Fold in the Map took our wool beanies on a winter road trip across Aotearoa. From icy alpine mornings to fireside nights, they put the gear to the test—proving it's made for real adventure.
1. Meet the Crew
Joe and Jesse, the duo behind Fold in the Map, are Christchurch-based creatives who combine their passion for storytelling with outdoor adventures. Joe, a videographer and drone pilot, thrives on capturing natural light and perfect surf. Jesse, a producer and photographer, balances risk management with a love for tea. Together, they form a dynamic team that brings brands to life through compelling visuals.
2. First Light on the Ice-Road
Departing Christchurch before dawn, Joe and Jesse set out with chains fitted and coffee steaming. Navigating the winter roads of Aotearoa requires daily checks of weather and road conditions. As the sun rose over the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mt Cook's summit emerged above the clouds, signaling the start of their journey. Jesse kept warm in the Willow Cream chunky knit beanie, a cold-weather staple built for exactly this kind of trip.
3. Home-on-Wheels Unfolds
By mid-morning, they parked their 1960 Land Rover Series II on a frozen river flat and set up their rooftop tent. "Our Landy is a third crew-member," Jesse jokes. The classic vehicle's aluminum panels and sturdy chassis are built to withstand off-road adventures.
4. Rooftop Coffee with a View
Sipping coffee perched on the ladder, Joe quipped, "If the beanies fail the frost test up here, we’ll feel it first!" The Hawke’s Nest tent offered a panoramic view of glaciers and scree, while their Will & Bear wool beanies kept them warm against the -6°C windchill.
5. River-Bed Lunch Stop
After navigating icy corners, they set up a riverside camp. The beanies' rib-knit design trapped warm air, even when spray from the braided stream froze on contact. "It’s the kind of functional fashion we can stand behind," says Jesse, emphasizing their commitment to environmentally conscious gear.
6. Portraits in the Alpine Hush
As golden hour bathed Mt Sefton in peach hues, Joe modeled the Willow Brown chunky knit beanie. Captured with a wide-open aperture, the texture of the beanie stood out against the snowfield, showcasing Fold in the Map's signature aesthetic.
7. Tasman-Valley Chill Test
Evening temperatures dropped further. Holding an enamel mug, Joe noted the pom-pom beanie effectively wicked away condensation. "Wool and whisky — both self-regulating," he laughed.
8. Flat-Lay for the Gear Geeks
They captured a flat-lay of the Levi Olive Brown Wool and Fleece Beanie half-buried in powder to highlight its tight rib and recycled label. Snow crystals clung but quickly shook free, demonstrating the fiber's natural water-repellency.
9. Camp-Fire Verdict
As flames crackled and dinner simmered, Joe, carving kindling, summed up the test: "Five days, minus-ten mornings, river spray and camp-smoke — and the beanies still look retail-ready. They’ve earned a permanent spot in our kit."
10. Last Embers, Last Frame
As the Southern Alps faded into silhouettes, Joe swapped to his trusty wide-brim for a final portrait beside the coals. The beanies were packed, their job done — proven gear for the coldest corners of Aotearoa.
If you loved this story as much as we did, go check out more of their work — it's filled with wild places, good gear, and even better yarns.
