Ibex Vertigo Jacket - Outdoor Gear Review

If it seems like all the exciting developments in outerwear these days happen in synthetics, the Ibex Vertigo should make you think again. This jacket re-imagines a timeless material in a thoroughly modern and hip design, a classic 19th century wool coat re-imagined for the 21st.

The Ibex lies between a fleece and a softshell, combining some of the key elements of both. Its form-fitting cut, sporty styling, raglan sleeves (no top-shoulder seams), and zippered pockets mirror a standard softshell, while the commitment to insulation and the rough, “fuzzy” surface is closer to a regular fleece.

But maybe that isn’t so surprising, since wool is of course the original fleece material, used for centuries before the term was adopted by modern clothing manufacturers for their vests, jackets, and pullovers. In fact, creating a type of man-made wool has been the general objective of these manufacturers since the modern fleece jacket was first conceived.

The reason for their pursuit? The ability of wool to keep you warm and dry in all kinds of inclement weather. And not surprisingly, out in the cold and rain is where this high-quality jacket truly shines. Thanks to 150 Flat Loden wool, the Ibex breathes exceptionally well, keeping external water out while letting perspiration escape. It is not great as a wind-stopper, which is typical for wool, but the insulation more makes up for the difference and should keep you warm on all but the windiest and coldest days.

Unfortunately, the attractiveness of the Ibex leads to one of its drawbacks. I would like to wear it as a single layer over a T-shirt in milder weather, but without a liner it’s a little too scratchy to be worn next to the skin.

Also, in keeping with the state-of-the art styling, the Ibex features a zip pocket on the left sleeve, a common flourish for jackets in its class. Yet whatever these pockets offer from an aesthetic standpoint, they are difficult to access and anything placed in them that is heavier than a few sheets of paper adds an awkward weight to the upper arm.

Still, these two minor complaints are in no way unique to the Ibex; wool tends to be itchy, and for better or worse plenty of jackets in this category sport the same sleeve pocket. Neither of these will keep me from wearing this fine jacket around town and in the woods at every opportunity.