When you’re adventuring/surviving in the bitter cold, every second matters. In -11°F weather, hypothermia sets in within minutes, and death can occur within an hour. On an average January day in Warroad, Minnesota, the temperature is 2.6°F, providing the ideal environment to test out Beyond’s latest cold weather systems including the (Bask Pullover, Bask Long Johns, Ascent-Glide Pants, Anchor Belay) and a plethora of other specialized gear for our Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) customers. (ArcticGate Parka Prototype, Mountain Jager Jacket, Warmfoot Overboot(s), NewWinter Neck Tube(s))

But how do you plan, prepare, and execute an outdoor trip in the dead of winter well below freezing weather?

Enter director of product development at Beyond: Nathan Jenkin, a 20-year avid outdoorsman with multiple arctic trips under his belt, who will lead me, a cold weather novice, to test our gear in its intended environment to fully understand how it functions, its potential limitations, and what modifications can be made to meet to not just meet the Beyond ECW customers needs, but ensure they are comfortable even in the harshest of environments. 

Above: Director of Product Nathan Jenkin in his comfort zone. In the shop, tinkering, visualizing, and creating.

Preparing for the Trip

Winter weather is harsh, unforgiving, and can quickly turn deadly. While the average temperature for January in Bemidji, MN is 2.6°F, we were lucky enough to experience a more extreme average of -14°F, with a wind chill of -26°F. Proper preparation is a must before venturing out into conditions like that.

"I can’t imagine how different this trip would have been without the Beyond Warmfoot Overboots. Throughout the trip we tested two different builds for the overboot—one of each foot. On my right foot, the boot contained an extra foam insulated insert positioned on the lace line and over my toe. With the naked eye, it’s difficult to notice the difference between the two, but in -26°F wind chill you feel the contrast. I also wore two pairs of socks and a standard waterproof boot beneath. The Overboots slide on and off with ease and remain secure by using a hook and loop system in the front. They are ultra-lightweight and compress easily for packing."

Pro tip: While in your tent, remove your standard waterproof to allow them to dry out, and throw the Warmfoot Overboots back on over a dry pair of socks to keep your feet extra warm and comfortable while inside. 

Below: First generation prototypes of the Warmfoot Overboots and ArcticGate Mitts.

Step 1. Choose your equipment and gather your provisions: Make sure you have the proper equipment. Select easy-to-open, high-calorie foods. 

Below: Layering system Trial Run 1

Above: Assortment of items used for the trip.

Step 2. Create a layering system: Create your clothing layering system to meet the needs of your environment and try it on. You’ll quickly understand how challenging a typical layering system for an ECW environment can be for regular movements. (Think Randy from A Christmas Story)

For this trip, my system included three sets of Beyond Baselayers. Practice taking your system on and off. If you’re unsure what the right combination is for your environment, send us an email at [email protected].

Step 3. Modify your gear: For this trip, we modified gear by extending our zipper pulls to ensure we were able to easily close and open gear with two layers of gloves on. Turns out it’s really difficult to grab a pull tab wearing two layers of mitts. Pro Tip: Check that you can open and close all your containers with your mitts on. Duct Tape can add additional grip to thermos’ and containers where needed for easier access while wearing mitts.

Step 4. Itemize and organize gear: Practice packing all your gear in the bag you’re taking. Make sure everything fits in your gear bag in the order you will need to access it.

Trial Run: Part 1:While inside and wearing your layering system, practice setting up your tent, getting into your sleeping system, prepping your food, changing inside your sleeping system, peeing in a bottle, etc. Get used to the motions and movements you will be doing on your adventure in the layering system you will be wearing.

Part 2:Test your gear in the elements you’re going to be in with a safe fallback plan. Essentially, do the same thing you did in Part 1 of the trial run, but outside in the weather, with a safe space to warm up inside nearby.

Now you’re ready to [finally] hit the road…or ice

Let’s dive into my experience(s). 

Day 1 + 2:

We set out from Beyond’s native land of Seattle, taking a red eye to Minneapolis, MN. After a two-hour layover, we hop on the plane to Bemidji, MN. As our plane lands in Bemidji, where the expected high for the day is -1°F, the flight attendant welcomes us over the intercom, letting us know the current temperature is -11°F, so we might want to zip up our jackets. The doors to the cabin open and a chill rapidly spreads throughout the entire cabin. I immediately regret not having baselayers on and my ears uncovered (rookie mistake). We pick up our rental car and head to purchase white gas specifically made for camping, and a much-needed second breakfast. Each time we get in and out of the car while completing our errands my feet and ears are brutalized by the cold. After completing our errands in town, we are off to our AirBnB on Lake Bemidji, which will serve as our home base for the next two days as we undergo our second trial run, and finalize our preparations. The second trial run period is crucial to test gear and layering systems directly in the ECW environment while still having a safe, indoor space to access quickly if needed.

Once we arrive at the AirBnB, we layer up in the comfort of the great, warm indoors and head for some cross-country skiing on Lake Bemidji, to familiarize ourselves with the landscape, acclimate to the weather and the process of taking the skis on and off while in our full layering system on the ice. At first, getting balance is a bit tricky, but I get the skis under me and away we go. I was able to quickly get the feel for the Ski Skins we had screwed into our skis. 

Above: First generation prototypes of the Warmfoot Overboot attached Asnes Combat Nato Skis.

I thought we were going to go a few hundred yards to check the gear and come right back, but I was wrong. We ended up skiing down onto the lake, about 2 miles each way. The sunset was gorgeous! To see it, I take off the fog-filled goggles. The reflection of the snow-covered frozen lake hits my skin, feeling the cold of the air at the same time as the warmth of the reflection of the sun. To my surprise, my hands, feet, and body feel good—maybe too good. I begin to feel the sweat starting to build up, and I realize I’ve overdressed.

Above: First time on the Asnes Combat Nato Skis and 120 bindings headed to the ice while testing prototypes of the Warmfoot Overboot, ArcticGate Mitts, Liner Gloves, Mountain Jager Jacket, NewWinter Neck Tube(s) and ECW Wool Beanie. I am also wearing 3 Layers of the Bask Baselayers, Ascent-Pants, Arx 2.0 Rain Jacket and the Arx 2.0 Rain Pants.

This first foray into the cold serves as both a confidence booster and a crucial learning experience for this first-time ECW adventurer. Knowing and experiencing that I could be on the lake for 4 plus hours in -10°F and be comfortable was a massive win. There is a real art to balancing physical exertion and layers. When we arrive back to the warmth of the AirBnB, I chat with Nathan about the experience over dinner and we decide on adjustments to make to my kit based on the day's excursion.

Key takeaways:

• Manage exertion to reduce the risk of overheating. Move slower than you want to. 
• Reduce layers
• Opt for less insulation while moving
• Remove hard shell tops and bottoms (these are mostly for wind management) 

Day 3:

Early in the morning, we grab a quick breakfast and get started on our meal prep. Check out the Shopping list above. This takes longer than expected, which I’m starting to grasp is the case for everything when you’re in below-freezing conditions. Details matter. Laying all of your items out on the table is a good way to visualize what each day's worth of food will include. Sort and pack.

Key takeaways:

• Pack high-calorie, low-bulk, ready-to-eat foods
• Chocolate and butter are recommended to have on hand to enhance meals and add some additional calories to your diet

Above: Meal prepping.

For lunch, we decided to test out some of the soup packets we’d packed. This gives us a good idea of what we will be eating on the ice over the coming days. We heat the soup, which is loaded with extra butter. But this isn’t just any taste test. It is a test run of how difficult it will be to open the lid of our soup containers and thermos while wearing our gloves and mitts. We apply duct tape to add extra grip to the slick lids. After successfully opening the soup lid, down goes the butter goodness.

Following lunch we are ready to jump into our MSR Stove testing, in the Airbnb, on the kitchen floor, using white gas. At this point, it’s important to note that it is not advised and it is extremely unsafe to use an MSR Stove indoors. For our brief test, we diligently monitored our Co2 meters and a thermometer to ensure our safety. When you’re on the ice, in the elements, the MSR Stove is the only source of heat you have and will be used inside the tent along with proper Co2 monitors for safety. We must both be able to quickly and safely operate the stove in case of an emergency. 

The stove won’t just be used for warmth, but also to melt snow and provide water. Check out How to Purify Water in the Wilderness. A modified base is extremely convenient for moving the stove around more easily with mitts.

Below: MSR Stove with modified board base, melting snow as a water source.

Unfortunately, part of our stove broke during the test, forcing us to make a trip to town for a replacement. Another example of why testing your gear is so important before you are out in the elements. Getting a replacement stove pushes back our schedule a day.

Day 4: 

Waking at 5:00 am, we finish prepping our packs, organizing each stuff sack, and methodically loading our sleds. After two days of preparing, we head out onto the lake in cross-country skis, pulling our gear on sleds behind.

(Note* These sleds are fully customized, made specifically for this trip, if you are an arctic explorer and would like PDF instructions please reach out to Connect@beyondclothing.)

Above: Nathan Cross Country Skiing while testing prototypes of the Warmfoot Overboot, ArcticGate Parka, NewWinter Neck Tube(s), Liner Gloves, ArciteGate Mitts and the ECW Wool Beanie. He is also wearing 3 layers of the A1 Aether Baselayers and A5 Rig light Pants.

