Gear Review: Ibex Scout/Alana Full Zip

[cozy and stylish]

Some insulating tops are too warm to be wearable on hard-charging climbs, but the Scout (and women’s Alana) handles aerobic pursuits with aplomb. The low-bulk merino knit (with 14 percent polyester) features a looped, three-ply texture (called bouclé) that traps air and kept our Colorado tester toasty during gusty rest breaks. Yet the open, airy weave releases heat and moisture when you’re on the go. “After hiking a 1,000-foot hill in 35°F, I was barely damp,” she reports. Gals: The Alana sports a cozy, five-inch-tall turtleneck that seals out drafts. $175 ($185 for the Alana); 1 lb. (w’s S); m’s S-XL, w’s XS-XL; ibex.com