Shak Freestar Full Zip

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

The real middle layer I was seeking; thumb holes work great with motorcycle gloves, but may not be best for all wear

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

Love it

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

Feels a tad tight in the chest. Otherwise, well made and versatile.

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

The Shak is a great 2nd layer on those windy, single digit days on Mt Mansfield. Warm & breathable. The thumb holes keep the wrist warm.

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

Excellent for all sports activities in cold to moderate temperatures. Stylish enough to wear to all but formal occasions. A real quality product.

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

Someone at REI recommended Ibex to me and I ordered the product online. I love wool, I love the sourcing and (somewhat) local manufacture, and I love not wearing plastic. The Freestar looks fantastic and is warm enough to wear over a baselayer walking and biking around town, even though it is only 12 degrees out.

I can't wait to try it out on my bike commute and as a replacement for fleece on camping and climbing trips. Also super comfy and elegant, so I will take it as my jacket when I travel. I hope it wears as well as I imagine it will, and that cleaning will be easy.

I love the thumbholes and the full zip. No more fleece for me.

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

I bought this for winter running and cycling in Boston. Never having owned a garment with thumbholes before I wasn't quite sure how they would work out, but I love them. On cool days the longer sleeves are enough to keep my hands comfortable, and on really cold days they improve the effectiveness of my gloves noticeably.

My favorite feature has to be the collar, though. It's the perfect length and snugness to keep warm, yet still breathes so the back of my neck doesn't get too sweaty. Another nice feature is that when I get mud spatters on it they wipe right off with a damp cloth.

I commute before dawn by bike, and my previous minimum tolerable temperature was 15 degrees. In the first week owning the Shak Freestar I survived two mornings of only 8 degrees by layering a Zepher under it - and I was more comfortable than I had ever been at 15 degrees. It's awesome.

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

I use this as a base layer in the winter, and camping in the fall.

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

I'm crazy about thumbholes. Weird, you think? Well, my hands stay way warmer in gloves when I have a nice layer of wool covering my wrists. With thumbholes I never have a chilly gap. I can wear gloves where I used to wear mittens. I already loved the Shak, so this makes for the perfect ski sweater.

Comments about Ibex Shak Freestar Full Zip:

I bought this jacket to keep me warm during winter walking and biking in Portland. After riding around for a few miles after purchasing this I am sure it will do great.

Initially I was concerned about looking dorky with the thumb loops off the bike. But, don't worry- they roll up underneath and lay flat acting as a nice wind guard when you are off your stead.

My original aim was to purchase an Ibex baselayer but I found them too itchy on my skin- this mid layer works great under a comfortable cotton or synthetic shirt.