We scout a spot to lay camp for the night. We’re about half a mile out on the ice, but can still see cabins distantly on the shoreline. Our goal was to be able to set the tent up in 2 minutes or less, which is no easy task while fighting against the wind. In ECW, wind is the enemy, and increases the risk of losing a piece of equipment. To ensure this doesn’t happen to us, we follow a strict order of operations for tent setup. We’ll dive into the nuances of setting the tent up in a later post, and for now, keep it at a high level. 

This was my first time experiencing this level of cold while mostly static. The tent set up takes us 20 minutes plus—not ideal. We set up and take down the tent 5-6 times, each time we get better at it. This puts the use of mitts into perspective. I learned that I can pull my hand out of the mitt and use the fleece-lined hand for the tasks requiring fine motor skills, but only for a short period before the cold starts to creep through my fingers. The mitts become somewhat of a security blanket for me throughout the trip.

Above: Arctic Tent set into the ice using the sharp ice screws with the custom sleds and sleeping system in the background. Oh the luxury of a day without wind!

With the tent set up and our sleeping systems safe and dry inside, we head back to the security of the cabin to make our bird beaks. Leaving our tent set up and letting out sleeping bags cool, as if they were in our sled all day. 

Key Takeaways:

• Active vs Static
• Mitts are my lifeline (a new love for Gore-Tex Lab Windstopper®)
• Don’t let the ice screws freeze

Once back inside I am reintroduced to the art of sewing. Nathan instructs how to make a Bird Beak out of two layers of fabric sewn together. Using a simple stitch, I sew the pieces together, connecting the two pieces of fabric to the foam layer on our goggles. This ends up taking close to 5 hours, which is a luxury while you’re in the field. Throughout the sewing process, it becomes clear to me that by creating the Bird Beak we’re not just taking on a sewing project, but creating a crucial piece of gear for our experience and providing me with another crucial tool in the ECW tackle box. Nathan explains potential scenarios in which the simple stitch could be a literal lifesaver. What stands out to me most is its use for tent repair. The ice screws for the tent are extremely sharp and can pierce tent fabric, leading to a tear that exposes you to the elements. From this point on in our trip, I make sure I have a thread and needle on me at all times. If you want to participate in a world of outdoors, onsite gear repair is a must-know-how. We finish up and head out for dinner.

Above: Me working hard on the Bird Beak. 

Below: Nathan holding a cardboard template of his Bird Beak up to his goggles.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn to sew
• Keep a needle and thread on hand at all times
• Sewing may not be fun, but it is a necessity 

After we complete our Bird Beaks, we eat dinner and boil water to put in our water bottles. This is a little cheat for our first night to stay warm in our sleeping bag. See, when you’re in well-below-freezing weather, your water bottles have to stay in your sleeping bag throughout the night to keep them from freezing over. Throughout the night, your body heat prevents the ice from building up, keeping the water drinkable. By boiling the water for bottles we’re ensuring at least one night of warmth. We load up the sleds gear up and head down to the campsite for the night. Before we head out, I check the temperature which is hovering at -15°F—COLD.

In the pitch dark, we work our way down to the campsite by the light of the moon and stars. It is somewhat surreal. As soon as we get to the tent, and start to load in, the space quickly closes in on me. “We are sleeping in this?” I have a panic attack. (A Trail Run: Part 1 would prevent this situation.) First time experiencing that. I was so flustered I tried to get into the tent backward! Pretty comical looking back. Even Nathan admits that the tent is smaller than expected. He calms me down and helps me get into my sleeping bag. I have never been so cramped before. There isn’t an inch to move, and with the three baselayers, I feel like I am in a straight jacket. I situate the recently boiled bottles of water between my legs and start to feel my body retain its warmth. I slowly feel myself starting to relax and settle in, and Nathan and I chat for a bit.

Being the seasoned ECW guide that he is Nathan is asleep and snoring in seconds, and I mean out cold—pun intended. After 20 minutes of trying to fall asleep, I begin to warm up again (I’m a hot sleeper). It happens quickly and is overwhelming. Beneath three sleeping bags, I started struggling with the zippers. (Again, a Trail Run: Part 1 would prevent this situation.) I would know where each zipper is on each bag. After a few minutes of unsuccessfully fiddling with the zippers, I opt for shifting the bottles of warm water away from my legs which provides some relief. 

Twenty more minutes go by, and I’m warming up once again. This time I start worrying about sweating inside the bag. Once your sleeping bag is wet, from either sweating or condensation due to breathing into it, it could potentially freeze. This is not only a miserable experience but it is potentially dangerous. I once again begin struggling with the zippers of my sleeping bags, in search of some relief. I discovered the second bag is a “cross zip”. This is the problem. I begin to sit up, before remembering that the size of the tent means I’m unable to. I start taking off one of my top baselayers, which are tucked into Bask Long Johns. Initially, the baselayers want to stay together, as they should, but I fight them long enough to be able to peel the top piece off. Next, I work on a layer of the Bask Long Johns. Going one leg at a time, I successfully remove two pairs and begin to feel relief as my body cools down. I remember it is -15°F outside, and proceed to spend the next 10 hours staring at the slow freezing tent wall, 10 inches from my face trying to sleep while listening to the songs of the ice. 

Key Takeaways:

• Trial run laying in your with all bags inside
• Trial run your sleeping system
• 3 layers of sleeping bags and a bivy sack
• Do Not Breathe into your sleeping system
• Trial run changing inside your sleeping system
• I’m not a big fan of being in the tent

Day 5 - First morning in the tent:

Time to get up. Being in the tent all night has led to a layer of ice forming in the tent from the condensation of our breath. Every small movement we undertake knocks a bit of ice off, causing it to fall—not a big deal so long as my sleeping bags are protected in a bivy sack. It’s time for a nice morning piss. In ECW, that means the following: peeing into a bottle while you’re in the warmth of your three layers of sleeping bags, then proceeding to empty that bottle into a hole—the pee hole. It’s gross but necessary. When setting up the tent, we dug a pee hole in the vestibule of the tent. Don’t confuse this with your snow gathering hole for water. 

Next, it’s time to clean the ice out of the tent. In this environment, anything that is wet will eventually freeze, and moisture can kill. Before deicing the tent, it’s crucial to make sure all of your clothing is in a stuff sack or protected in your bivy. Remember, it is -15°F outside. Using a 5-inch brush on the ceiling and walls, we brush all the ice. It seems to take forever and falls all over the bivy. We brush as much as we can off our bivys and stuff sacks and onto the floor. We then get out of the sleeping bags and throw everything into the vestibule, making sure not to drop or drag things across our pee hole as we do so. Once you remove the sleeping pads from the floor you can feel the ice beneath your knees, which leads to sweeping the remaining ice up as quickly as you can. We use the collected ice to cover the pee hole. (I would suggest a bigger broom and 2 of them if possible.) Once the tent is cleared of ice, it’s time to test the stove in the tent.

Below: First time testing the MSR Stove with modified board base in the vestibule.

Key Takeaways:

• Line the edge of the tent with your stow packs
• Keep an extra hardshell close for frost cleaning(this is done first thing)
• Pack a normal-sized brush for frost sweeping
• Don’t confuse clean water side and pee side  

Conclusion

Following this trial run, we pack up and drive to our next location—Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. Lake of the Woods is what we refer to as the final boss. This time, there is no Airbnb to fall back to, so we designate the rental car as our fallback. We follow our setup routine for the camp. 

The hardest part of the trip? Knowing when to tap out. I’m the kind of person who believes in testing my limits. But part of testing your limits is defining what they are, realizing when you have breached them, and knowing when you have gone far past the point of simply pushing yourself, and have made it well beyond the point of health and safety. On the ice, there is no room for ego, power tripping, or any semblance of a sense of control. 

I successfully stayed out on the ice one last night, and Nathan completed two additional nights. Each morning while Nathan was out on the ice, I would wait at a nearby coffee shop for his text to confirm he was ready for company, then load up the sled and meet him 2 miles out on the ice. Nathan was preparing for a second trip, heading to the Arctic Circle. One night was particularly brutal, -29°F with wind gusts up to 26 mph. 

Below: Me enjoying the warmest part of the day. I really wish I had the ArcticGate on the left.

Below: ArcticGate teaser image. Notice the full facial coverage and ergonomic easyfind zipper pulls. Ready to take on -50 °F

Beyond Clothing’s real-life, in-depth experience gives us full confidence in the products we provide our customers for ECW environments. Our experience in Minnesota helped us create products for real people, in real situations and gave us the necessary insight for the adjustments to create what we consider to be the best ECW system on the planet. Every minor detail and adjustment made to our gear as a result of this experience saves time for our customers, and Every Second Matters. 

For group orders of the ArcticGate Collection please contact Connect@beyondclothing.

Coming Soon…

Nathan goes to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for in-depth product testing.

Hoping to catch Washington’s famed larch season—the golden mini-season of larch trees preparing to shed their needles—in all its glory, revisiting the Enchantments topped my priority list this fall. Timing agreeable weather and decent trail conditions with work schedules and the turning of the season can be a tall order, but sometimes, the universe works out in your favor. We hit the jackpot on October 1^st, with blue bird skies, near perfect conditions and a fresh coating of snow joining forces to keep the Sunday Scaries at bay.

