Camber Layering System - Level 3 (Fleece)

Level 3 of the Camber Layering System (CLS) includes a versatile set of fleece fabrics. From the Malamute to the Cold Blooded, each of our fleece products are made with Polartec. In 1996 when I started Beyond, we launched the Cold Blooded along with our Classic Line. The Classic line was traditional Polartec 200 fleece, a fine fabric, yet the Cold Blooded went a step ahead. At about the same thickness as Polartec 200, the Cold Blooded is two layers of fleece with a windproof, water resistant membrane in the middle. The inside layer of fleece is treated to wick moisture and disperse it along the membrane to enhance moisture transfer. The outer fleece layer is treated to be hydrophobic (hates water) and beads up water on the outside even before it gets to the membrane. Along with the great water characteristics, the fabric stretches perfectly for comfort of movement. The two layers of fleece along with the membrane allow for the warmest fleece product available.
The Cold Blooded is a great addition to anyone's CLS as their Layer 3. It is not as compressible as some fabrics though. If you will be wearing a wind proof layer (L4 and above), the windproof membrane of the Cold Blooded is not needed, so for versatility, compressibility and weight reduction, the Malamute is recommended. As a high loft fleece, warmth without weight is at the highest level. A loose weave with lofty 'fingers' creates great warmth on its own without wind, and great warmth under Layers 4-7 with any amount of wind. Due to its loose weave (less bulk), and open fingers (less bulk), the compressibility of the jacket is very high.
Recommended locations and uses: As a mid layer, the fleece is to be used as an addition to Levels 1 and 2 when the temperature dips below a comfortable level. What temperature would that be? We are unable to say, as everyone is different depending on their natural 'furnace', age, sex, fitness level, experience level (stress reduces temperature), and if they are wearing a warm hat. What I can say is that the CLS with the addition of Layer 3 will take you anywhere in the world, in any condition, any time of year, with less weight and bulk than ever before.
We've recently added a product matrix that has weight comparisons for all layers. See it here. Product Matrix.pdf <.5 meg>

Camber Layering System - Level 2

Beyond’s blog is currently progressing through each level of the Camber Layering System. Continuing the progression through the various layers we are on to Layer 2.

The layers progress from long underwear, and next to skin type products in Layer 1 to the warmest, most protective layers in Layers 6 and 7.

Layer 2 includes the Grid products. The Grid, named for its inner fleece that looks like a grid, or waffle pattern, is fleece next to the skin, and smooth on the outer. Even though it is fleece it still includes the same wicking properties as the Base Line in Layer 1, and is still Polartec PowerDry. What does this mean?

1) PowerDry uses a bi-component knit that utilizes smaller yarns on the outside, that creates capillary action to draw moisture from your skin, and the inside of the shirt or pant, and spreads it out over the fabric for enhanced drying.
2) The ‘grid’ pattern is created by cutting away fleece linearly, leaving squares of loft. This increases compressibility, and enhances warmth with more pockets of air to capture your heat.
Otherwise the Grid fabric feels very similar to a 100 weight, one sided Polartec fleece.

I must say that the Grid has impressed me. We offer it in a long underwear style pant with fly, and a ¼ zip shirt. I have used both extensively over the last two years, next to skin and as a secondary layer. The pant as a next to skin works well while telemarking both on lift access, and back country (a Level 5 pant over). The wicking action keeps my warm legs dry, and do not overheat easily.
The Grid Shirt usually has the Base Line T-shirt under it, and has been used in single digit temps with multiple layers over (Layer 5 jacket & Layer 7 vest), and while biking on cool summer mornings (no other layers). The air flow allows for heat exhaust, yet keeps enough warmth to allow for continuous comfort.
The looks are also great. The patterning of the grid texture on the inside shows through to the smooth outer surface. Compliments abound, while it is also easy to transition from the trail to the pub, or bbq without feeling strange.

Camber Layering System - Level 1

It seems like my goal in life lately is to obtain as much experience with our Camber Layering System (CLS) as possible.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be explaining the Camber Layering System, layer by layer. The Base Line being ‘Layer 1’ will be at the beginning. Layers 2 through 7 will come soon after. I hope that through these stories, and production information you’ll begin to understand the layers, how they work together, and to know which are right for you.
My name is Scott Jones. I’ll be your guide through the process, and am also owner and founder of Beyond Clothing.

On Saturday, a skiing partner and I found ourselves on Mount Margaret near Snoqualmie Pass. A few weeks before, we had also been on a mountain biking trip in Bellingham, WA. The two experiences show the versatility of the Base Line.

