Beyond Clothing

3D Patterning has come to Beyond

2010-01-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Beyond recently completed a new investment in technology that allows us to step into a whole new realm in customization. Our new 3D patterning system allows us to create your garments in a digital world before creating it for you in the physical one. Now, not only are we able to create your custom cold weather gear specifically for your measurements, but we are able to verify that it will fit you perfectly. With 360x360 degree rotation (left and right, up and down), tight spots that shouldn't be tight, and loose spots that shouldn't be loose will be able to be recognized before our cutting table ever harms a thread of our state of the art fabrics.

Yes, we do have a Right Fit Guarantee, and thankfully it is not needed very often, but Beyond is dedicated to the fit we create for you, and that is not easy. If it were, more companies than just Beyond, would be creating American Made Custom Cold Weather Clothing. Any chance we have to allow for a better Beyond experience, we jump at the chance.
Here's to your next Beyond garment. May it fit even better than your last.

A new year...Some new snow

2010-01-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

2009 has come and gone, and the snow is slowly making its debut here in the North West. A quick few dumps in November got everyone excited, and then really nothing happened in December. But thats the way it is. Skiing and riding don't really get good until January, and then it stays all the way through the summer. A beautiful thing indeed.
We got up to the Mt. Baker ski area this last Sunday for the first time this year. Our local hills near Seattle take a bit more time to get the base they need. Baker had plenty of great buttery snow, and it was actually sunny most of the day.
During the day I wore a Base Line pant, with the Glacier Shock Pant over it. Great comfort and protection for those tele falls that so often happen, but I couldn't help but notice that a bit more warmth in the rear for the chair ride would have been nice. I'll have to keep that in mind as we redesign the line for a relaunch in June.
My trusty Base Line Long Sleeve, and Grid pullover gave me the warmth I needed on top with Beyond's GORETEX jacket on top. Now I am not usually a believer in waterproof / breathable shells on days when the rain is not pouring down, but I've got to say, that the protection and breathability are beginning to make me change my mind. The 2.5 layer fabric, similar to PacLite, but American Made, breathes well, and feels good while skiing all day.

Road Trip I

2009-11-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

This fall the folks at Beyond have seen more than a few rambunctious times and its not even Halloween yet. Liana, Siena (the black lab), and I jumped in the car on one fine September day, and found ourselves (20 hours later) in Teddy Roosevelt National Park.

Now for those of you who do not know where TRNP is, as I did not, its across the very long state of Montana just inside North Dakota on Hwy 94. I’ve heard quite a few folks say how ‘flat’, and ‘uninteresting’ North Dakota is, or the Midwest for that matter. After the next few hours in the park, I can personally say they’re wrong.
We got up to a campsite, which we could not see at four o’clock in the morning a few hours prior, that had warning signs of rattlers and bison. The bison had already made their mark with massive beds flattened in the prairie grass, only yards from our tent. Thankfully none had been there that night, or that morning.

A quick breakfast and a few mandatory emails, and we were on the driving loop. It was hot by 10:00, and since trails in a national park and dogs don’t mix, I decided to jump out of the car and head out for a trail run. 3.5 miles straight through bison and rattle snake country, on a trail next to a creek called Jones Creek (fitting). Liana was going around on the road and would pick me up on the far side.

The day was getting hotter. Being on the road for two weeks was forcing me to be strategic in what clothing became regretfully fragrant. So in running shoes and shorts, I set off. The run was uneventful until 45 minutes later when I could see the Green Subaru at the trail head only 100 yards away. My eyes then traced the trail back to my feet and the area I would have to travel through to get to said car. Sadly there were at least 25 head of Buffalo in that distance, and I would soon find out that I was not going to be let past.

There were two young ones in the bushes, and the massive grass eating grunters were not going to let me through. Scratch that…growlers. They actually growled at me as I tried to whistle my way past.
Not able to go left due to large tight bushes, I was forced up a ridge with semi tall grass. Walking in large steps keeping one leg above the knee tall grass (yes, a picture would have been good), I proceeded to the ridge where I hoped I could traverse and lower myself down to the road. The bull of all bulls though was chewing his cud up top though, and he felt like he had to show off a bit by getting up. Only 30 feet away, and as tall as me, I ‘scampered on down the other side of the ridge, and found myself on a 45 foot cliff overlooking the road. …..No car…..
Side note: I would find out later that several young buffalo had been wrestling near the car, and had actually used the car as a bumper during their game. Liana, in her infinite wises, left for the other trail head hoping I would be as wise, and turn around on the trail.