 Packing for this trip, I needed a layering system versatile enough to handle a spectrum of weather conditions and, knowing the Seattle gray was tightening its grip on the season, one of Mother Nature’s surprises. Beyond Clothing’s Fall 23 Collection was my kit of choice for the traverse, because if you ask me, top tier adventure calls for top tier gear. With that in tow, I managed to catch larch season in the Enchantments in its prime this year. Here’s the beta on how I did it. 

(A snow sprinkled alpine lake)

(Golden Larches in full effect)

PRE-HIKE HOMEWORK

The first step included navigating the trek’s logistical hurdles. The Enchantments is a point-to-point hike, meaning you start at one trailhead and end at another, so two cars are required to avoid paying for the trailhead shuttle service. Moreover, overnight accommodations are strongly recommended if you’re going for the 20-mile jaunt in one day. As such, we planted a car at the Snow Lakes trailhead the night prior, later setting up “camp” in a nearby dirt parking lot where overnight stay is totally not frowned upon.

 Ahead of the hike, I used a combination of AllTrails and Washington Trails Association to gather information on key trail stats—like mileage and elevation—and to gain a sense of the trail conditions I should expect, based on recent trip reports. After doing my homework, packing the following auxiliary items felt like a good idea: microspikes, trekking poles, gloves, headlamps, extra socks and, as always, first aid. I also brought a water filter and a few of my favorite trail munchies—turkey wraps, beef jerky, bars, fruit and trail mix.

 With these final preparations in place, I set an alarm for 3:45 a.m. and checked off the last item on my to-do list: go to sleep.

 STUART LAKE TRAILHEAD TO AASGARD PASS

 The traditional route was the gameplan—start at the Stuart Lake trailhead, tackle Aasgard with fresh legs, and enjoy downhill sailing from there on out. I’d love to say I was stoked when we hit the trail just after 5am, but my sleep-deprived brain was preoccupied with planning a siesta at the top of Aasgard instead. Sleepwalking more so than hiking, at least I wasn’t cold—my Geo-T and Alpha Aura provided plenty of toasty solace in the 30-some-odd-degree predawn hours. I benefitted from the combo’s topnotch breathability as my body temperature rose in tandem with the elevation gain. Eventually my grogginess faded, and when the sun had relieved our headlamps of their duties, I decided I didn’t need that nap after all.

Colchuck Lake and its accompanying Dragontail Peak served as our first photo break. Few places provoke an involuntary “goddamn”—this is one of them, especially dressed in blue hour’s sapphire hue. Knowing we were only four miles into a 20-mile day, we snapped a few photos and continued onward.

(Colchuck Lake, Aasgard Pass (left), Dragontail Peak and me)

 Soon after, the trail spit us out at the base of Aasgard Pass, the towering gateway to the Core Enchantments. Aasgard rises a casual 1,900ft in less than a mile, this time enhanced by the remnants of a recent storm. We realized this marked the last reasonable place to turn around, as an icy downward scramble was not on my agenda for the day. Nonetheless, we spiked up, and charged on slow and steady.

One particularly tricky section—a stretch of slick ice and a boulder determined to test your hip mobility—created a bottleneck of hikers on the slope. Crafty maneuvers are no issue for my Ascent-Glide Pants, though, thanks to the 4-way stretch and crotch gusset construction. The Ascent’s built-in Avert™ gaiter system, perhaps the handiest feature, was especially useful in keeping slush out of my shoes in the snowed-out sections of the trail. After waiting in the backcountry queue, we cleared the day’s first roadblock and proceeded upward. Only after a few false summits did we finally crest the mountain pass.

(Ascending Aasgard Pass)

(Obligatory selfie wearing the Men's Alpha Aura)

 THE CORE ENCHANTMENTS

The money is made in the Core Enchantments, where this hike earns its mystique. Craggy peaks, silvery pools and streams, and the renowned larches were on full display, all engulfed in a blanket of white. You can’t ask for much more, except maybe for a pair of sunglasses, in which mine were forgotten in the car. Even through squinted eyes, the setting was surreal.

(Nap time)

Willing to burn a little daylight in the Core Zone, we cozied up on a large boulder for lunch and more photos. Mild winds, absent mosquitoes and unfiltered sunshine made for flawless conditions. Shedding my Alpha, the Geo-T’s UPF 50 sun protection kept me from turning into a lobster in the snow’s reflection, another huge win in the lifelong battle against skin cancer. We still had 12 miles to go, but the A-list views were too good to be concerned about that.

(The Core Enchantments)

(Me, sporting the hooded Geo-T and Ascent-Glide Pants)

If the mountain goats were out that day, they evaded us in the snow’s camouflage. No biggie. We meandered through the labyrinth of lakes, soaking in the feeling from which the Enchantments gets its namesake. These miles slip by without effort. Stopping frequently for photos, snacks or just because, we leisurely marched along, grateful for October’s warm afternoon. Before too long, we rounded the last lake on our route through the Core Zone as the snow below our feet gave way to slush and, finally, mud.

(Morgan rocking the Women's Alpha Aura)

(Ascent-Glide Pants Avert™ integrated Gaiter was a savior here)

SNOW LAKES TO FINISH

 As amazing as this hike is, the latter half is undoubtedly a slog. Your joints begin to feel the day, and the aforementioned enchanting feeling begins to fade. It’s slow moving down steep, glacier-torn granite until you reach Snow Lakes, your final parting gift before the home stretch to the car. I slipped back into my Alpha when the sun dipped below the surrounding peaks, knowing I’d have to call upon my headlamp again soon.

 AllTrails metrics should always be taken with a grain of salt, and alas, we were not at the car when my watch marked mile 18. But in time, headlights were spotted cruising along Icicle Road in the distance, adding some spring to our final steps of the day. We descended the concluding switchbacks realizing that we were, in fact, going to finish the damn thing. My GPS clocked in 20 miles and some change from trailhead to trailhead, not too shabby for a school night.

Dehydration
            Most people walk around in their daily lives in a dehydrated state. Proper hydration is essential for good brain function, digestion, cooling, and overall muscle health. Much like a dried rubber band that will snap under tension, your muscles will perform better when supple. At elevation and in cold and dry conditions, water consumption must increase. Depending on the water treatment method, the task of creating safe drinking water may discourage the mountaineer from drinking if that task is perceived arduous. Water should be consumed in small sips throughout the day and electrolyte drink mixes, in moderation, can encourage consumption.

Campfire Burns
            The campfire is arguably where most injuries will take place. Spilled pots of boiling water, hot frying pan handles, and embers spit out around the firepit all pose a problem in the great outdoors. Burns are painful and range in severity requiring different types of treatment. Simple burns can be treated with topical gels like aloe or dedicated burn gel. Pain is usually remedied with acetaminophen. More significant burns require antibiotics since burns pose a significant risk of infection. Depending on the severity of the burn, immediate evacuation may be necessary.

Cuts to the Hands
            Our opposable thumbs give us a tool using capability over other critters in the great outdoors. Since we use our hands for utility, they are prone to cuts to the fingers and palms of the hands. All cuts, punctures, and abrasions should be cleaned out and treated with triple-antibiotic ointment. Fingertip bandages make the most sense to carry since they have more adhesive surface area than standard straight strip bandages. Of course, the best medicine may be preventative to include leather gloves for moving sticks/branches, using sharp tools, and working with potentially harmful objects.

Eye Injuries
            Our eyes process countless stimuli throughout the day. Our eyelids and eyelashes help protect our eyes from foreign bodies but every once in a while, they aren’t enough to keep us from harm. Eye injuries are dangerous, painful, and surprisingly common. Corneal abrasions and foreign objects can range in severity. Rinsing out the eye with water while gently opening the eye may help and using a polycarbonate eye shield will provide relief from pressure as the eye heals itself. A tip provided by an ophthalmologist is to carry antibiotic ointment meant for the eye instead of standard antibiotic ointment. The reason being, the ophthalmic ointment can be used in the eye or elsewhere on the body while standard antibiotic ointment cannot be used anywhere but externally on the body.

Sprains
            Heavy packs and tired legs are a recipe for sprains and strains. Trips and falls can also contribute to jammed fingers. Twisted ankles and injuries to the fingers can happen on the trail and around the camp in fatigued or low-light conditions. The most recognized treatment for these is rest, ice, compression, and elevation abbreviated “R.I.C.E.” Rest means getting off of the injured area or not using it. Ice is applied cold compress. Compression is afforded with an ace bandage or other wrap. Elevation means keeping the body part higher than the heart on a padded surface in a resting state.

Blisters
            Rubbing between your foot and your footwear (to include socks) creates hot spots and blisters. Left untreated, these can become extremely painful and even infected if they open. To counter blisters, always pack moleskin, 2nd Skin, or a dedicated blister kit and know how to use it to reduce the amount of rubbing you encounter. If a blister is large and uncomfortable, it can be popped with a sterilized needle working from the edge closest to the skin outward away from the body. Smaller blisters and the accompanying fluid, while annoying, will just become absorbed back into the body as new skin forms underneath.

            Accidents happen in the mountains but luckily most are resolved very quickly with proper treatment. Before we travel far from home, make sure you pack the proper equipment to address these problems allowing you to remain in the field longer. Pair this equipment with formal medical training and you will be more ready to address common issues afield. Keep in mind, it’s said laughter is the best medicine, maybe preventative medicine,  and there is a benefit to maintaining a positive mental attitude. Take a moment to appreciate where you are in the mountains that draw us to them. There’s a reason you should be smiling. Check out more from Kevin over at Fieldcraft Survival.

