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.