Quite a while later the bison from below found themselves wandering off down to the east, and I was able to make my way down to the road.
Stopping every car I could, I let each know to look for the green Subaru which held water, and more importantly at this point, a shirt. I believe I was on the ‘35th bottle of beer on the wall’, when a beautiful truck with leather seats, and a trailer big enough to haul at least 6 horses pulled up. A man in a Stetson right out of the movies, rolled down the window, and said ‘I’m thinking your name is Scott’. I of course agreed, and he said to hop in.
30 minutes later, after a call to Liana, she pulled up, and for the coming two hours, we stood around hearing stories of his and 8 others horse riding exploits over the last few decades. Chasing Bison, being chased by Bison, creating traditional masterpiece saddles that are so ordained win contests and art competitions where there is actually ‘art’, and how often the find themselves getting into trouble. It pleased me to know that my ‘trouble’ was pretty low on the scale, all told.

Beyond's Version of Philosophy

2008-09-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

Is it called a vacation or a trip?

Scott says trip because taking trips is a lifestyle whereas a vacation just means you want to take a break from your life. Seems like a reasonable distinction to me. However after a summer of on and off rain and the last week feeling like December in Seattle with all the gray skies and poor weather, I am indeed ready for a vacation. In particular SUNSHINE!!!

I’ve never gone anywhere warm (unless you count the unfortunate trip to Orlando for a high school band competition. Yes I was a band geek and I’ve already heard all the jokes), but always said I would some day. One day Scott mentioned he wanted to take a full week off of work and had never been to Mexico. So I found some cheap tickets and we head out in October. Our luggage quota has to go to kites and boards so our clothing has to be light and compact to fit the carry on restrictions. To that end Scott is going to produce some new items including a dress and skirt for me.

So check back to see what clothing Scott designs and how it turns out. Also tickets are only cheap because it’s still hurricaine season in the Yucatan that time of year. I’m hoping for an uneventful trip but events mean stories so not all is lost provided you have a good sense of humor.

Stay tuned!

Sea Fair and Skiing in August

2008-09-08T16:09:00.001-07:00

Here in Seattle summer means many things, bonfire nights on the beach, kayaking, mountain biking, among a host of other activities. Really the options are endless and most I have embraced with open arms. However there is one tried and true Seattle activity which I have made a concerted effort to avoid for the last eight summers I have been here. So much so that last year found me off backpacking in the mountains with a broken rib, concussion, and hyped up on vicodin (good times - just ask my partner). What could drive a person to these lengths? I have one word for you: SeaFair. Now it isn't so much SeaFair itself which provides a month of neighborhood fairs, celebrations, and events. It's the closing weekend which caps the whole
thing off. In one weekend we get a massive air show complete with the Blue Angels, Hydroplane races (imagine Nascar on water), and a huge fair in one of the largest city parks. We endure closures of the major I-90 bridge over lake Washington, the noise of the Blue Angels taking off several times a day for several days in a row (they actually take off right above the Beyond facility), among other slight if irritating inconveniences. At least that was my feeling as a transplant who had never taken the time to go. So you can imagine my reaction when Scott e-mailed all excited because he had gotten free passes to not only the event but into the
pits where the hydros are. Now I have to admit I was curious and this was going
to be a close-up view but with a ton of snow still sitting on Mt. Baker skiing seemed like a much better use of my time. However it is good to be social so we came up with what we thought was the perfect Seattle summer weekend: riding our bikes to SeaFair with a couple of friends and their son; checking out the fair and the pits; heading to their friends house for a party; then riding our toushes off back to Scott's car, driving to pick up the dog and my car which was fully
packed with camping and skiing gear, driving up to Mt. Baker, camping at 'our spot', and skiing Sunday.

SeaFair wasn't exactly what we hoped but it was interesting to see the boats up close. However all I kept thinking was "I wonder how much the fuel bill is?" I'm guessing this guy was thinking the same thing:

May be time for a new sport

After experiencing all SeaFair had to offer for us we headed up to the party.
Our host loves the Blue Angels. Conveniently his house is located up on a hill
right above the fair and right in the path of the airshow.