No AI was used during the making of this post.

Hiking is more than just a form of exercise– being transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for your adventure allows you to connect with nature, stay active and get outdoors at a pace in which you're comfortable with. If you're new to hiking or in a new hiking environment it can feel a bit intimidating, but with a little planning and preparation it's an adventure almost anyone can do. Here are a few simple tips to ensure your first treks are successful:

Choosing the Right Trail

When you are just starting out, it is important to choose a trail that is suitable for your fitness level and experience. Look for trails that are well-marked, easy to navigate, and don't have too much elevation gain. You can also check online for trail reviews, ratings, and closures to get an idea of what to expect especially if it's a seasonal trail on sites like All Trails. Keep in mind there are also different types of trails such as loops, out and back, point to point, and lollipop that can also increase the level of difficulty.

Dress Appropriately

When it comes to hiking, the right gear can make all the difference. Dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as you warm up or cool down, we recommend these essential layers: a Next-to-Skin Base Layer, Mid Layer, Insulation Layer, and Shells for rain and wind protection just in case. It is best to avoid cotton as it can absorb moisture and lead to chafing. Wear sturdy lightweight hiking boots that have been broken in with good traction and don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

Pack the Essentials

Before you hit the trail, make sure you have everything you need in your backpack. Essentials include a paper map and compass (in case your map on your phone loses signal), a first-aid kit, plenty of water, snacks, a portable battery pack for recharging small electronics, extra clothing, and a flashlight or headlamp. You may also want to bring binoculars or a bird-watching guide, depending on your interests and the time of year.

Start Slow and Take Breaks

If you are new to hiking, it is important to start slow and take breaks as needed. Start with shorter hikes and gradually work your way up to longer, more challenging ones. Take breaks every hour or so to rest, drink water, and refuel. When hiking in a group, be sure to go the same pace as the slowest hiker and stay together. For a two hour hike, it's advised to drink about 1 liter of water so, be sure to bring twice the water you think you'll need. In addition, here are some of our favorite quick and easy refueling snacks for trail adventures: granola bars, trail mix, seeds, dried or fresh fruit, or jerky.

Leave No Trace

Hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, but it is important to leave no trace. This means packing out all of your trash (including pet waste), staying on the marked trail, leaving items like rocks where they are,  and respecting wildlife and other hikers. Leave the trail better than you found it so that others can enjoy it, too.

Stay Safe

Finally, it is important to stay safe while hiking. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return and take a hiking buddy with you. Stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts or off-trail exploration. If you think you may have taken a wrong turn, slow down and check the map in case you need to turn around and backtrack.  Should you encounter wildlife, give them plenty of space and do not approach them. And if the weather turns bad, head back to safety rather than pushing on.

In conclusion, hiking is a great way to get outside, explore nature, and stay active while benefiting you both physically and mentally. With the tips listed above, we hope you feel encouraged, inspired and prepared to get outside. So, grab your backpack, hit the trail, and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

P.S. Leave a comment to share your ideas or where you will go! We would love to hear them.

Water is the lifeblood for all living organisms, and humans are no different. When you're out in the wilderness, finding a source of clean drinking water can be a challenge. Ingesting contaminated water can lead to infection with the Giardia parasite as well as other illnesses. Drinking dirty water often will lead to diarrhea which will quickly ruin an adventure and perhaps lead to further health complications. The water loss from diarrhea can lead to dehydration which has symptoms like headache, fatigue, dizziness and more, all very big issues in a wilderness setting. Dehydration can also contribute to life-threatening illnesses like heatstroke. Fortunately, there are several ways to purify water in the wilderness. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most effective methods.

1. Boiling 

Boiling water is the most effective but also most time-consuming method of purifying water. All you need is a heat source, a pot, and some water (or snow/ice). Simply bring the water to a rolling boil for one minute (or longer at higher altitudes), and then let it cool before drinking. An additional step is to filter the water through a cotton t-shirt, bandana, or other clean fabric to reduce the amount of potentially harmful particulates. The extra filter may not be necessary if you are obtaining water from a clear, quickly moving stream or fresh snowfall. Boiling water kills almost all bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness, making it a reliable method of purification. 

2. Chemical Treatment 

Chemical treatments like iodine or chlorine tablets can also effectively purify water in the wilderness. These tablets are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be found at most outdoor retailers and many big box stores. Simply drop the tablet into your water bottle, wait the recommended time (usually 30 minutes to four hours), and then drink. One aspect of these chemical treatments is that they add a distinct flavor to the water, but in a wilderness scenario this should be of little concern. It's important to note that chemical treatments may not be effective against all types of parasites and viruses, so it's best to use them in conjunction with another purification method. 

3. Water Filtration 

 Water filters are increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts. They use a combination of physical and chemical methods to remove harmful contaminants from water. The most common type of filter is the pump filter, which works by pumping water through a filter cartridge to remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other options include gravity filters and straw filters. Gravity Filters are similar to pump filters but instead of the pump offering the force, you use gravitational energy. This method is great for large groups but does require more equipment. Straw filters are best reserved for emergency use when you need a small drink. Water filtration systems can be bulky, but they are effective and simple to use. 

4. Ultraviolet Purification 

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, in high enough concentrations, can kill bacteria and viruses, making the water safe to drink. There are many devices that mimic the sun’s radiation to purify water. To use the UV purifier, you pre-filter water through a cloth into a bottle and then submerge the device into the bottle for a certain amount of time (usually 1-3 minutes). The device is very easy to use but it does depend on a battery which can sometimes fail or run out. Since this method is dependent on battery life it is best to have an extra battery as well as a back up to your UV Purifier such as a pump filter. 

5. Solar Still 

A solar still is the only method on this list that can generate clean, safe drinking water without having a water source. It is done by digging a large hole in the ground and then filling it with green, leafy, organic materials. Leave a bit of room in the very middle of the hole for your container, such as an empty water bottle or cooking pot. Then over the top of the hole you will put a plastic sheet of some sort that does not have any holes, ex: your tents ground cloth, emergency blanket, poncho. Then around the edges of the sheet you will place rocks to weigh it down so that there are no openings, and all the moisture stays inside. The final step is to place a smaller rock on top in the middle of the sheet so that it weighs down the center point. All the dew that evaporates from the organic material will collect on the inside of the sheet and then drip down to the container in the middle of the hole. This process works best in hot and sunny environments and is useful when you will be at one location for a while. 

Finding clean water in the wilderness can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and equipment, you can purify water and stay healthy on your outdoor adventures. Boiling, chemical treatment, water filtration, UV purification and solar stills are all effective methods to get clean drinking water. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully, practice before you go on your adventure, and prioritize your health and safety in the great outdoors.

In the spirit of World Bee Day, please enjoy some fun facts about bees:

• Our beehive currently has about 15,000 bees and at the peak of summer can have up to about 50,000 bees. 
• Bees can fly up to 12 mph
•  A bee flaps its wings up to 200 times per second  
• Bees communicate by dancing: Click here to learn about the bee dances
• Bees have 5 eyes and 6 legs

Don’t Start Fires You Can’t Put Out

    There are four stages of fire; prep, starting, maintenance, and extinguished. It is easy to jump right to fire starting without realizing you need to be able to extinguish any fire you start. If you don’t have this control, you could do serious harm to your surroundings and potentially endanger yourself and others. Make sure you have plenty of water handy as well as a shovel or digging stick to stir the coals in the slurry. Also, consider how much wood is needed to accomplish a task (like cooking, boiling water, warming oneself) and don’t overdo it.

 Prepare Your Workspace

    Long before you are ready to start your fire, you need to make sure your workspace is ready to accept the fire you’re building. Preparing your workspace prevents tripping over rocks and other obstacles as you build your fire. It also means clearing out dry leaves or tinder that could catch if a spark jumps. Make sure to inspect the area around your fire both on the ground as well as above since embers and sparks can easily ignite dry foliage. Preparing your workspace also means rolling up your sleeves. I’d rather singe my arm hair with an ember than put a hole in an expensive jacket as I blow a coal into a flame.

 Accelerants Are Awesome But…

    …not all fire accelerants are safe. DO NOT use gasoline or white gas to start a fire. Kerosene on a rag is relatively safe but the most safe option is petroleum jelly on cotton balls. If you end up in an emergency situation, use fuels that burn but do not explode. The good ones are referred to as “liquid boy scout.” The bad ones are a free ticket to the emergency room and a way to quickly remove your eyebrows.

April is a month dedicated to reminding us to take care of our planet. From litter clean up to recycling to a walk amidst the wildflowers. April is an important time for us to stop, reflect, and consciously think about the way we consume and the sustainable practices we, as a society, will need to implement to preserve the earth for centuries to come. Discover how you can celebrate earth day every day with a few ideas that give back to the earth, while the earth gives back to you:

Our commitment, as a company, is to continue to extend beyond the social norms and grow our environmental standards and implementation to bring you gear that will not only take you to the world's wildest places but preserve them as well. Although this is just a handful of ways you can incorporate new changes, we challenge you to continue to impact the world for the better, Earth Day, Earth Month, & Beyond. 