It is important to know that I am a very warm person. I heat up quickly, and do not get chilled easily. On our ski trip to Mt. Margeret I was carrying a pack with the usual water, ten essentials, shovel, etc, weighing in at probably 15 pounds.

Being a snowy day, yet with spots of sun, I was only in my Base Line Silk weight t-shirt up top. Pants were differing layers, to be discussed in future posts.
While we made our way up through the forest we were working hard. Steep terrain with knee deep snow made the going tough, but Dave’s vocabulary does not include the word ‘slow’.
Sweat appeared on my face, and forearms, creating the appropriate cooling, yet allowing the skin to uncomfortably chill when the sun dipped behind a cloud. My body on the other hand was protected by the silk weight shirt. Not a snug fit, but one that allows for continuous connection with the skin, the PowerDry fabric from Polartec wicked every drop of moisture from my skin. The action worked so well that the outside of the shirt actually beaded up with water. This is significant as many other cotton or synthetic shirts will simply ‘wet out’ or soak through.
By not wetting out, the shirt stayed light, dry, and able to continue wicking for hours to come. This regulated my temperature, and kept me comfortable and dry for the entire trip.

March 1, 2008: 24 Hours Old Pueblo

Endurance mountain bike athlete, blogger extraordinaire and Beyond Gear Ambassador Jeff Kerkove started his 08 season off on the right clipless shoe by helping the Ergon2 team ride away with the 5 Person Co-Ed title at the 24 Hours Old Pueblo (shouldn't there be a "of" in the middle?). Other race members included 2007 Female Mountain Biker of the Year Pua Sawicki, Ron Sawicki, the agless Dave Wiens and Dejay Birtch.

Favorite quote of the day: "Not really in the mood to line up for a World Cup XC event and get thrashed beyond my wildest nightmares."

March 1, 2008: Jeremy Wright North American Snowshoe Championship

Beyond athlete Sonja Wieck placed an incredibly awesome 8th at the recent Jeremy Wright North American Snowshoe Championship.

What's next for the Colorado multisport supermom? Oh, just the National Championship in Ogden, Utah, and then the St. Anthony Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Florida.. Lots of Saints down there...

Feb 29, 2008: Sell the house, live in the Cold Fusion Women's Jacket

"My Cold Fusion Shell Jacket is by far the best jacket I've ever owned. I've been living in it, and also have had tons of compliments on it!"

Feb 26, 2008: The Huntin' Fool

Arguably the best group of guys we hung around with at the recent SHOT Show, Jason, John, Bryan, Adam and Garth from The Huntin' Fool were kind enough to send Beyond a complimentary membership. Along with was 3 issues of their beautiful magazine (can you describe a hunting mag as "beautiful"...just goes to show John can lay out a good read!)and a very manly (there, testosterone levels back up) Browning knife with The Huntin' Fool logo. Everything about THF points to the fact they are THE experts for western big game hunting.

Feb 25, 2008: Official outdoor clothing sponsor of...

The ink isn't dry and we're waiting for the deliver of a logo, but it's official: Beyond is THE clothing sponsor of a state and collegiate "something-something" series. We'll spill the something-something details when everything is signed, sealed and delivered, but it's totally cool. And yes, there may be hats involved; geez, enough with the hats already!

Feb 25, 2008: Product suggestion so top secret

So top secret I would be dead if I printed the guy's name or where he worked. But I'll take the chance with the copy/pasting of the email body just because I'm so happy it wasn't another "you guys should do hats."

"I am a special agent trainee for the (take out name of agency so I don't wake up staring into an interrogation light). I spent the last 11 years as a helicopter door gunner where I had the opportunity to put your products to good use. However, my new career path has changed my clothing needs dramatically. As such, I cannot think of another company that might be able to help myself and some of my class out.

There exists a gap between current overcoats and the technical market. As special agents, we spend large amounts of time wearing suits while performing protective details. However, current raincoats/greatcoats do not provide prolonged protection from the elements. They either are warm or waterproof, but rarely both. So, having used your garments previously, I feel that if you could make a greatcoat in the Cold Blooded fabric, you might well cover both needs in one shot. With a few interior pockets to handle gear needs, you guys could fill our needs perfectly. Color would need to be a darker gray, black, or dark blue. There is no need for a zipper in the front, with several large buttons taking that role. Length would be down to the knees.

Would you guys be able to help us out on something like this?"