This story comes from our Spring/Summer 2025 Ambassador, Amanda B.
I left the factory wondering what my life would be like. It was the spring of 2023 when I was packed into a box, tossed into the back of a truck, zipped across the country in an airplane, and met my match, Amanda.
We got to know each other rather quickly! Within weeks, I was on a six week expedition to the Arctic. Often buried under a plethora of other puffies, I still got my moments. Dramatic views under the midnight sun, bitter wind that makes even the most robust puffies hold their breath!
We hiked across the frozen arctic ocean until we found open water, sea kayaked to the toe of a glacier, crossed over rocky moraines, and climbed remote granite peaks. Most jackets would only dream of an experience like this.
Winter came and we traveled across the globe to Europe. I took in stunning sunrises from the island of Kalymnos, shivered in the crisp winds of Siurana, and stood proud in the imposing Can Baba cave of Turkey.
With each adventure I aged. My fabric became more delicate, I lost a bit of loft. Then, in Mexico, it happened... I ripped. Caught on a sharp limestone rock, I sustained a large tear down my back. Was this my end? I panicked and wept. Amanda didn't.
Out came a roll of sticky magic, Tenacious Tape, she called it. My fabric was carefully lined up, smoothed flat, sealed with purpose. I was back, and ready for more adventures.
We kept going.
There were more climbing days in Mexico, a return to Turkey, another spring in Spain. With each adventure came another scare, each one carefully mended, never hidden. I wore them like badges, memories of each place I visited.
I'm not the puffy I once was. My seams are a little worn, my patches many. But I've seen the world. I've weathered storms, savored sunsets, been there through fear and laughter, from granite peaks to remote glaciers.
I'm still here, still ready for what comes next.
— Amanda B., GEAR AID Ambassador