To learn more about the global initiatives that Beyond Clothing, visit our Global Responsibilities page: https://www.beyondclothing.us/pages/global-responsibility

Paragliding isn’t a sport of strength, but one of finesse and essentialism. There is little between you and the sky. The freedom of running off a mountain and leaving the earth to its own devices is nothing short of extraordinary. 

The Colombia Paragliding School is designed to give you three weeks of instruction to build your piloting skills. The school lies on the Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Colombia's climate is perfect for paragliding, with warm temperatures and consistent winds year-round. It is near the equator, which means that there is little seasonal change, so paragliding is possible at any time of the year. It’s an internationally known area of paraglide competitions. Being from Alaska, it’s known in our community of risk-takers and adrenaline athletes as a place for having some of the best instructors but also exploring in the winter to escape the dark and cold.

One of these instructors was a woman by the name of Sanne Schouwenburg. She had her first flight three years ago and had been traveling the world since dedicating her life to the art and athleticism of traveling in the sky. We quickly realized each other as kindred spirits, in my initial days of ground handling, she would often say…”I can’t wait to kick you off the mountain.”

After only four days of instruction our crew climbed into the back of a truck bed and accelerated up through the jungle in the Andes to the launch site. While calming my nerves, I focused on the pre-flight check, controlling position, maintaining a run on take-off and transitioning into the air.

Once in flight instinct seemed to take over. Paragliding combines freedom, serenity, adrenaline, and a connection to nature all in one. To travel cross-country, paragliders have to gain enough altitude to reach the starting point of their journey. This can be achieved by finding thermals - upward currents of warm air that rise from the ground due to temperature differences. Once in a thermal the pilot can circle upward, gaining altitude as they go. The soaring birds are the masters of this, and in Colombia there are many.

They also served as some of the best instructors, indicating the location of the thermals and currents. Much of my time in the sky I focused on emulating their flight patterns and movements to make my wing just as natural as an extension of my body and mind. 

As our weeks continued we progressed to piloting our wings to higher altitudes and in cloud base - accessing risk and flying longer.  The following Beyond pieces were an essential part of my daily wear, providing comfort, mobility and protection to fly with confidence.

Women's Ventum Ultralight L4 Jacket - This jacket is lightweight, packable enough to shove into a backpack with your wing, and also provides incredible warmth. The spandex blend of fabric allows for maneuverability for your upper body in the air and on the ground.

Women’s Sojourn Ultralight L4 Jogger  - The athletic fit of these pants was perfect for take off and landings, and just what I needed to stay warm while flying high, and keeping cool while I was on the ground. The zip pocket allowed for quick storage of my phone, gps and other small items I needed access to in the air.

Guide Lite Glove - Gloves help protect your hands when handling the risers and lines and in higher winds. In spiraling you may need to wrap your hands several times around the line to prevent a caveat. The Guide Lite Glove was an excellent addition to my everyday wear. The leather palms and fingers ensured ultimate protection but its sleek design still allowed me to feel the tensions of lines.

Being grounded in the winter of the north, my study is reduced to numbers, map locations while determining how to travel higher, and farther. With our thermals returning and days growing I’m eagerly looking up to flying from our mountains with the eagles, over glaciers, through passes and beyond our Alaska horizon.

Additional Blog Posts by Jayme Dittmar: 

THE 5TH THULE EXPEDITION RE-EXPLORED

THE FIRST ANNUAL NOT QUITE SOLSTICE MASH

15 days, over 2,600 miles driven, and 68 hours on the road, our time in Alaska had simply left me speechless… From the towering snow capped peaks within Atigun Pass to the lush fall colors on the Kenai Peninsula, there was a vast amount of landscape and wildlife to witness here.

As a way to honor my fathers wishes after his passing, my mother (camp-chef mom) and I took on this journey in the far north where we would challenge ourselves in new ways while pushing outside of our comfort zone. Having never explored this region of the world we were in for many “firsts” including starting the trip off with a helicopter tour by having a birds eye view of waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. This alone was an experience of a lifetime by being able to land and walk on the Knik Glacier miles away from any town while seeing the intense blue colors of the glacier water, almost as if it wasn’t real.

If you had asked me if I’d be standing within the Arctic Circle years ago, I’d probably have replied in saying no. This part of our trip was truly an inspirational moment. It requires taking the long drive up the famous Dalton Highway where services are bare minimal at best, not to mention the couple gas stations with prices starting in the high $7 range per gallon. The Arctic Circle was a milestone both my mom and I wanted to personally achieve as we both witnessed numerous individuals cross this line and being inspired by their journey. If one so chooses, they could take the Dalton Highway to its furthest point in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and touch the Arctic Ocean. While time constraints didn’t allow us to make the journey that far north we did stop at Atigun Pass where we were greeted by snowfall and towering mountains of the Brooks Range.

The final portion of our journey had taken us to the Kenai Peninsula where another check off the list occurred by visiting the Kenai Fjords National Park. This park is just outside the town of Seward, AK and is the gateway to Exit Glacier trailhead which is the only area of the park accessible by car. It was here we stretched our legs taking on a hike to witnessing Exit Glacier, saw wildlife including a moose taller than the truck, and found camp along the scenic Resurrection River. There’s something truly special about being surrounded by extraordinary scenic landscapes while being with the best of company on a trip.

Out of all the weather elements we experienced, which certainly felt like all of them, there were several items that made the complete difference in our trip being far more comfortable. One of them included our daily attire. From heavy rain, frigid cold snow, high winds, and even a spec of sunshine, Alaska’s weather can change at any given moment. Having the right gear for the job made living out of a vehicle for 15 days feel like a walk in the park. Thanks for the intuitive layering systems from Beyond Clothing, we were able to dress for the right occasion each day while saving valuable space in our bags due to the clothes being very packable when not in use. If I had to pick my favorites and could only bring a few items, these would be in my starting lineup:

Dasche L3 Jacket: Packing small enough to fit in a cup holder in the car and warm enough on the chilly evenings by the fire, the Dasche jacket was practically my daily go-to. I personally enjoyed the lightweight design and warmth ratio while not feeling weighed down like traditional heavy jackets. It was perfect when hiking in Denali National Park by having an active insulation and also having full movement when climbing around the truck putting away the roof top tent on a daily basis. Can’t say enough good things about this one!

ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket: When the skies closed in with dark clouds and the rain really started pouring, the Arx held up time and time again. As you can imagine, filming a trip like this involved almost equal time out of the vehicle setting up cameras just as much as it did driving. Nothing beats standing in the downpour rain focusing the camera knowing you are completely dry underneath. What I also enjoyed about the Arx is its design of being highly abrasion resistant while offering lightweight capabilities of being a non-insulated shell. This meant I could fully layer up underneath when cold or simply run minimal base layers on those slightly warmer days.

Todra L1 S.S. Crew: Serving as a daily foundation no matter the weather conditions outside, the Todra was my first layer to all days spent in Alaska (packing more than one of course). This shirt provided breathability and moisture management allowing me to focus on the trip at hand vs. feeling uncomfortable on any engaged activity. Whether worn alone while working up a sweat on a hike or as the initial layer on the cold snowy days, I ensured the Todra shirts were packed in the bags well before stepping foot in Alaska.

After two weeks on the road and countless memories collect, I truly understand why Alaska is called The Last Frontier. This state is filled with rich history, incredible landscapes, and endless opportunities to embrace a part of the world unlike anything else. We started our trip with a specific purpose and left with a profound sense of accomplishment and appreciation. I highly recommend anyone seeking their next adventure to put Alaska on that list!

Michael Guagliardo
Conquest Overland

• 4 pairs of the Sojourn Ultralight Pants.
• 5 shirts. A mix of long sleeves and tees. My favorite is the Todra L1.
• 2 Pull Overs. Celeris Midweight L2 Pullover or Women's Veil Midweight L2.
• 1 Zip up. Women's Ventum Ultralight L4.
• 1 Puffer, Dasche Jacket
• 1 Rain Jacket ARX 2.0 L6 Rain Jacket

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, This Veteran’s Day, Beyond is committed to protecting those who protect us and the people in our lives today fighting battles that we cannot see. To raise awareness for mental health, we are shutting down our website for 24 hours.

Please, take a moment and reach out to a Veteran to remind them of the loved ones in their corner. We suggest inviting them to join you on an outdoor activity, like a hike, this weekend. Getting outside is one of the best ways to release mental stress and reset the mind.

We’re all in this together. We’re all fighters of the good fight.