He has a great view which is made even better by the fact he installed a full
set of bleachers on his roof specifically so people could come watch the show.
I can't think of a better way to see the Blue Angels. Kegs of beer, tons of
great BBQ, an endless assortment of sweet treats, comfy seating, and the best
part; a real bathroom! Some people may have been inclined to linger but we were
on a mission to stick to the plan. We managed to pull it off and found ourselves
installed at our campsite by 9:30pm. It wasn't one of our finest car camping
excursions what with no happy hour or camp chairs but we did manage to get through
a chapter of the Monkey Wrench Gang which we read on every tenting excursion
and I made the best camp pillow ever out of my Beyond (black jacket help) wrapped
around a Beyond Primaloft vest. The jacket has to go inside out so as to help
reduce slippage on the Therma-rest pad.

The next morning we headed up to our breakfast spot which is
when we noticed the dog was actually injured. She had managed to completely
expose the quick of her nail and had a couple of torn pads. Now Siena loves
the snow more than any dog I've ever known so there was no chance of her taking
it easy. But we were up there and figured we had to get some August turns in
and I needed to give my L2 Grid its first active test. So we headed out to Blueberry
Chutes which is just a short jaunt from the Artist Point parking lot. It was
perfect spring skiing conditions.

Unfortunately Siena is one vocal dog and whenever one of us
went out of sight she would start barking and pulling wanting to run after.
We had gotten a night in the tent and time in the mountains, and a tenth straight
month of turns.

10 months of skiing and trip 1 in my L2. A great day. Apparently being able to nap the whole ride back to Seattle isn’t good enough.

2008-08-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

Beyond Blogger: Liana Herron

A couple of Fridays ago Scott met me for dinner and brought with him my very own Beyond L2 (grid) pullover. Now while I knew this was in the works as we had taken measurements and talked about what clothing I wanted I didn’t expect to see the first result so quickly nor did I know what to expect. To back up a minute; when you meet a guy on the chairlift and he starts talking about a custom clothing company he owns you think to yourself “that sounds pretty cool”. That said it’s still kind of hard (at least for me) to imagine exactly what it would mean if I got a custom made something or other. Scott’s extremely passionate about what he does so I figured the clothes had to be pretty good and I have worn a few items of his which were not custom made for me. Read: I continually steal his fleece hoodies under the premise I forgot to bring a sweater with me. In fact there’s one in my hall closet now but still I’ve never owned a piece of custom gear before and have been fine.

So to continue, I pull the shirt over my head and………….SOLD!!!! You know those kids who decide they are going to stay in their jammies for weeks on end? Yeah that’s me in my L2. It’s been in the 70’s and 80’s here in Seattle and I’m looking for any excuse I can to wear my shirt. Out of the last 14 days I think that shirt has seen wear at least 11. Don’t believe me? Just ask my co-workers.

You might be thinking to yourself what could be that great about a shirt. Well let me tell you; first and foremost it fits. Not it fits okay, not this will do, but it actually fits and frankly it makes me look pretty dang good. At least I think so and that’s really all that matters. Just because you are in the woods or on the slopes doesn’t mean you don’t want to look at your best. Take it from me; chairlifts are a great place to meet people.

Now to the serious bits; for the women out there who have been graced with curves you will understand the difficulties of getting a top to fit. An ample chest means those shirts designed around a more boyish female figure all of a sudden are two inches shorter in the front, there is extra fabric billowing in the hollow of your back, and nothing manages to find its way over your hip bones but instead bunches up around your waist.

With this shirt the front comes down past my waistband, it skims my hips instead of bunching up, I don’t look like a box, and there aren’t bunches of fabric floating around my lower back. I wish someone would have told me about custom earlier.

For the guys with long arms, long torsos, and small waists with big shoulders you too can have something with fabric where it should be, like at your wrists, and not where it shouldn’t be, for example bunching up around your stomach.

It’s also important to not forget that at $64.00US it is less expensive than many of the comparable alternatives out there. And yes that is custom and you even get a neck zipper.

Camber Layering System - Level 3 (Fleece)

2008-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-01T08:34:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-29T21:57:00.001-08:00

"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

2008-02-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

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?"

Feb 22, 2008: SNEWS Review Launch

2008-02-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

Therese from SNEWS/Gear Trends was kind enough to take us up on our offer to review some product; she requested a soft shell pant for hiking and trail in the spring and first part of summer.

