By: Cody “Wikipedia” Beam (They/Them)

I bought my first pair of Chickfly leggings in February of 2022 and I never looked back.

I grew up hiking. And camping. And generally adventuring. My parents met while serving in the Peace Corps in Honduras and my father is a former park ranger so I inherited a wandering spirit and a love of all things natural. As I came into my own as an adult, I took things the next step further and picked up long-distance hiking. (Think the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail.) From there I began traveling more internationally. To date, I’ve been to 45 countries and 45 US states. And my Chickflys have come along with me on every adventure since I got them. (Which - so far - is 15 countries and countless US states.) 


Cody in Copenhagen wearing the Chickfly Merino Wool & Eucalyptus Leggings

It started with a single pair of Chickfly’s merino leggings. I had been debating a pair of the originals for some time with my only hesitation being the material because I am fiercely loyal to merino for my backpacking leggings. As soon as merino became an option, it became a no-brainer. I’ve never owned a pair of leggings that are simultaneously so comfortable, breathable, and able to control temperature. And I don’t have to get half naked and bare my a$$ to the entire valley when I have to pee on a ridge-walk?! Even better! I then added three pairs of the original leggings and snatched up a onesie as soon as it was released. (I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my shorts in the mail.) 


Matka Canyon, North Macedonia

In both long-distance hiking and international backpacking, efficiency and functional use are key. I keep my base weight for my backpack under 15 lbs in the backcountry and under 20lbs when traveling internationally. Nothing in my bag is without purpose and everything earns its place.

Hiking the White Mountains in Vermont with Chickfly's Merino Leggings, and trying a front-twist with the Butter Onesie.

My merino leggings have more than earned their space in both and the onesie is my showstopper for travel. The versatility of wear for the onesie with so many different wrapping styles means that I can dress it up and down as needed depending on where I am and what I’m doing. Exploring castles in Romania? More casual. Exploring downtown Copenhagen for a night? Perhaps a little more risque. And for instances where the style I chose is a little too out there, a simple scarf over the shoulders works wonders. 


Cody in Copenhagen wearing the Chickfly Butter Onesie

I am excited to add the shorts for my next international trip. In more conservative areas, I am careful to dress modestly both out of respect and safety precautions. This typically means a certain flowy rainbow skirt I bought in Thailand, a breathable shirt, and a scarf to make sure my shoulders are covered. (And my hair when necessary.) The biggest frustration with this is what all of us non-men face: An utter lack of pockets. As someone who overheats easily, just adding the leggings underneath the skirt isn’t really an option, but with the shorts? Oh yeah. Not to mention that wearing the shorts under my skirt should seriously reduce the risk of pickpocketing in crowded metropolitan areas.

All in all, I just cannot overstate my love of my Chickflies. From a night out in the city to a morning hike in the desert, South America to the Middle East, the White Mountains to West Asia, my Chickflies check every box and earn their place. And I can’t wait to see where we go next.