Clothing enhanced with 37.5 Technology is proven to increase athletes’ efficiency and output, by decreasing the rate of temperature build-up during exercise to help keep their core at its optimal temperature: 37.5 degrees Celsius. How? Embedded inside the fibers are tiny, active particles that attract moisture, moving it away from your skin, keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Even better, the hotter it gets, the stronger the reaction to help maintain the perfect microclimate.
It’s not a treatment, either, it’s permanently embedded into the very fiber. It never peels, flakes, or washes out. The active particles in 37.5 also trap odor and release it in the wash, so they don’t get funky like other technical fabrics. From head to toe, fabrics equipped with this technology keep athletes warm or cool, and above all, dry and comfortable in some of the most extreme conditions this little blue marble of ours has to offer. Want to put it to the test yourself? Here are 10 adventures where lesser materials would fail miserably, yet 37.5 gear excels.

1. Trek Through Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

This is the largest cave system in the world. At its tallest, a 40-story skyscraper could fit inside, and at its widest, a 747 could fly through. It’s so big that it has its own weather system. It takes a full day’s hike through the jungle to get to the entrance, and then three days to climb, swim, wade, scramble, and crawl through to the other side. It’s crazy humid in the jungle, and there are a ton of water crossings in the cave, so you’ll need something that dries quickly and breathes well, like the Salomon S/Lab Sense Tee.

2. Ski to the Northern Lights in Finland

The spectacular Aurora Borealis dazzles onlookers approximately 200 nights a year in Lapland, Finland, making it one of the best places on earth to view this natural phenomenon. Ski in and watch the show from your glass igloo or an ice hotel. Maybe even go on a reindeer safari. It might be cold and windy outside, but you’re working hard and sweating, so it’s easy to overheat. Rossignol knows winter sports, and its Poursuite Jacket is perfectly tailored for keeping your body temperature regulated.

3. Overland Across the Salt Flats of Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat on earth and a photographer’s dream. The whole drive takes about four days and along the way, you’ll see white desert dunes, crimson red and neon turquoise lakes, volcanoes, hot springs, and wildlife like flamingos and llamas. The highlight of this trip is the spectacular Laguna Colorada at 15,748 feet above sea level (you’ll start at an elevation of 12,000 feet). It gets frigid at night, so keep warm with Therm-a-Rest’s Argo Blanket.

4. Hike the Headhunter’s Trail on Borneo

Start off with a longboat ride, then take a three-day trek through the dense rainforest of Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Follow the same route that Kayan war parties used to raid opposing tribes in Limbang region. In the rainforest, quick-drying socks are a necessity, so equip your hardworking feet with the best and grab a couple pairs of the Point 6 37.5 Hiking Light socks.

5. Mountain Bike the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland

This 55-mile, hut-to-hut tour is an official IMBA Epic through the highlands of Iceland. Pedal past geyser fields, bubbling mud pits, and across impossibly green ridges with sweeping mountain views. End at the iconic Skógafoss waterfalls, one of the biggest in the country, then take a well-earned soak in one of the many soothing hot springs. The weather in Iceland plays by its own rules—be prepared with a good riding-specific shell like Mavic’s Cosmic H2O SL Jacket.

6. Sea Kayak in Alaska

Paddle in the shadow of towering snow-capped mountains, shockingly blue icebergs, and right up to majestic glaciers. Silently glide along with whales, porpoises, otters, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and even bears. Warmth is the name of the game here. You’ll want the Adidas Terrex Stockhorn Hoodie underneath your shell.

7. Via Ferrata across the Dolomites

For lovers of heights and history, how about a traverse across the Italian Dolomites? Built during WWI, these “iron roads” allow non-rock climbers a safe, protected way to get high above the bucolic valleys to see the peaks of Italy’s famed and storied peaks in all their grandeur. A good pair of boots is critical for serious trekking and mountain climbing. No one does shoes better than Italians, and in keeping with the theme, grab a pair of Scarpa’s Ribelle Lite ODs.

8. Ride Through Middle Earth

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail on New Zealand’s South Island is a 180-mile ride that passes through some of the South Island’s most jaw-dropping scenery. It starts at iconic Lake Pukaki, a location for both The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings films. Then, it passes below the shadow of majestic Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, and ends at historic Oamaru on the Pacific Ocean. Katusha equips riders in the Tour de France, they know how important comfort is for long days in the saddle. Grab a pair of Aero Bib Shorts. Your butt will thank you.

9. Hike the Wales Coast Path

Complete all 870 miles of this path, and you can say that you hiked the only trail circling an entire country’s coastline. Take in impossibly green hills, craggy cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters on this stellar trail. For dinner, dine on hearty stews in storybook 17th-century pubs. Three sections of the trail have been dubbed “Areas of Outstanding Beauty.” All that green in Wales means rain. And a lot of it. The Cascade Stormlite Jacket by First Lite is super light and keeps you dry both from external rain and internal sweat.

10. Canoe the Boundary Waters Area Wilderness

Spread out over one million acres, the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota features more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes that connect nearly a thousand glacially carved lakes, rivers, and streams—all linked together by portages of varying length. You’ll see rugged cliffs and rocky shores, rolling hills, and deep forests, as well as imposing rock formations and sandy beaches. You won’t see roads or buildings of any kind, and you can travel for days without seeing another human. Being on the water all day is a recipe for sunburn. The sun comes from all angles as it reflects off the water. Protect your arms with the Eclipse Sleeves. They’ll protect your skin, and they’re cooler than going bare armed.
So now you have the bucket list started. Get outside and start exploring—just make sure you have the right gear to do it.
Written by Shaine Smith for RootsRated Media in partnership with 37.5.