut for high performance, high exertion activities? That pretty much describes Ibex's Rim T. This 89% wool/ 11% nylon blend shirt is designed for active people and is built to withstand serious physical endurance. The fabric is actually referred to as a 'technical wool'; two words you don't often hear together when describing a natural wool garment. However, if you look at the science behind wool, you'll see why Ibex is so passionate about this all natural material and why their products really fall into an elite category above so many other brands. Wool absorbs about 30% of its weight in moisture compared to just 4.5% for Nylon and less than 1% for polyester.
Great for summer endurance activities such as backpacking 30+ miles in 85% humidity. The shirt wicks sweat away like a pro and dries quick so you're not putting on a damp shirt in the morning.
Ok, so enough of the science and me raving about this t-shirt. How does it hold up? Over the two months that I've owned this shirt I've sent it through the wringer for sure. Out of the box it went on a four day backpacking trip in eastern Kentucky, in July, in extremely humid conditions. The hills were intense and the temperatures were hot (read my Pine Mountain Trail post for more about that trip). I soaked this shirt through everyday from all the exertion of climbing hill after hill with my 25-pound pack. When we'd get to camp at night, one of the first things I'd do is strip out of this shirt and let it dry on top of my tent. It would dry completely in a couple hours. I've taken other brand name hiking shirts into similar scenarios and have not had as much success with both their wicking or drying capabilities. The second feature is huge. If my shirt doesn't dry quick enough I'm hiking in a damp shirt the next day.
I mentioned it in the video but it's worth going into a little more detail about Ibex's Peak series. The Rim T is one of several garments that make up this more performance based line of Ibex clothing. As described online this category of garments is meant to be an outer layer that works with you. That's why these garments are more form fitting and great for a gym session or a quick run or a day at the sport crag. My Rim T has gone on several bike rides, a rock climbing trip, a second hiking trip and out for a few runs. Every time the shirt wicks sweat away, dries quickly and smells amazingly fresh afterwards. After one of my runs I even let it dry and tucked it away without washing and it still smelled fine the next time I pulled it out. Wool is an amazing fiber! Find it on Ibex.com
Blending wool and performance... no matter where you take this shirt.
I received the Ibex Rim T for free from Ibex as coordinated by Verde PR. I have not been compensated in any other way for my review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are my own.