These are some of the most iconic off-roading areas in the United States, and we spent over a week navigating nearly three thousand kilometers of the region with only a map and compass.
  Tasha and I first connected at a Rally Training event in the Spring of 2021. This 4-day Rally School gave a glimpse of the skills needed to participate in the Rally. I say participate because it's impossible to compete in your first year of Rebelle Rally, as you need more context and experience as to what the competition is.
  I am from Vancouver Island, Canada, and Tasha was based in Colorado. We traveled a long way to Southern California for this Rally Training, and we were betrothed to other teams at the time.
  Tasha has a 20-year military background and has a unique ability to both intimidate you and draw you in at the same time. She and I started some small talk asking where I was from. I responded that I was from Canada. Her face lit up, and her expression became increasingly animated as she replied, “Dude, I'm from Minnesota; we are going to be friends.” That was it, our friendship immediately blossomed, and we were brought together because we talked funny. In 2021 Tasha and I competed in the Rebelle Rally with other teams. We knew, however, that come 2022, we would become a team which is what we did!
  Rebelle Rally is the ultimate test in driving, navigation and mental endurance. The morning comes fast and hard. Typically, you wake between 4:30 am and 5:00 am, and there is a long to-do list before you hit the start line for that morning.
  This is where Beyond Clothing became our 3rd teammate. Our minds are already occupied with the jitters and anxieties of what the day may bring. The temperatures are cold and rise rapidly in the late morning. As women, we want to be comfortable and look good. Half asleep, we could grab any pair of Beyond Clothing pants, shirts, pullovers and jackets and know they would look good, keep us warm or cool, and be comfortable! Our minds could remain in the game without those insecurities of “do I look ok?” kicking in.
  Tasha and I had separate duties. As a navigator, I would receive between 20 and 35 coordinates for my day's checkpoints. I would be given a list of maps to draw from where I will plot these coordinates. At the beginning of the Rally, they provide each team with 13 maps representing the entire rally. We, however, have no context of these areas until we receive the daily coordinates.
  Plotting these coordinates takes roughly an hour of straight concentration. While working on this, Tasha is doing math for our Rally Road Book, packing up our base camp, checking over the Rally vehicle and doting on me, bringing me coffee and breakfast. Yes, I know I sound spoiled, and it’s because I was. I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate. Once we completed our tasks, Tasha and I reviewed our route for the day, gathered our things, and headed to the start line to hunt down checkpoints.
  Stay tuned for the next blog that breaks down the competition and how we placed, the types of competitors and the Beyond Clothing we styled during the rally.
 

Gear for Your Activity

You’d be forgiven for assuming that “gearing up” to stay hydrated amounts to filling up a water bottle and tossing it in your bag, but it’s worth delving deeper. Hydration packs are a faster, more efficient method than a water bottle, equipped with a drinking tube that doesn’t require you to stop moving in order to use. This is particularly important when you need to maintain active output for your layering system’s fast-drying and moisture-transporting performance. Hydration packs come tailored for a variety of use cases like running, hiking, cycling, and more. These design differences can range from optimization (low profile for cycling, or a vest instead of a pack for running) to crucial (snowsports packs built specifically to prevent freezing), so do your homework before you head out.

Optimize Your Performance

Hydration doesn’t begin and end with packing water. Especially in high-temperatures scenarios, your body can shed water faster than you can replenish it. First and foremost, layer according to your destination, season, and activity; choosing inappropriate layers for any of these will result in poor regulation of your body temperature and inefficient moisture transport, both of which impede your body’s ability to optimize hydration through sweat output. For hot climates, consider ultralightweight, antibacterial layers like the Todra K1 S.S. Crew.

If you’re planning an adventure in a hot climate you’re not already familiar with, take some time to acclimate to it before setting out. Keep an eye out for shady areas and make rest breaks under them frequently; avoid the temptation to push on just a little further, as over-exertion is all too easy to come by. In addition to packing water, choose snacks that will aid in hydration; if you’ll be moving through humid conditions, pack salty snacks to help maintain healthy sodium levels. And as fun as they may be back home, leave caffeine and especially alcohol out of your bag; both of these can lead to dehydration and increase your risk of heat illness or even heat stroke.

Learn Survival Dos & Don’ts

The last thing you’ll want is to find yourself stranded in a survival situation with no means of hydration. In these worst-case scenarios, knowing how to forage for water is crucial. Different climates and conditions require different techniques, and it’s important to know the right ones based on your prospective adventure.

Hot Environments

DO: Research how to set up a solar still. In short: dig a hole, place a small container at the bottom, and run a tube from the container to the top of the hole. Stretch a bit of tarp over the top, anchor with rocks, plug any holes with sand, and weigh down the center with another rock. Over time, condensation will form on the underside of the tarp and drip down into the container, which you can then drink without disturbing your setup via the tube.

DON’T: Whatever the movies might have told you, don’t drink your own urine to rehydrate. Besides being gross, it’ll also leave you even more dehydrated; your body will use that much more of its water to flush out the salt in your urine.

Cold Environments

DO: Melt snow into drinking water. If you don’t have any proper cooking vessels, prop a stone slab (or a metal sheet, if you have one) over your fire, assembling the supporting stones in descending size to tilt water down toward your container. Assembling stones atop the slab in a funneling shape can help guide the water as well

DON’T: Never eat snow without melting it first. Being mostly air, snow is highly inefficient as a source of hydration. Eating enough of it to make an impact on your hydration would also deeply chill your core and eventually lead to hypothermia.

Know What You’re Harvesting

One of the more famous foraging quips is, “All fungi are edible. Some fungi are only edible once.” The takeaway, of course, is to make sure you know what you’re gathering, but that doesn’t stop with your own bodily health. Are you foraging from a perennial (plants that live through several seasons) or an annual (plants that survive only one season)? The former can be as safe and easy as plucking an apple from a tree, but the latter can rob a plant of its one and only opportunity to reproduce. Also consider whether you’re foraging from something common or rare, indigenous or invasive. Blackberry bushes and dandelions are both edible, and are also common to the point of many a property owner’s frustration.

Take Only What You Need

Inverse to the blackberry or dandelion, avoid foraging from anything endangered and be sure to research the area you’ll be gathering in before heading out. When you do forage, resist the temptation to stock up without restraint. Wherever possible, avoid harvesting the entire plant. Take only a portion of the available fruit, for instance, or only the above-ground part of a plant so that the bulb, tuber, or roots can regrow over time.

Understand the Land

In addition to the plants and mushrooms you may be gathering, learn about the land they occupy. Is it private property? You don’t want to get a bagful of someone else’s produce. And if it is public land, are there any regulations governing foraging? Many such restrictions exist for the proliferation of the flora, the fauna that makes use of it, and to prevent trampling from regular gatherers.

Don’t Bring Fireworks to Wild Places

Fireworks are a fantastic show against the evening sky, bursting with color and sound. The best place to enjoy them, if you can, is at a public display; the dazzling theatrics are all the more grand, the deployment is managed, and less fireworks are set off without losing any enjoyment. More to the point, fireworks are uniquely disruptive and dangerous in wild places: foliage dried by summer heat is exceptionally combustible, and wildlife is more than just startled by the exhibition. Terrified animals will become disoriented, becoming lost in their panic, abandoning their nests, or running into traffic.

Use Eco-Friendly Fireworks

If you do buy your own fireworks, try to find eco-friendly versions. Besides the risk of wildfire and panicking animals, traditional fireworks typically create non-biodegradable litter and pollute the surrounding air and water with contaminants leftover from charcoal, sulphur, potassium nitrate, and heavy metal coloring agents. Options will vary depending on where you shop, but look for fireworks that avoid some or all of these ingredients and that employ a clean-burning, nitrogen-based fuel.

Pick Up After Yourself

It was true when we were kids, and it’s still true today: it’s always good to pick up after yourself. Gather up any plastic utensils, food wrappers, bottles, or used fireworks after you’re done for the evening and properly dispose of them. It may feel like a hassle to track down all the bits and pieces of used fireworks in the dark, but it’s one of the best things you can do if you plan on setting them off personally instead of going to a public display. Not only do most fireworks not biodegrade, they’re also choking hazards for wildlife.

BEYOND In the News

Check out the buzz for your favorite Seattle-based expedition brand.

Outside | The Best Fleece-Lined Pants for the Outdoors

We were excited to have the Testa Softshell K5 Pant featured in Outside Magazine’s list of the best fleece-lined pants last winter. We may be headed into the warmer months, but keep this in mind a couple seasons from now.

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Men's Journal | 25 Amazing Gifts for Boyfriends Who Love Tech, Gear, and More

We’re always striving to make our layers better, so it’s gratifying to see our most recent gear appreciated. The Men’s Journal included our new Avid Ultralight K4 Pant in their boyfriend gift list this year, alongside many non-expeditionary selections.

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Gear Junkie | The Best Hunting Jackets for Men in 2021

One of our classics got some love as well. Gear Junkie was particularly fond of the Prima Lochi K3 Jacket’s reversibility, naming it their most versatile pick. Check out their assessment, along with a fan testimonial.

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Outside | Everything You Need to Know About Puffy Jackets

We did pretty well with Outside in 2021, because they featured us again! This time they spent a few minutes on camera discussing the Cetra Durable K7 Jacket as part of a broader rundown of puffy jackets in general. If you’d like a starter course on puffies, check out this helpful video.

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Colorado Mountain Mom | Spring 2021 Women's Gear Guide

We’re proud to have the Women's Sojourn Ultralight K4 Jogger featured as one of the top picks for spring 2021, especially next to so much other excellent gear. Check out the thorough assessment Colorado Mountain Mom gives the Sojourn.

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Explore a National Park

It’s hard to overstate what a privilege the National Park System is. Consisting of 423 sites across more than 84 million acres, the NPS is a vast, breathtaking resource when it comes to sharing nature with young minds. With hiking, snapping photos, identifying unique flora and fauna, taking tours, and so much more, it’s hard not to find a day’s worth of activities. Use the NPS website to find a park near you!

Plan a Critter Encounter

If a national park isn’t within easy distance or you’re just looking for something a little more modest in scale, track down a local kid-friendly animal experience. This can be as simple as a farm tour or as big as a full-on wildlife park. Within driving distance of BEYOND HQ, for instance, you’d be able to choose between the Outback Kangaroo Farm in Arlington or the Northwest Trek in Tacoma.

