Summer Escape | Side Trails – Montana
Real-World Testing™ Under Montana Skies
Baffin Gear Real-World Tested™:
Over the summer, Baffin's Marketing Specialist, Sidney Durante, and Wholesale Service Manager, Sally TeKamp, travelled to Eureka, Montana, to join Baffin partner Women Who Explore for the Montana Ranch Campout at Tobacco River Ranch. Surrounded by mountain views, winding rivers, and an inspiring community of outdoor enthusiasts, the weekend offered the perfect opportunity to continue Baffin's commitment to Real-World Testing™.
Women Who Explore is a global community dedicated to empowering women in the outdoors through adventure, connection, and shared experiences. As a proud Baffin partner, the Montana Ranch Campout brought together women from across North America for a weekend of hiking, fly-fishing, yoga, river adventures, and campfire conversations. All while experiencing the beauty of Montana's backcountry.
Throughout the three-day experience, Sidney and Sally Real-World Tested™ a collection of Baffin footwear, accessories, and apparel, including trusted favourites, upcoming product launches, and early-stage apparel samples. From rugged hiking trails and cool mountain rivers to relaxed moments around camp, every activity provided valuable insight into how Baffin products perform in authentic outdoor conditions.
Adventure Begins on the Trail
The weekend opened with a scenic hike through Montana's diverse landscape, beginning along riverside paths before gradually climbing into forested terrain and expansive wildflower meadows overlooking the surrounding mountains.
Changing trail conditions which included wet grass, uneven ground, loose rock, and steady elevation gain created the ideal environment to Real-World Test™ Baffin's upcoming EDEN MID. Throughout the climb and descent, the lightweight hiking boot delivered dependable support, comfort, and traction across varying terrain.
The warm summer weather also provided the opportunity to Real-World TestTM new accessories and apparel samples, including the LAKESIDE CAP, TRAILWIND CAP, and an ACTIVE FIT LONG SLEEVE apparel sample, offering lightweight comfort and sun protection throughout the day.
Following the hike, the pace shifted as Sidney and Sally cooled off with a refreshing swim in the river before changing into Baffin's RECOVERY CLOG. Designed for post-adventure comfort, it proved to be the perfect companion after a morning spent on the trail.
Back at Tobacco River Ranch, the pair connected with campers throughout the afternoon, sharing stories, answering product questions, and introducing attendees to Baffin's Real-World Testing™ philosophy.
Real-World Testing™ Beyond the Trail
Day two highlighted the versatility of both the Montana landscape and the products being Real-World TestedTM.
The morning began with sunrise yoga before the group enjoyed a relaxing float down the Tobacco River, offering a slower way to experience the surrounding scenery. Throughout the changing temperatures, the ACTIVE FIT LONG SLEEVE sample continued to provide lightweight comfort from the cool morning hours into the afternoon sunshine.
Later in the day, Sidney joined the fly fishing guide for an introductory fly-fishing lesson, an experience that quickly became one of the weekend's highlights.
Standing in cold river water for nearly two hours presented an entirely different Real-World TestingTM environment. Wearing Baffin's heritage STORM (PLN), Sidney experienced firsthand the benefits of dependable waterproof protection and an insulated liner that kept her feet warm throughout the lesson, allowing her to stay focused on learning a new skill instead of the conditions beneath her feet.
After another full day outdoors, slipping back into the RECOVERY CLOG once again provided welcome comfort and recovery before the evening's activities.
Finishing Strong
The final morning began with another Sunrise Salutations yoga session, where cooler temperatures created the ideal opportunity to Real-World Test™ an upcoming SHERPA apparel sample. Paired with the RECOVERY CLOG, the combination offered warmth and comfort during the peaceful start to the day.
Following time spent connecting with campers at the Baffin booth, the adventure took an unexpected turn as Sidney joined fellow attendees for a cliff-jumping excursion. From the hike to the water's edge to climbing back out, RECOVERY CLOG continued to demonstrate its versatility, delivering lightweight protection both on and around the water.
Meanwhile, Sally participated in her own fly-fishing lesson later that afternoon. With warmer temperatures and shallower water conditions, RECOVERY CLOG once again proved itself as a reliable companion, offering comfort throughout the experience.
Before the weekend concluded with the Summer Solstice celebration, Sidney and Sally returned to camp to recharge in Baffin's CUSH Hybrid Slippers, enjoying a well-earned moment of recovery after three days of continuous adventure.
The Spirit of Side Trails
As the sun set over Tobacco River Ranch, the weekend concluded surrounded by an incredible community of women united by a shared passion for the outdoors. From hiking and fly-fishing to yoga, rivers, and campfire conversations, the Montana Ranch Campout showcased exactly what Real-World Testing™ is all about, experiencing products where they are truly meant to be used.
Baffin extends a heartfelt thank you to Women Who Explore for another unforgettable adventure. Opportunities like these allow our team to gather valuable product insights, strengthen meaningful partnerships, and continue designing footwear and apparel inspired by real experiences in real environments.
The Summer Escape | Side Trails journey may have come to an end, but there are many more adventures to come.
**This blog post does contain affiliate links. Baffin is a trusted partner of Women Who Explore and supports women in the outdoors. We love brands who empower women!