Our Cold Play Soft Shell Pant has been called up. We'll let you know when her report drops (that's music industry lingo I picked up while watching American Idol, yo.)

Feb 20, 2008: Pack your bags for Tampa

2008-02-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

Email from the head honcho....

"Beyond is now registered for SOCOM in Tampa, May 20th-22nd. Booth number 836. Search attachment in Acrobat to find easily."

SOF_2008_FloorPlan%5B1%5D.pdf

Tampa in February is nice. Tampa in May is the equivalent of turning my oven to broil, crawling in and holding my breath. "Humid and uncomfortable" is a good way to describe the big T. Luckily these conventions turn their AC down to about 55 deg F. Not good on the ol' half-Asian hair either way. Want proof? Here I am after just 5 minutes at the recent SHOT show in Vegas. Humidity nowhere near as bad as Tampa, but the AC kicked my ass!

Feb. 19, 2008: Help Wanted - Amazing Race Partner

2008-02-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

The Amazing Race. I need a partner to do it. We'll send in a 3 minute video. Expect travel time to be 30 to 40 days. Have a passport, no felonies or restraining order? I'll eat the "stuff" no matter the texture, and we'll be sporting Beyond Clothing from Antarctica to Zimbabwe.

Pictured are contestants Brandon and Nicole reading a clue as a fire-spewing UFO races by.

Feb 19, 2008: BusinessWeek TV "Made in America, Maybe"

2008-02-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

Did you know America's favorite mushroom - Pennsylvania Dutch Mushrooms - are a product of China? All these years I thought I was feeding the neighbor's dog leftovers that were grown and packaged within the vacinity of Dupont, Pennsylvania, but Business Week TV aired a great piece on products that claim to be "Made in America" but are not thanks to some crafty marketing lingo.

For the record, every single Beyond product is designed, cut, sewn, boxed and shipped from Washington. Not Washington, China, but Washington State.

Feb 14, 2008: Fingers crossed your $159 sweater fits

2008-02-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

My friend wants to order his favorite bicycle company's new wool sweater. I've seen it online, and it's snazzy. The bike company is even honest about they don't make it, just slapped their name and a big logo across the back. But the sizing is a bit odd, and the company's web copy has him scratching his quickly-disappearing hairline about which size to get. It reads:

"Sizing on these puppies tends to edge toward the new American sizing (i.e. we're getting fat, people). In other words, if you normally are between a medium and a large, order the medium."

$159 for sweater which may or may not fit. Add $10 for shipping. Another $10 s/h to exchange.

Feb 11, 2008: Remember when a medium was a medium no matter what?

2008-02-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

A recent product write-up I came across online. Company's name replaced with *** because I don't want to spend my days putting out fires. If the reviewer had a public profile I'd contact him and chat about customizing a Beyond soft shell. Anyone know a "DS from Bend, Oregon"?

"Alas, ***, seemingly other companies as well, has succumbed to the size inflation game. Perhaps it is the expanding waistline of America that is fueling this, or maybe it is the tendency of a larger waistline of the newer core demographic as *** spreads out to a larger audience. I looked recently replace my *** with a new one from *** The new *** is huge! A medium no longer fits my 5'9", 155 lb., frame. The sleeves are too long, the chest is baggy, and it is just frumpy, for lack of a better term. Moving to a small would seem to rectify this, but the small is, well, too small. My medium from 4 years ago fit great. What happened from then until now?"

Feb 11, 2008: Beyond Clothing question(s) o' the day

2008-02-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

We get lots of mail here at Beyond Blog headquarters. Mostly it's about special blue pills from Canada for pennies on the dollar or the lure of riches from a dictator's estranged cousin promising us millions (BTW, Prince Calamari the Third, we're still waiting on our 7 mill! We sent the truckload of Grid Pullovers and it's your time to settle up), but once in a while they're legit. Here's a recap of the weekend's Q & A.

4:20 pm, Friday: I'm visiting Seattle. Where should we eat?

Um, that has nothing to do with Beyond Clothing. Ask us about convertible pants or who the new Schoeller USA PR person is. Having said that, you can't go wrong with any of Tom Douglas' restaurants. A few miles up the road from 216 S. Brandon, try the ravioli at Palace Kitchen. $18 for the large plate.

8:37 am, Saturday: Do you make soft shell swimwear for women?
Double "what?!" No. Try Patagonia.

