(Mount Everest Base Camp Trek: Part III)
I set out on a trek to Everest base camp for many reasons. I quickly realized some were less important than I thought, and other intentions became their own divine mission. One primary purpose was to design and produce clothing that I would wear on the journey to this long-coveted destination… Clothing that was actually tested on Everest!!! And I am proud to report that my dream of creating a clothing company has officially become a reality! TADA! I successfully designed and executed a small production line of the first eleven WildWoodWear prototypes that will be available in early 2023.
Was the outcome just as I had always hoped and dreamed? Well, not exactly. As with any new project, you quickly learn what is most difficult about its execution… and ALL the things you don’t know that you don’t know! But I am cheerfully reveling in my success all the same. This is only the beginning of my pursuit to create women’s clothing for walking, hiking, and traveling, which is fashionable (read: colorful) and wholly functional (read: lots of practical pockets). Are my designs perfect? Only in theory, but still a magical work in progress. Although I have spent considerable time conceiving these ideas (almost 100% while walking), you don’t know how something will turn out until you are wearing it on the trail.
First views of the WildWoodWear Hoodie (and a pair of gorgeous silk pants I had made!)
So, a brilliant tailor and I created several pieces that I did, in fact, wear on my journey to base camp. I previously shared a few photos of the “WildWoodWear Hoodie,” a super comfortable zip jacket made with a gorgeous Fuchsia Spandex material with four delightful pockets. I also wore the matching pants (no, not together- because a hot pink “tracksuit” was not exactly my vision… lol); I absolutely fell in love with them. I didn’t even know how much I was going to love them! I also had a pair of “North Face Windstopper” pants with me that were quite warm but not nearly as functional as mine. The pockets were small and hard to use, and they weren’t at all stretchy enough to comfortably climb up on giant rocks as I needed.
For the final stretch up to Everest base camp, being ridiculously cold, I donned TWO pairs of wool and fleece base layers that fit underneath the pants. Of course, this reality pretty much destroyed my plans of having a photo/video shoot at the end, for flattering this combo was not. I actually laughed hard because I looked and felt like a pink and blue Stay-Puff Marshmallow woman… but I was super warm and still had full function of my legs. I didn’t care. I was ecstatic to complete my goal, especially because of the altitude challenges I had faced on the way up. I love these pants! And I can’t wait to share them (and the other pieces) with you soon! Stay tuned….! xoxCollin
Namaste
