Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Base Layer Review

Bottom Line

The Ibex Woolies Pro Tech is specifically designed for ultralight warmth rather than as a year-round cold-weather base layer. After doing everything from breaking a sweat to sleeping in the Ibex Woolies Pro Tech during dozens of outings in the Rocky Mountains, we’ve dialed in where it really shines.

The ultra-breathable design of the Pro Tech makes it ideal for times when you need to reduce the chill in the air without overheating during a long climb.

This layer takes advantage of all the natural qualities of merino wool but offers improved durability and mobility thanks to Ibex’s unique spinning method and design pattern. It also includes convenient thumb holes and the choice of a crew or quarter-zip neckline.

While the Pro Tech doesn’t provide the full value of a year-round, all-in-one base layer, it’s suitable for ultralight or ultra-athletic adventurers filling a gap in their gear closet. For many other options, check out our full guide to base layers.

How We Tested

Each base layer underwent unbiased lab tests to evaluate performance metrics such as moisture-wicking and drying time. We also tested these layers in the field, logging hundreds of days in the backcountry to see how they performed in real-world conditions.

Comfort

Wool doesn’t have a reputation for being the most comfortable fabric because it can be a little itchy when new, especially in thin layers. The Ibex Woolies Pro Tech, however, offers one of the softer merino wool blends we’ve felt, thanks to its integrated nylon fibers. It also features standard flat lock seams to reduce chafing.

For extra mobility, the Pro Tech features raglan sleeves and gusseted underarms. The key mobility feature, however, is the ultra-stretchy elasticity of the wool. The unique spinning method that Ibex uses enhances certain qualities of merino wool, including durability, thermal efficiency, and elasticity. The base layer performs best when its generously long torso is tucked into a pair of bottoms, as it can otherwise tend to bunch up, and the stretchy fabric moves with you.

The fit is a true next-to-skin design, so if you prefer a more relaxed fit, consider sizing up or choosing a different base layer.

Moisture Management

The Pro Tech manages moisture slightly above average with a good balance of drying time and moisture wicking. In just ten minutes, the wool/nylon blend expanded to 125% of its original size by wicking, and it lost about 31% of water weight in one hour (anything over 30% is excellent). 

The standout feature of the Pro Tech’s moisture management and thermal regulation is its breathability. The fabric is noticeably transparent. This base layer is ideal for high-output activities in cool weather—or for that tricky moment when you’re unsure whether to brave the cold in a T-shirt or add a little extra warmth.

It helps take the edge off the early morning chill, and when you stop to take a break, it lets the breeze in for a refreshing cooling effect.

Warmth

This base layer is designed for mobility and ultralight comfort with moderate warmth rather than heavy insulation. Although it scored low in the warmth category, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.It’s a good option for winter high-output activities like ski touring.

Worn with a lightweight shell to block the wind, it provides moderate warmth while maintaining good mobility. We also recommend this layer for chilly, dry desert trips where a base layer is barely necessary and you want to avoid extra pack weight, or in humid environments where breathability and a cooling effect are beneficial.

The Pro Tech is a bit too lightweight for freezing winter or fall backpacking trips where you need reliable, substantial warmth.

Features & Versatility

Aside from the Pro Tech’s excellent mobility features, it keeps it simple with a crew neck, extended torso length for tucking, and a couple of thumb holes. The thumb holes are comfortable, reinforced with solid stitching and thicker fabric, and offer extra coverage for the hands.

The Pro Tech also comes in a quarter-zip option, but we preferred the simplicity of the crew cut.

Because of its thin fabric weight, the Ibex Woolies Pro Tech isn’t the most versatile option on our list – definitely not a 4-season quiver killer. While you could find some utility for it in the winter, it’s mainly designed for warm-weather, summer backpacking.

The thin, breathable fabric feels great in the heat but can be quite chilly when it’s soaked in sweat and catches a cool breeze. Bottom line – we see the Pro Tech as a 2 to 3-season base layer.

Should You Buy the Ibex Woolies Pro Tech?

If you’re looking for a base layer to reliably keep you warm and safe in cold conditions, look elsewhere unless you run very hot. However, if you typically backpack only in summer conditions, need something that won’t weigh you down, or want to keep your pack light, the Ibex Woolies Pro Tech is a great choice.

The thin, breathable fabric dries quickly, wicks moisture well, and helps keep you comfortable in the air without causing overheating. Despite its lightness, Ibex’s spinning process significantly boosts its durability, thermal regulation, and elasticity – the latter making this layer a great choice for active pursuits. 

For such a niche, lightweight base layer, the price is admittedly a bit steep. While it might not be the best all-around layer for the casual adventurer, it serves a valuable role in the gear collection of a dedicated year-round explorer.

What Other Base Layers Should You Consider?

Our full list of favorite base layers has options for every month of the year.

Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Review: This is the closest synthetic counterpart to the Pro Tech. It’s stretchy, breathable, and quick drying – optimally suited for high-output activities. 

Smartwool Classic Thermal Review: With just a little more warmth and thickness than the Pro Tech, the Classic Thermal offers a bit more year-round versatility. It also wicks moisture more efficiently for better thermal regulation.

Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Review: The Oasis 200 is even warmer still. It’s a little more affordable than the Pro Tech, but not as durable and with lesser moisture managing capabilities overall, making it not as geared for aerobic activity.