7:17 pm, Sunday: When will Beyond launch customized flyfishing clothing? I cast near Mile Marker 39 on the North Fork of the CdA River, and would be a good product tester.

Sigh. *shaking fist at sky* Beyond Clothing has no plans to produce flyfishing gear. We don't have the manpower or time to babysit new projects. Never, ever.

7:21 pm, Sunday: Hi, I sent an email a few minutes ago about custom flyfishing gear, but forgot to attach a pic of me at the river.

Beyond Clothing is pleased and excited to announce the launching of a new women's specific flyfishing clothing line! As with every Beyond product, we will extensively field test each item via select Gear Ambassadors, and be there to assist them with any product questioning or fit customization no matter how long it takes.

Feb 7, 2008: Testing PrimaLoft with Pasta

2008-02-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Frank J is a Northwest-based climber and all-around hardcore mountain man. He's also a 2008 Beyond Gear Ambassador, and recently put his new Cold Fusion Shock Pants and PL5 Jacket and Pro2OH jacket to use during a Level 1 Avalance Training class. In addition to the 30+ adventures he partakes in, Frank has a gnarly collection of photos. The goat (I'm sure there's a college kid from Montana reading this who knows exactly what kind of mountain goat this is...if so, please let me know) is my favorite. It's just there. Doing nothing. Here's Frank's report about doing something...

"Spent last weekend at Stevens Pass taking a Level 1 Avalanche Training class. Saturday was a lot of snow layer analysis and tests and demonstations - therefore a lot of standing around in the snow. Spent the night up above Stevens Pass. It was 13 degrees when we were having breakfast, so I guess it was 10 degrees or colder where we camped during the night. Spent Sunday doing avalanche rescue scenarios and beacon searches. This, of course, involved a lot more standing around in the snow. Did all of that standing around in the Cold Fusion Shock Pants and the PL5 Jacket (our link is currently being reworked) and the Pro2OH jacket. I like the jackets a LOT. Designed well, warm, good stuff. Lighter than I expected. The pants are heavy, but good for the cold days. The pants shed the snow well and dry quickly. Haven't gotten the jackets wet, other than spilling pasta all over the PL5 during dinner. But the Pro2OH sheds the snow well.

Feb 6, 2008: Bet the house on the Camber Layering System

2008-02-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a Camber Layering System ad proof (in pesky Adobe PDF) for the year-long issue of Rock and Ice's Gear Finder special coming out in March. Jolene from R&I approved it today, yea!

camberlayeringsystem.pdf

Feb 6, 2008: Hillbilly Vogue

2008-02-06T20:23:00.000-08:00

We get some fantastic product ideas from long-time Beyond customers and curious lurkers. And then we get ideas like this....

"I was running around in my underwear yesterday and thought of you.

Now that I have your attention. Here goes. I think someone (that would be Beyond) needs to make a knicker longjohns. Your socks already come up to your calves, so why do you need a double layer there? I want a pair of longjohns with legs that stop right below the knee.

This isn’t just a fleeting thought. I went snowshoeing and my longjohn bottoms kept sliding down, as usual. It always happens when I am hiking. I went home and cut them off right at the knee, and they were more comfortable and stayed up.

So here’s a golden opportunity. Longjohns that fit right. Pitch that at your next sales meeting. Tell them they will sell at least one pair (but not for $80.)"

Scott probably doesn't want me to reply in an official capacity so here is my unofficial what-the-hell-are-you-thinking comeback:

Beyond had plans for a similar product. Our "Jed Clampet Longjohns That Fit Right" product line was going to be a Schoeller soft shell/Polartec fleece collaboration, and yes it did stop right below the knee, and yes it did have no fewer than 4 sets of zippers, and yes it came with a butt flap. But we couldn't get a majority of Kentucky's citizens to sign over the licensing agreement. I'm not even sure how to spell "Clampet," and seeing as how I need to finish rewriting the existing Beyond product copy, I don't have the time to Google it. Beside, our Grid Fleece pant (available separately or as part of the Camber Layering System) is a pretty darn popular product even though it doesn't have a butt flap (please keep all jokes to yourself).

Notice the suggestor wrote how his longjohns fall down while hiking, but they performed much better after he cut the leg bottoms off. Dude, there's an easier fix! Quit hiking. Hiking ain't good for you anyway. It makes you sweat. Sweating sucks. Save an innocent longjohn - don't hike!