Gear Review: Indie Hoodie By Ibex
The Ibex Indie Hoodie is a lightweight merino wool baselayer with natural odor resistance, breathability, and a trail-ready fit. This is a go-to layer for hiking, backpacking, and multi-season use. Check out our review to learn more and see how it handles big adventure!
Ibex Indie Hoodie: Lightweight Merino With Year-Round Trail Versatility
There’s a reason merino gets so much love in the outdoor world—it’s breathable, odor-resistant, soft against the skin, and works in just about every season. And the Ibex Indie Hoodie takes all of that goodness and packages it into a sleek, ultralight baselayer that easily earns a spot in your go-to layering kit.
Made with 100% merino wool, this hoodie is perfect for hiking, backpacking, ski touring, running, or just throwing on at camp. It’s light enough for summer mornings and breathable enough to keep on while moving, but still cozy when temps drop. Whether you’re a backcountry adventurer or just want something that looks good on and off trail, this hoody does the job.
What Makes It Special
The Indie Hoodie uses 18.5 micron merino wool, which means it's incredibly soft and not scratchy like some older wool layers. At 165 gsm, it strikes the perfect balance between light insulation and true next-to-skin performance.
It features a fitted hood that layers easily under helmets and jackets, and thumb loops for extra coverage on cold starts. The drop hem adds a little extra protection when wearing a pack, and the cut is streamlined without feeling tight. Plus, since it’s pure merino, it resists odor way longer than synthetics—making it ideal for multi-day trips.
If you’re trying to build the kind of layering system that just works—no matter the season or terrain—this is a piece worth investing in.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% merino wool (18.5 micron) |
| Weight | ~7 oz / 198 g (size Medium) |
| Fabric Weight | 165 gsm |
| Fit | Slim fit with drop-tail hem |
| Features | Thumb holes, scuba-style hood, flatlock seams |
| Best For | Hiking, backpacking, skiing, travel, running |
| Odor Resistance | Naturally antimicrobial—ideal for multi-day wear |
| Care | Machine washable; lay flat to dry |
| MSRP | $170 USD |
Pros and Cons
Ibex Indie Hoodie: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultralight and breathable for active layering | Not wind-resistant—best under a shell in gusty weather |
| Incredible odor resistance for long trips | More delicate than synthetic baselayers (avoid snags) |
| Thumb loops and hood add trail-ready features | Slim fit—sizing up may help for layering comfort |
| Ethically sourced wool, great temperature regulation | Merino takes longer to dry when fully soaked |
Back to the Trailhead
The Ibex Indie Hoodie is one of those rare pieces that punches way above its weight class. It’s not flashy, but it does everything right—comfortable fit, temperature regulation, and next-level odor resistance. Whether you're on a sweaty uphill climb or sipping coffee in camp, it’s a layer that just works.
If you’re looking for a merino layer that can be your baselayer, sleep shirt, and town shirt all in one—this is a solid investment.
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
