Ibex Energy Tight : If You Can Only Pack One Pair

The best bottoms this winter: Ibex's Energy Tights.

Made out of mid-weight merino wool and a bit of Lycra, these densely knit athletic pants fit great (they're superbly snug without feeling tight) so I have complete freedom of movement no matter what I'm doing. No bunching. No sagging in the rear.

I like the two-inch wide waistband--it gives me the versatility of wearing them low on my hips (by folding down the band) where other wearers might prefer to wear them at their waistlines--and it never binds or rolls down.

I also love the tapered leg style with inch-wide elastic along the hem and the easy-off zippers on the outside seams of each pant leg.

The Energy Tights are ideal for cold and very cold temps. The wool does an excellent job of keeping my legs warm, as well as breathing when I'm halfway through a power walk and starting to heat up. Another bonus - I never have to wash them because wool is naturally odor resistant. (Here's a tip: I store mine in a moth-proof box with a few lavender sachets.)

Best uses: for temps in the 40s if you're going to be doing a lot of standing around (for example, watching a soccer game, cold weather camping) or moving slowly; for temps in the 30s if you're exercising at a low or moderate intensity; for super cold outings if you're going to be moving fast (xc skiing).

I've worn mine most often on windy, drizzly days in the high 30s/low 40s. They did a great job of resisting the precipitation while also wicking away sweat. I only wish we'd had a colder winter so I could have worn them more often.

Available in men's and women's sizes. Color: black.

Bottom Line : These are wonderful all-purpose cold weather pants. They're warm, they're highly breathable, and they're well designed. Check online retailers listed below for winter sales and shipping deals.--E.D. (Jan 09)

Price : $130 purchase now at

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Manufacturer's Site: www.ibexwear.com

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