Grab a Fishing Pole

A classic father and child activity if ever there was one, fishing is a fine choice for a quiet Sunday out at the water. We recommend an inshore spot both for the smaller fish and to avoid choppy seawater. There’s a bit more to manage than in a hike or park visit, but the fun of that first successful cast—and if they’re lucky, that first catch too!—makes it all worthwhile.

Go Bouldering

Indoor rock climbing is one of those things that seems tailor-made for kids; just challenging enough, an outlet for all that energy, and a sense of accomplishment at the end. For those looking to try something new, look into outdoor bouldering. It’s just what it sounds like: climbing a small- to mid-sized rock. You’ll need crash pads to catch your climbers and you’ll want to research a spot for challenge level, but there’s nothing like conquering a climb in the sun for young adventurers. Fresh air, exploration, and problem solving all come together for a rewarding experience. Just be sure to avoid common first-timer mistakes.

Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity

 Mistake #1: Not Doing Your Clothing Homework

Outdoor bouldering is more than just a t-shirt with a pair of jeans or shorts. Whenever you’re entering wild places, you’d be well-advised to layer accordingly. Part of that comes down to choosing gear appropriate to the environment and season you’ll be bouldering in: go with pants over shorts if you’ll be navigating a lot of rough foliage on your way to the site, choose something warm if you’re climbing in cold weather, and so on. But it also applies to the climb itself. “Unless it’s in the middle of the summer, you actually need to consider keeping your body warm between attempts,” Mario shares. “Your downtime in between might be like 15-20 minutes. I generally set a timer for no more than three minutes, because after that the body is legitimately getting cold.” Mario recommends choosing a good baselayer or puffy jacket to maintain warmth in the upper body (“It’s easier to warm up your legs,” he clarifies).

Mistake #2: Overlooking Your Crash Pad

Bouldering is a rope-free form of climbing, but that doesn’t mean safety-free. One of the first considerations you’ll need to make before starting outdoor bouldering is your crash pad, a portable pad that catches you should you, well, crash. If you’re climbing with a guiding company, check with them in advance; you may be able to rent a pad. If you’re buying one, do so with some deliberation. “Buy a crash pad from a reputable, well-known climbing company,” Mario advises, “I recommend Organic Climbing. I’ve been using them for 10 years, and one of the reasons I like their stuff is that you can get custom colors for your crash pad. When you’re going to a climbing destination, people often show up with pads that look exactly the same. Then they accidentally go home with the wrong gear. All my pads are rainbow colors, taken from the LGBTQ+ flag that was upgraded with black, brown, and a different color of yellow to incorporate all ethnic groups. It signifies that I’m in solidarity with everybody, and it’s undeniable which stuff is mine.”

Mistake #3: Treating Wild Places Like Your Personal Playground

When it comes to boulderers that are poor stewards of wild places, Mario doesn’t mince words: “Bad environmental impact is really a result of two things: pure laziness and selfishness.” Laziness encompasses, among other things, a lack of situational awareness: things like littering, grinding down the soil, or trampling vegetation (“Some cacti take decades to grow,” Mario adds). For selfishness, one of the biggest (and most overlooked) culprits is blasting loud music. “It’s really, really, really disruptive to the ecosystem. It’s also a personal safety hazard,” Mario continues. “One time someone I was climbing with had their music super loud and didn’t really turn it down when I asked them to. I couldn’t hear the hornets’ nest that I was climbing near, and I ended up getting stung. When we turned off the music you could hear them buzzing around; they were pissed.” And that’s far from the worst possible outcome. “This has probably happened twice,” Mario recalls, “I walked up, turned a guy’s speaker off, and then all of a sudden you could hear a rattlesnake nearby.”

Mistake #4: Poorly Packing Your Bag

If you’re accustomed to indoor bouldering, expect your bag to be much lighter once you start climbing outdoors. At the gym you have access to a restroom, to your car, to food nearby. In the wild, everything you need is going to be in your bag. “When you’re packing your bag, lay everything out on top of your bed so you can see it,” Mario says. “Then try to get rid of half of that. It’s usually stuff that you want and not that you need, and it all needs to fit into one bag, comfortably.” Making a checklist is an excellent way to rank and measure what you’ll need and how much; supplies for hygiene, medical, food, water, bags for waste, and so on. Then go back to your checklist after the trip and review what did and didn’t get used; over time, you’ll get a better sense of what to pack. For starting tips, Mario recommends taking more food and water than you think you’ll need, to test your packed bag’s carrying comfort before you head out, and to carry the bag on your front so you can sling your crash pad over your back.

Mistake #5: Forging Ahead Without a Plan

“Look before you leap” is a time-tested adage for a reason, and it applies in more ways than one when it comes to bouldering. “The most common mistake for boulderers is they’re so concerned with getting to the top of the boulder that they don’t know how to get back down,” Mario tells us, “People do not know how to get back down to the ground safely. Number one problem I run into.” Another thing that gets overlooked? Parking your car, before the climb even starts. Climbers block in other climbers far too often, which means someone trying to leave has a lot of searching to do. It’s also a good practice to record the GPS coordinates of where you parked. “If I have service, I’ll open up Google Maps and screenshot my GPS coordinates. So if I do call 911, at a bare minimum I can say, ‘I don’t know exactly where I am, but here are the GPS coordinates of my car, and I walked up the trail for about an hour and took four right turns.’ That’s enough for a helicopter to find you.” And above all else, plan before you even get in the car. Research not just where you’ll be going, but the season and time of day.

1. Honeybees pollinate up to 80% of America's insect crops, over $15 billion worth of crops each year.
2. One bee colony can single-handedly pollinate 300 million flowers every day.
3. The honey bee is the only insect on the planet that makes food eaten by humans.
4. Worker honey bees live at most six months, but the queen lives 2-3 years.
5. Queens and workers are genetically identical but phenotypically distinct. Their diet is what causes them to be different.
6. The stinger is part of the reproductive system and is used to lay eggs; as a result, only female bees can sting.
7. Male honey bees, or drones, are larger than workers and contribute nothing to the hive beyond mating.
8. The queen can lay 2,000 eggs every day. Fertilized eggs become workers, unfertilized eggs become drones.
9. Antarctica is the one and only continent on Earth that has no bees of any kind.
10. Plants that make caffeine ward off pests but attract pollinators; they also help bees remember a flower's location.
11. Bees learn the shortest possible route between flowers even if they discover them out of order.
12. Crystallization doesn't mean your honey is spoiled; in fact, it means it's natural and unprocessed. Well-stored, uncontaminated honey will last virtually forever.
13. To fuel one full flight around the world, a bee would need an ounce of honey.
14. There are about 20,000 species of bee, but only a small percentage make honey.
15. If two or more queens hatch at the same time, they will fight to the death.

To learn more about what BEYOND is doing to support the world’s pollinators and how you can help, check out our Global Responsibility page.

Layer according to the weather and activity

Weather protection is not all created equal. Different layers and different shells are suited for particular conditions and activity levels, and planning against both is important for optimizing your experience. If you expect to be consistently on the move, reach for a hooded softshell jacket that’ll breath, dry quickly, and ensure mobility; the Modus Light Softshell K5 Jacket is an excellent choice for warmer weather, while the insulated Aptus Hybrid Softshell K5 Jacket is a better bet for cooler conditions. If the forecast expects a downpour and/or you’re expecting to be hunkered down most of the time, waterproof hardshells like the upcoming Arx 2.0 K6 Rain Jacket and Pant will be the better choice.

Waterproof your EDC bag

Wet-weather preparedness doesn’t stop with your personal coverage; your gear isn’t going to like the rain any better than you. Ensure that your everyday carry bag is well-protected and that the gear stowed within is ready for use at a moment’s notice with waterproof coverage. We recommend the Pack Fly from Mystery Ranch; built with rugged, waterproof 70-denier fabrics and offered in three sizes, you can protect the EDC bag you love already instead of hunting for an expensive new replacement.

Learn how to start a fire in the rain

No matter how thorough your moisture-prevention game is, you’ll still want to have access to a fire at some point for warmth, drying yourself and your clothes, and preparing food. Save money by waterproofing your own matches with turpentine, nail polish, or candle wax, and for extra precaution pack a lighter and a spark rod as well. Make sure you’ve got the right tools for preparing wet wood, including a good sharp knife, a folding saw, and a hatchet; with practice and patience you’ll be able to retrieve dry wood from the center of otherwise wet tree limbs.

Choose your camping spot carefully

If you plan on camping during your trip, pack a waterproof tarp to create a covered common area. Besides offering a space outside of the tent(s) for your group to congregate, it’ll also allow wet clothes to dry out. Make sure there isn’t metal in your tent, umbrella, or any other camp gear in case of lightning, and don’t set up camp on high ground or underneath a tree. Also avoid settling down near standing bodies of water; lightning is still a risk there, as is flooding.

Prepare against navigating in the rain

Sometimes circumstances won’t allow you to stay in one place, and the last thing you want is to get lost during inclement. Use laminated maps, and track your position with compass notes and trail markers. Find yourself a walking stick to probe ahead of your steps; it’s all too easy to take a wayward step in pouring rain. And if visibility is compromised, include backup signaling options in case your phones aren’t an option; think whistles or even a smoke signal.

