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Ibex Woolies 2 Base Layers Review

We recently covered Ibex’s Woolies Tech Crew and Bottoms.

Since that review, Ibex launched their new Woolies 2 Base Layers and sent us a pair to test in the snow.

Ibex Woolies 2 Crew
Ibex Woolies 2 Crew

Ibex’s Woolies 2 Base Layers differ from the Woolies Tech in that they are 100% merino. They are a bit heavier, and more insulating as well at 240gsm. If you’re heading out for long hours in colder weather, the Woolies 2 is going to be your best option.

Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms
Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms

For testing, I took them out in a variety of conditions: trail-running, snowshoeing, and back country skiing. I found that during low-impact activities (showshoeing or skiing downhill) that these were the perfect match. I wasn’t too hot or too cold. But during heavier activities (trail-running and the ski ascent) they were too much.

For skiing, I had paired up the base layers with a mid-layer, shedding the mid-layer about halfway up to regulate my body temperature. When I had taken the Woolies Tech out into the backcountry, they were light enough so that when paired with a mid-layer, I felt perfectly comfortable.

Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms
Ibex Woolies 2 Bottoms

One thing I’ll note with the Woolies 2 Bottoms was that no matter how heavy or light the activity was, I didn’t experience any chafing in the nether region.

There’s a lot to be said about why the Woolies 2 perform so well and it’s in part due to the magic of Merino wool. As mentioned in the previous review, Merino is a natural, high-performance fabric, in part because of the conditions these sheep live in. Winters can be below zero and summers as warm as 95ºF. The sheep’ coats have evolved so that the fibers react to the changes in body temperature. And this natural technology is passed along to its human wearers.

During a cold spell in Colorado, with temperatures dipping to -12ºF, I started to wear these base layers everyday. Even when I wasn’t playing outside, I wore them throughout the day for work, typically paired with a pair of jeans and flannel.

Ibex Woolies 2 Crew
Ibex Woolies 2 Crew

And they were extremely comfortable. If you’re in the camp of “Oh no, wool is so itchy!” you have to try Merino. It doesn’t itch and is so comfy and cozy.

Given that they regulate my body temperature so well, I also found these to perfect base layers to transition from the slopes to the ski lodge in. They weren’t wet from sweat and the natural odor control Merino has kept them from being stinky.

For the test, I wore a size large in Men’s. I am 5’11” and 180 pounds and it fit really well.

For information, you can head over to ibex.com. The Woolies 2 come in Men’s and Women’s sizes.

The newest flagship model from BOA & K2, the ORTON 2021-2022 Snowboard Boot.

K2 ORTON 2021-2022 Snowboard Boot

K2 has been one of the most innovative brands in snowboarding. In 2021 they released a new boot with a dial system that gives you more control over your boots, letting you customize how tight or loose they suit your needs. The BOA H4 is great for anyone who wants to keep their heel back and feel secure on the mountain.

The new K2 Orton Boot is a freeride and freestyle boot design. It has a BOA H4 system that lets you make the most of the mountain regardless of what type of riding you’re doing.

The K2 ORTON is the boot for you if you’re looking for a solid all-mountain, downhill boot without breaking the bank.

K2 ORTON 2021-2022 Snowboard Boot

K2, the ORTON 2021-2022

This season we tested out the most affordable boot with the H4 Dial and M3v2 Dial in the new K2 Orton boot released in October 2021 for an MSRP of $399. K2 Orton was surprisingly comfortable for an all-mountain boot for $200 less than Burton Iron Boot.  After three solid days of riding, the BOA H4 felt like a more reliable connection keeping my heel back in the boot and making me think solid when riding. 

The K2 Orton boot is the next evolution in snowboard boots. Combining a new dial platform and BOA’s first textile lace allows for a variety of fit configurations, ensuring you have the perfect setup every time. If you’re looking for a stiff boot that transmits movement quickly, then this is your best bet.

For many snowboarders, a good pair of boots can be a deciding factor in whether or not they can enjoy their favorite sport. K2 has been a leading company in snowboarding equipment since 1972, and now they’re introducing their newest product: the K2 Orton Snowboard Boots. These boots are designed with a medium flex shell that provides support and natural flex with its articulated upper cuff. The shell has been reinforced with rubber to increase durability and lifespan.

The H4 dial adjusts the upper boot while the M3 dial adjusts the lower boot. BOA laces are strong, usually made with steel; however, K2 has used a softer rope lace which is just as strong but provides a better fit over the shell. The best thing about BOA is that you can use them with your glove or mittens on.

“The Orton snowboard boot has everything you need for a perfect day on the slopes. With cushioned comfort and responsive support, it’s easy to carve down the pack or plow through powder in these boots.”

The H4 Dial was designed with durability in mind and underwent over 9,000 hours of testing before being released on the market.

Performance Fit

The dual dial allows for the perfect fit in any condition, locking in your heel for top performance while snowboarding. The comfort dial allows for a snug fit around your foot without compromising performance.

Fast Installation

The Breakaway design is engineered to defy force and can take a beating. The dial cartridge ejects on severe impact without damage and is easily reinserted back into the boot. With a custom fit and easy adjustability, these boots are designed to meet your needs on any type of terrain.

The H4 Dial Platform has been a must for top performance, fit, and durability since its first introduction in 2017. Snowboarding boots are my top choice because they can handle any conditions on the mountain. To learn more about BOA’s H4 Dial Platform, visit BOA or K2.

Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves Review

It’s no secret, our team at Huck Adventures loves Showers Pass. They are a go-to for many of our adventures; big or small.

Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves
Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves

They recently sent us a pair of their Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves to try out.

The Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves are fully waterproof. It is constructed with three bonded layers, including a wear resistant exterior, a waterproof / breathable Artex membrane, and a lovely merino wool lining. This merino wool lining is something special. It is soft and cozy, but even with the heart rate pumping, offers great temperature regulation while providing anti-microbial properties to keep it smelling fresh.

So far this winter, I’ve taken these gloves running and snowshoeing.

While running, I found that the merino wool lining performed as expected. Even on longer runs, as I warmed up, I found myself keeping the gloves on longer. Typically, I would oscillate between having gloves on our off, regardless of the temperature outside. But with my body temperature better regulated, I didn’t have those issues.

While snowshoeing, these gloves paired well with another Showers Pass product: the Crosspoint Flip Mitt. I was able to open the mitt and have the dexterity of my fingers in the Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves.

The gloves also became my go-to this winter for walking the dog. With the fit and dexterity, I was able to pull out the poo bags, open them, and pick up the little doggie droplets with easy. That might seem like a small thing, but with my other gloves, I’d always have to pull them off in order to perform this activity.

This winter, I also picked up a new daily routine: outdoor ice baths. Every morning, I’ll sit in a horse trough full of icy water in my backyard for 3-4 minutes. I’ll wear the Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Wool Gloves during this time, resting my hands on the outside of the bath.

And I can attest to how waterproof these gloves are. My dog loves to chew on ice. Throughout this morning ritual, I’ll dip my fingers into the bath and pull out chunks of ice and throw it to him to play with.

These gloves are terrific and my go-to this winter.

I consider my fingers normal sized and wear a large comfortably.