The Ibex Wool Aire Hoodie is a versatile, lightweight coat that’s good for shoulder season, with wool insulation that’s stink and moisture resistant.
Overview: Wool Aire Hoodie
MSRP: $315
Shell Fabric: 100% nylon that’s PFC free, windproof and water resistant
Insulation: 90g recycled wool
Weight: 14.1 ounces (men’s medium) | 12.7 ounces (women’s medium)
About the Wool Aire Hoodie
I wore the Wool Aire Hoodie in early New England spring, in temperatures ranging from the low 30s to mid-50s, on days of light rain and in stiff winds. In all those conditions the Wool Aire Hoodie kept me warm and dry.
I added layers under the coat, depending on the temperature. A long-sleeve base layer kept me warm in the 40s and above. When the temperature hovered near freezing I added a midweight layer.
The Wool Aire Hoodie uses a water-resistant wool blend for insulation, making the coat a good choice for moist days. The nylon shell is wind and water resistant, and the wool inside will still insulate if it gets damp.
The hood has a visor that keeps rain from running down my face, and the hood is easy to tighten around my head by pulling on the cord in the back.
A high collar that extends halfway up my chin seals the coat around my neck, keeping out cold air. The zipper seals inside a zipper garage so it doesn’t pinch my neck. Stretchy cuffs keep the sleeves close to my wrists, and expand enough to slip a thin pair of liner gloves underneath.
And on really cold days when the wind is blowing a cord pulls the hem close to my body, further sealing the coat. Three deep outer zip pockets have room for lightweight gloves and hat, snacks, or my phone. There is not an inside pocket. The coat can stuff inside the chest pocket, making it compact for carrying inside a pack.
About the Wool Insulation
The Wool Aire insulation is 30 percent recycled wool, 50 percent virgin wool and 20 percent corn-based PLA fibers (polylactic acid fiber). PLA fibers are an alternative to oil-based synthetic fibers, and have antibacterial properties that make the insulation odor-resistant.
Ibex recommends washing the coat in cold water without bleach and fabric softeners, and laying it flat to dry.
Good to Know
Merino Wool: Wool is known for its ability to manage moisture by wicking sweat away from the body, keeping odors at bay.
Colors: Atlantic, Sawbrewing, black
Sizes: Small to XXL (men’s) | XS to XXL (women’s)
Wool Aire Pros
Lightweight: 14.1 ounces for a men’s medium, 12.7 ounces for a women’s medium.
Warmth: Warm for its weight.
Wind Resistance: The shell cuts a cold wind.
Pockets: Three outside, including one that the coat stuffs into.
Wool Aire Cons
Cost: Well above the price for comparable coats.
Overall Value
The Wool Aire Hoodie is a high end coat with a lot to like. The shell resists wind and moisture, and the wool insulation keeps me warm even on moist days. Another plus is wool’s ability to wick away sweat and stink. The hood wraps firmly around my head, sealing out cold air. The three outer pockets are deep and hold a lot. And Ibex has a reputation for making quality clothing. But the $315 price puts the hoodie way above comparable coats. But the coat is currently on sale for $236, making it a very attractive purchase.
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This product was donated for purpose of review.
