Getting my hands on the Ibex Clive was like grasping the Holy Grail of snowshoeing jackets. Itâs been my long time plan to test some Ibex-made gear in some bitter cold snowshoeing weather.
As you may know, Ibex has cornered the market with its beneficial blended fabrics providing an essential layer of warmth that most companies have yet to duplicate. When in the bitter cold on the cusp of 11,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains, this kind of gear confidence is lethally necessary.
And itâs much appreciated. Not only do I wear my Ibex Clive while snowshoeing I also wear it in the mornings while going to work. It looks good and I get compliments. Not a bad deal for me.
Keep in mind Ibex has a significant history of perfecting its wool fabrics â specifically the Merino fiber. First, the Clive features the Climawool Cirrus â a double-weave, soft-shell fabric that resists abrasion, sheds the elements and lets your body breathe well. This proved to be an essential highlight of the Clive during my cold weather snowshoe hikes.
The warmth of the Climawool was another feature that I enjoyed. I wore a thin base layer and actually experienced moments of intense sweating. But, all in all, it was an enjoyable experience.
One of the features I disliked â but it certainly didnât make a difference â was the two-way, full-length front zipper. Usually, with a soft-shell jacket, a one-way front zipper is easier to handle. However, this is more my preference rather than a bothersome feature.
Other beneficial features of the Clive include: underarm zippers with two-way zippers let you control ventilation, drawcord hem, Velcro tab closures at cuff, adjustable cuffs, two zippered hand pockets, a zippered pocket with an earphone cord exit, a stretch-mesh water bottle pocket.
For more information on the Ibex Clive jacket, visit http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=816&VID;=9195∏=Clive-Jacket.
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