Beyond® Clothing is an outdoor clothing company based in Seattle, Washington. It is more than just another clothing company. The company was created in 1996 to meet the need for survival clothing systems engineered to meet mission specific requirements. It offers what many consider to be the most technical clothing solutions on the market today.
The entire Beyond Clothing collection is fine-tuned and built with the single purpose of keeping you alive anywhere in the world, even under some of the most extreme conditions, without bulking you down and holding you back. It has undergone rigorous testing by professional teams in some harshest environments around the globe. Beyond Clothing is a strong supporter of the US military and first responder communities.
Environmentally Sound Practices
Beyond Clothing adheres to a policy of environmentally-sound sustainable production of its products. The clothing is crafted from bluesign®-certified textiles. Bluesign-certified textiles are verified for ecological safety at every step of manufacturing. The Ultra Lochi K3 is also certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® as free from harmful levels of over 100 substances.
The Beyond Pollinator Program ™ is committed to helping the world’s pollinators, which are critical for ecological help but are dwindling in numbers and diversity. As part of its program, Beyond Clothing order inserts and hang tags are crafted from lavender/poppy seed paper that you can plant and water to provide one of the bees’ favorite flowers for pollinating.
The Beyond Layering System
Nature is highly unpredictable. All of the Beyond Clothing collection is built on a foundation of layers. The Beyond Layering System™ is a complete 8-layer level technical clothing system that’s designed to optimize human performance in the worst climatic conditions. Each of the eight layer levels of clothing has a quick-reference label in the name to show where it sits in the system
Starting at layer Level 1 the system works its way up from base layers through insulation, softshell and hardshell expeditionary outerwear. It employs purpose-built fabrics that provide breathability and fast drying across every layer, along with protection from the elements, and functionality in climates ranging as low as -70°F (-57°C).
Beyond Clothing currently offers two systems—AXIOS™ and KYROS™. AXIOS is the company’s flagship system. It is completely made in the USA and Berry Compliant. KYROS is the company’s new imported system. It is designed with the same experiences gained from outfitting professional expeditionary teams that went into the design of AXIOS. Both systems are completely interchangeable.
Beyond Clothing Ultra Lochi K3 Jacket
Beyond Clothing recently provided me with its new men’s Ultra Lochi K3 jacket for evaluation. It’s a more technical version of the company’s most popular jacket. The K3 in the name indicates that the Ultra Lochi K3 is part of the KYROS system collection and is Level 3 in the Beyond Layering System. Level 3 can be thought of as the workhorse layer in so far as insulation is concerned.
Level 3 is a midweight performance active insulation level. It is designed for active use in conditions below 45°F (7°C). It is designed to provide exceptional heat retention on the move (hiking, rucking, climbing, skiing, etc.). It can also also be employed as a wind-resistant outer layer in more temperate conditions depending on the environment.
The Ultra Lochi K3 features a fully reversible design that literally gives you two jackets in one. Reversible jackets have been around for a long time. Although great in concept, they have generally been lacking in their design execution. The latter is not the case with the Ultra Lochi K3. Beyond Clothing nailed the concept with its design.
The Ultra Lochi K3 is presently available three different colorways. It comes in your choice of Black / Woodland Camo; Kona / Blaze Orange and Coyote / Nightbreak Camo colorways. I went with the Coyote / Nightbreak Camo colorway as it best fit my own needs considering where and how the jacket will be worn.
The Ultra Lochi K3 shell features lightweight and tough 20-denier 100% micro ripstop nylon construction. The fabric has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to prevent precipitation from saturating the jacket’s exterior when it is worn as outer wear. The jacket also features 1.8 oz. PrimaLoft® Black Bio™ insulation for warmth. Premium quality zippers with rubber pulls are used throughout. The jacket (size L) weighs in at 17.6 oz. (498.95 g).
A few words on the insulation. PrimaLoft Black Bio insulation is a lightweight top-of-the line synthetic insulation that retains heat without adding bulk. It has the look and feel of natural goose down but is made from 100% post-consumer recycled content and is completely biodegradable. It is the industry’s highest performing blowable insulation. The fibers are woven together to form heat-trapping air pockets similar to those that are naturally found in down. They are are water-repellant, dry quickly and retain insulating properties even while wet. PrimaLoft Black Bio super soft and compresses down for easy packing. It un-compresses without any loss of loft.
Beyond Clothing has melded both comfort and functionality in the design of the Ultra Lochi K3. The jacket features a front center-zipper wind flap with a chin guard and high collar that team up to help block out cold winds and precipitation. A drop-tail hem with minimalist self-fabric finish provides extended coverage. The streamlined technical hood is reversible and adjustable. The draw string is equipped with a cord lock. The hood features a fitted design that is compatible with helmets to keep you warm and protected no matter what the task. Elastic wrist cuffs help keep out cold and water and make certain the sleeves stay where they are supposed to.
The Ultra Lochi K3 has four zippered hand pockets (one pair for each side of the jacket) for carrying additional essentials. The hand pockets are functional on both sides and are generously cut. The jacket also has a zippered chest pocket (internal right when quilted side is out, external left when non-quilted side is out) that is ideal for keeping items that you want closer at hand. The jacket is self-stowing, providing compact storage in your pack or bag. It stows in the right-hand pocket of the non-quilted side.
To Sum Up
If you are looking for a versatile packable jacket that provides maximum functionality and durability without sacrificing comfort, the Ultra Lochi K3 is an outstanding option. It exhibits superior design, quality and craftsmanship. It is a great jacket that serves its intended purposes very well.
The Ultra Lochi K3 runs true to size. It is available in both Regular and Long sizes. MSRP is $225.00.
The Ultra Lochi K3 was designed by Beyond Clothing in Seattle and is crafted in Bangladesh. It is Trade Agreement Act (TAA) Compliant.
Source
Beyond Clothing
www.beyondclothing.com
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
Photos courtesy Beyond Clothing