Durable Cold Weather Protection with the K5 Testa Soft-shell from Beyond

Well, it’s starting to feel like winter again, at least where I live. Temperatures have changed for the colder and so has my wardrobe. With a closet full of outerwear options, I find myself constantly going back to one of the most versatile pieces of kit in the quiver. The Testa Soft-shell Jacket and Pants from Beyond Clothing. This Seattle based clothing company has been designing military grade layering systems since 2012. And the Testa falls in the middle of their layering system.

To fully understand what K5 means, I’ll have to delve into their layering system nomenclature. Since Beyond supplies clothing to US Special Operations through government contracts, they have to have a Berry Compliant line. And this means products sourced and manufactured in the good ‘ole US of A. Naming their Berry compliant line “Axios” and their imported line “Kryos”, the layering system will either start with the letter A or K. With eight specific layers in the system, you’ll find A 1-8 and K 1-8. Hence the term “K5” Testa Jacket.

Breaking down the 8 Layers

• 1: Base layer
• 2: Mid-weight base layer
• 3: Active insulation
• 4: Wind protection
• 5: Soft shells
• 6: Rain protection
• 7: Static Insulation
• 8: Polar Insulation

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K5 Testa Soft Shell Jacket

The Testa Soft-shell Jacket and Pants hail from the K5 portion of the layering system indicating that it’s an imported (layer-5) soft-shell. Soft-shell garments have long been one of my favorite layers. Mainly due to their versatility in a wide range of elements. Offering wind protection, light rain protection, insulation similar to fleece and moisture management. All while remaining comfortable due to the fabrics ability to stretch and move with you. For these reasons, if you had to purchase just one layer from the system, I’d direct you to layer 5.

Ideal for active cold weather use, the Testa Soft-shell Jacket isn’t limited to just cold weather. I’ve packed it for summer trips where temps drop into the 50’s and 60’s at night. And I’ll put it on over a medium weight base layer when I go snow shoeing in the middle of winter. With an inner fleece laminate to help wick moisture away from your body, it’s a good choice for aerobic activity in cold climates.That’s how versatile these soft shells are.

Storage is ample with a pair of zippered hand warmer pockets located right where they should be. Additionally, a zippered chest pocket is perfect for a phone or iPod. And if that wasn’t enough, Beyond added another zippered pocket on the bicep for whatever else you may need rapid access to. But it’s the little details that really make the difference. The inside of the collar, the area most likely to be rubbing against your skin when zipped up, is lined with a fabric as soft as a baby’s bum. Heavy duty velcro cuffs and an ample wind flap inside the main zipper keep drafts were they belong. On the outside.

K5 Testa Soft Shell Pants

With the same fabric specs as the Testa Jacket, the pants leave no stone un-turned. The reason I like these pants so much is the mobility they provide. 4-way stretch material is the main culprit but the crotch gusset provides room in all the right places. Like the jacket, storage is a key component. Zippered hand pockets, back pockets and a pair of zippered cargo pockets should be enough to store key essential items for the task at hand. I find them perfect for rifle mag storage while at the range.

One feature I didn’t even realize existed until recently were the eyelets located on the bottom hem. Designed for routing a piece of 550 cord through the eyelet and under your boot to keep the pants from riding up. If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know much about Beyond Clothing, take a look at their website and start building you own personal layering system.