Ibex Ultimate Guide Sweater : Turn Down the Heat

Let's see, how shall I put this? Okay, here goes: I'm cheap.

As a result, I keep my thermostat low, really low, throughout the winter. I spend much of the day sitting at a keyboard in a room not much warmer than a meat locker - ideal conditions for testing cold-weather gear.

Enter the Ultimate Guide Sweater. The folks at Ibex claim that it's the last sweater you'll wear and, thus far, they're right. Made of heavyweight Merino wool - the kind that comes from New Zealand sheep - this pliable, machine-washable, blessedly non-itchy (it's brushed on the inside) garment features a zip turtleneck for ventilation and a vertical zip breast pocket to hold money, an iPod, or ski wax.

It's remarkably warm and stylish and ideal for x-c skiing, hiking, or just sitting around writing about staying warm. This morning, for example, when I headed out to walk my daughter to school the temperature was 46 degrees F with a 20 mph NW wind. The wind stung my ears, but my body remained warm and happy. My daughter, in a mere fleece jacket, walked hunched over and head down.   Back home, I kept my Ultimate sweater on all day, and felt like I was draped in a blanket. Of course, there's a price to pay for such penuriousness: while this versatile indoor/outdoor sweater will help me save on heating bills, I'll have to buy one for my daughter and one for my wife. Thank goodness they don't make doggie sweaters.  

Bottom Line:An incredibly warm, comfortable and classically stylish garment made from all natural Merino wool. -- J.G. (Nov '06)

Price: $190

Manufacturer's Site: www.ibex.com

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