Icelandic Voyage: Testing the Limits of Innovation with Baffin’s Terrain Collection
In October 2024, a team of explorers representing Baffin embarked on the Icelandic Voyage, a product-testing expedition through Iceland’s breathtaking and diverse landscapes. Attendees included Paul Hubner (President), Mark Hubner (Senior Vice President), Jessica Liut (Brand Director), Meg O’Hara (polar artist and activist), and Connor Emeny (world record holder for completing an iron distance triathlon on every continent). Iceland, a country known for its unpredictable weather—changing every 4 kilometers—offered the ultimate testing ground for Baffin’s upcoming Terrain Collection and current in-line products.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Reykjavik
On October 23, 2024, the team began arriving from Toronto, Vancouver, and Paris, converging in Reykjavik. Connor and Jessica secured the vehicle that would take them across the country, braving temperatures that hovered around 5°C (41°F) with occasional rain. Baffin’s gear designed for sightseeing and leisure, yet durable enough to withstand the cold, proved essential as they explored the city and iconic landmarks like Hallgrimskirkja Church. Jessica tested a prototyped product called ELBA, while Connor wore our NORTHERN boot. Later that evening, they welcomed Meg to the group, sharing stories over dinner in Iceland’s charming capital.
Day 2: Hiking Thingvellir National Park
The team grew with the arrival of Paul and Mark. Together, they set out for Thingvellir National Park to tackle a 10.5 km hike loop through snow, mud, and rain at an elevation gain of 150 meters (492 feet). Temperatures hovered around 3°C (37°F) with intermittent snow and sleet, putting Baffin’s products to the test. Jessica was wearing the first-ever prototype of the ELORA MID boot, part of the Terrain Collection designed for women. Feedback from this hike inspired critical optimizations, enhancing comfort and alignment for a woman’s unique gait and weight distribution. Other products like BRUCE MID (from the Terrain Collection), HIKE and BOREALIS boots performed impressively in these wet, rugged conditions, ensuring warmth, traction, and durability.
Day 3: Tackling the Fimmvörðuháls Trail
The following day, the team ventured to the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, a grueling 16.3 km out-and-back route with an elevation gain of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The weather was relentless, with rain, hail, snow slush, and strong winds battering the trail. Temperatures dipped to 0°C (32°F), but Baffin’s gear proved unfailing.The team wore the Terrain Collection, HIKE, BOREALIS, and BASE LAYER apparel, each piece standing up to the harshest conditions. By the day’s end, the team sought relaxation at the Secret Lagoon, slipping into their PATIO CLOG’s for comfort and then CUSH and CABIN Hybrid Slippers for the drive to their accommodation.
Day 4: Into the Glacier
The highlight of the expedition was the Into the Glacier Ice Cave Adventure, a 3-hour guided exploration through one of Iceland’s largest glaciers. Participants were required to wear crampons due to the icy terrain, but Mark’s BRUCE MID boots made history. Thanks to their superior traction, he became the first participant exempted from wearing crampons.
Temperatures inside the glacier plummeted to -6°C (21°F) with knee-deep snow and heavy precipitation. Despite the extreme cold and wild snow, the team stayed warm and dry in their Baffin gear, including the BOREALIS and EXCALATE X and CLOUD from the Ease Collection.
Closing the Journey
The expedition concluded with a visit to the stunning Barnafoss Waterfalls. That evening, Paul and Mark returned home to begin integrating product improvements identified during the voyage. The remaining team departed the next day, reflecting on an exceptionally successful expedition.
A Testament to Baffin’s Performance
From city streets to glaciers and rugged trails, the Icelandic Voyage demonstrated the unmatched performance of Baffin’s products in diverse conditions. Whether tackling relentless weather or leisurely relaxing after a hike, Baffin gear kept the team comfortable, warm, and supported. The insights gained on this journey will help refine the Terrain Collection, launching in 2025, and enhance existing products, further solidifying Baffin’s reputation for Real World Tested™ innovation.