There are many things that excite us here at BEYOND: new expedition technology, starting new adventures, breaking bread and sharing stories with fellow adventurers, building an in-house beehive at the Acropolis. But the heart of all this continues to be a deep respect for wild places. There just isn’t anything else like them, both for their own sake and for the experiences they impart. It’s why it’s so important that we don’t simply connect you to those places, but also work to preserve them. It’s why we’re proud to have a Global Responsibility platform, and why Earth Day holds special significance for us.

Earth Day is more than a symbolic calendar date, it’s an expression of intention. As the website itself memorably captures it, “Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.” While we have so very, very much more work to do in the pursuit of wilderness stewardship, it’s hard to overstate how little was broadly understood about pollution and conservation prior to Earth Day. Recycling was anything but a household name, leaded gasoline surged through inefficient motors, and many American cityscapes were known as much for their ever-present blankets of smog as they were their skyscrapers and local attractions. Earth Day became a rallying cry, a tool for uniting around a shared seriousness and taking a systematic approach to global problems. It helped prompt the creation of the EPA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and more.

Much of this holds unique resonance for BEYOND. How can we sing the praises of wild places and work to connect you with them if we’re not also working toward their health, preservation, and growth? We strive toward a reciprocal relationship with these most fascinating and humbling of places. It starts with personal accountability, pushing ourselves toward ever more sustainable production practices. It continues with initiative, actively working toward the welfare of nature’s most unsung heroes, the pollinators. And it succeeds when others answer our call, which can be as simple as planting the bee-friendly seed paper we include in your order. We invite you to join us in this journey of always learning more and working everyday to ensure that wild places flourish.

A 2020 Adventure Experience

In 2020, filmmaker, photographer, dog musher, former national park ranger, and Nat Geo contributor Jayme Dittmar set out to retrace the famous 5th Thule Expedition of 1921 and examine the cultural, climatological, and zoological changes that had transpired since. What began as an adventure adapted into a more deeply connected experience with the lives of Alaskan Natives.

Almost 100 years ago, famed Greenlandic–Danish polar explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen set off from Danske Øen (translated: Danish Island) in Hudson Bay to run dogs and sleds across Arctic North America to the Bering Strait. This incredible expedition provided a profound, exciting, and yet easily accessible description of nature and Inuit culture at that time. Our Thule Expedition 2020 was intended to follow the track of the original, traveling by dog team some five-thousand miles around half the circumpolar north along the coast of the Arctic Ocean in Russia, United States and Canada. Climate change in the Arctic will drastically change the wild character and livelihood of the arctic people in the near future; thus, we are once again on the threshold of significant and very concrete social, economic, and cultural changes, just as when Knud Rasmussen completed the original 5th Thule expedition.

Our objective was actually to mush this distance over two years in reverse, starting in Nome, Ak. When our sled runners reached the sea ice on February 12th, I was elated. This was my first coastal trip by dog team. I was accustomed to traveling for months at a time in the mountains or across the country, but the ocean would bring a new set of challenges. Looking past the dogs to an endless horizon I felt myself leaning into my comfortable place: the unknown. The first three days we faced ground blizzards, as well as open water; our learning curve was steep. If the wind changed direction in the night, we would need to wake up and relocate our gear to the proper direction so it wouldn’t collapse. Our Beyond Systems were absolutely essential to our survival, but also overall enjoyment of thriving in difficult conditions. The only time I took off my Allta Parka, fur-ruffed hood, and goggles in the first five days of our journey was to sleep in the evening. Also our layering system kept the moisture off of our bodies so we didn’t freeze while breaking trail. We felt impenetrable from the Arctic conditions.

We managed to travel a fraction of the intended distance (about two weeks) before the state of Alaska issued a stay-in-place mandate that didn’t allow anyone to travel. Nobody was allowed in, and leaving would also prove to be difficult. On top of this, many of the villages along the coast of Alaska had lost over half of their populations in the last global pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918. Everyone was absolutely cautious. It took me about a week to internalize that I would not be continuing the expedition. We would miss the majority of the villages, sea ice, and adventure that was ahead and that I had been planning for almost the entire year before. So much of my identity as an “arctic explorer” is based on my own perception of my capability to cover the miles. But who was I to define progress in a world that is fractured, out of balance, and now demands that we slow down?

The difference between “stuck” and “liberated” was finite, and the desire for meaning was heavy; I needed to change my perspective. There was no better place to do so than with the people who were practiced in this, in the village of Shishmaref, Alaska. It was a place where the storms were so severe they buried houses overnight, and daily life took patience, insight, and humor. The dog mushing legacy was strong here, and we were immediately brought into village life. We were warmly welcomed into the legendary dog musher home of the Nayokpuks’. We spent the days hunting muskox and caribou, collecting fresh water, drinking ice from glacial lakes, listening to stories, giving sled dog rides to the kids, and eating some of the best food on the planet harvested from the land and sea.

We eventually decided that the trip would not continue and that coronavirus wasn’t something that was just going to blow over. Our best bet on getting a plane back to the road system with the dogs was Nome. Our hosts helped me fix a loose part on my dog sled and sewed wolverine fur on my wind anorak; parting gifts to help sustain us on the journey. On the day it came to leave, I was distraught. I hugged my new family tightly in tears, saying that I didn’t want to go. Of course they said I should just stay through the summer. I told them I would be back when all of this was over.

We decided on a different route back, traveling further inland to avoid the villages we passed through on the way. The return journey took about ten days. Even though the weather was extraordinary, every mile felt long, extended, as if traveling into the wind with a heading in the wrong direction.

The world’s wild places offer truly unique benefits, but first you have to go. That simple action of moving from the potential and transitioning to the actual is an adventure in and of itself. Because that transition is a commitment to the unknown, of what wild places decide to show you, give you, and ask of you.

Many of life’s finest lessons are waiting in wild places, and through our gear we’re proud to connect you with them. Few of our layers embody that goal as profoundly as our Allta Polar K8 Parka and Bib. This set of expeditionary armor is built to withstand the harshest cold on earth, but more than that it stands as an access pass and a mission statement: that you can truly go anywhere, truly experience anything, and truly go beyond your limitations to explore where few others have.

“I never thought I would be here, but here I am. Am I here to solve the mystery of my own exploration? After so many years of digesting stories, I find myself writing down my own. I realize that life is an expedition of my own transition. One that teaches me, shows me, and makes me appreciate the outdoors and what it can offer. The mountains show their true faces through each season. They allow us to experience its own culture. They inspire me to traverse its valleys and peaks. It’s my responsibility to avoid the cliches; cliches don’t honor the character of past friends nor the complexity of their lives. I continue this journey with open arms and an open mind. I never thought I would be here, but here I am.”

From surviving to thriving, we’re welcoming the new year. We’re looking forward to sharing with you the latest in expeditionary gear, crafted with ever-refined technology and field-tested by professionals. We’re dedicated to ecologically responsible manufacturing in order to sustain the wild places we explore. We’re continuing to champion the wild’s smallest heroes with the BEYOND Pollinator Program™. All this and more has us excited for another year of adventuring. Stay tuned!

Global Responsibility

“The world’s wildest places are a privilege, not a right.”

The world’s wild places are more than a park, more than a simple place of recreation. They’re not manufactured or curated for us, but stand independently as the grand foundation of the Earth. The sheer scope and power they possess is why we work so hard to connect you with them and the unique physical, mental, and emotional benefits they offer. It’s also why it’s important to us that we give back: wild places are a privilege, not a right.

This year we were proud to roll out our Global Responsibility platform, beginning with our flagship initiative, the Pollinator Program™. Pollinators are the world’s unsung heroes, the secret glue binding the ecosystem together. Without them it all falls apart, which is why we’re championing honey bees and other pollinators.

Upgrading Our Manufacturing

Higher Ecological & Ethical Standards 

It’s important to us that we connect you with wild places in ways that support them, not undermine them. That’s why we pushed ourselves this year to advance how we craft our expedition-grade gear. New layers are built with textiles certified by bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. Our new jackets the Modus Light Softshell K5, Dasche K3, and Anchor Light Belay K7 include technologies like renewable bamboo charcoal yarn and biodegradable, 100% post-consumer recycled insulation. And we’re combating the culture of disposable products with gear built to be everlasting.

New Expeditionary Gear

Expanding Your Ability to Connect With Wild Places

We’re dedicated to pushing the boundaries of your access pass to wild places. This year included expansions to that pass that we’re very excited about. We continued to grow our line of women’s gear with the Veil Midweight K2 Pullover and Sojourn Ultralight K4 Jogger, delivering lightweight, versatile layers packed with performance-focused features. We debuted our brand-new, first-ever line of expedition gloves with the Guide Glove, Guide Lite Glove, and Trek™ Glove System. The world’s wild places have never been more accessible.

New & Improved Pro Program

Giving Back to Support Our Everyday Heroes

Giving back is important to us. In 2020 we expanded and improved access to our Pro Program, supporting a wider array of everyday heroes and making it easier than ever for them to participate. Active service members, Veterans, and their families, government employees, medical workers, law enforcement, and first responders can all receive discounted pricing of 20% as thanks for their tireless work. If there’s a hero in your life that you’d like to show your appreciation for, all you have to do is send them our way.

Stay Tuned!

2021 and Beyond

We can’t wait to share even more exciting new things to come in 2021, including new gear, new adventures, and so much more. Stay tuned, stay safe, and as always: happy adventuring.