UPDATE: Klymit’s Kickstarter Project–Ulaar Jacket

Hey Klymit fans!

We told you about it last week, and now it’s happening! We have launched a project on Kickstarter, and we hope you’ll cheer us on.  We’re trying to get enough support to bring to market a product that is truly a game changer: the Klymit Ulaar Jacket. Hopefully, with the help of Kickstarter participants, we’ll be able to bring customers this fascinating product that offers true solutions for your outdoor escapades…here’s the Kickstarter link.  As of Monday, October 15, 2012, we are 19% funded.  It’s a good start, bu we only have 25 days left to get to 100%.  Can we all do this together?  Let’s try!  If you offer up your pledges, you won’t pay a dime unless we are able to get to 100%.  And if we do make it, your money will go toward producing this revolutionary project.  What’s in it for you? Well, not only do you get to be an inspirational part of bringing this advance in technology to market, but each pledge gets you cool Klymit swag and gear.  Win-win! When you go to our Kickstarter project online, please watch our video to see what we’re all about and what we’re trying to do with your help.

The subject of our Kickstarter Project? The Klymit Ulaar Jacket.

What’s New, Cory?

Here’s a great video from our friends at Recreation Outlet featuring Cory Tholl, our President.

Looking good, Cory! Tell us what you think, of the pad, not Cory. Well, that is unless you are a big movie producer and you’re looking to sign Cory on for the next big blockbuster.

Klymit and Granite Gear introduce the game changing Klymit Air Beam

Today is a long awaited day for many of us at Klymit and Granite Gear. We just announced the creation of the Klymit Air Beam, after hours of hard work, collaboration and brain storming. The Air Beam is a pack frame that will replace the standard die-cut HDPE frame that comes in the Granite Gear Vapor Current packs.

The Klymit Air Beam offers a variety of advantages over regular frame sheets. It is lighter due to the use of pressurized air, stiffer, more comfortable, allows freedom of movement, increased adjustability and optimal load transfer. At only ¾ of an inch thick, the Klymit Air Beam keeps the load close to the user’s back for a direct transfer of weight to the hips.

Read the full press release about the Klymit Air Beam and our partnership with Granite Gear here.

We are excited to release this product on the market this fall with Granite Gear and look forward to more collaborations with the company.

Thunder, lightning and everything frightening

We don’t know about where you live, but Mother Nature has been a little finicky these last few weeks. One moment she is delivering bright, sunny and 80 degree weather. The next moment she serves us up thunder, lightning and pouring rain. While we welcome all Mother Nature has to offer, all of us here at Klymit like to ensure that we are safe when we go to experience her many gifts. That means, among an array of safety skills, we also have the best practices in place to deal with flash flooding and lightning strikes.

Based in the desert lands of Utah, flash flooding is a reality for many of us here at Klymit and when we are planning an outing we take precautions to be sure we are making safe choices. We should probably also mention that many of us are Eagle Scouts, oh yeah – we are “physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight,” so you better believe we had better get this right or suffer the consequences from former scout leaders and fellow Eagle Scouts.

When heading out to a region that is prone to flash flooding here is what we learned from the National Disaster Education Coalition.

1. Observe current conditions and weather forecasts – flash floods occur during periods of excessive dryness when the ground may be so baked that the water simply runs off or after many successive days of rain when the ground is overly saturated and no more water can be absorbed. Overall, it is when there are high volumes of rain over a short period of time. When planning an outing in areas prone to flash floods or during a rainy period, watch the weather and forecasts before your visit and during. Of course, weather forecasters will address if there are flash flood concerns. It is also wise to contact a local ranger station if you are concerned and want first-hand accounts of the weather.
2. Keep an eye for high ground when hiking – if you are hiking in a area prone to flash floods, keep and eye open for high ground and make and exit plan. Don’t enter slot canyons or narrow low elevation areas if you think there is a chance for a flood.

Rain storms often come with lightning. If you are in a lightning storm, here are a few tips for staying safe from the New York Health Department.

1. On your toes – if you are stuck out in the open during a lightning storm, crouch down onto the balls of your feet, bend at your knees and tuck your head. Try not to put your hands on the ground and do NOT lie down. Try to find a low spot away from tall trees, metal fences or tall poles.
2. Off the water – if you are on the water, try to seek dry land as soon as possible. If you cannot get to shore, crouch down on the boat as lined out above or go below if the boat has hull.
3.  In the woods – if you are in the woods, try to find a group of smaller trees and get into the crouched pose.

We hope you don’t get caught in any sort of inclement weather, but if you do be prepared, know your surroundings and be sure to do as much information gathering prior to your outing. Knowing Mother Nature is the best way to enjoy her many offerings.