Trendwatch: Extreme Bathing

Started out of necessity in the wilds of Alaska, extreme bathing has taken on a life of its own in particularly outdoorsy (and hygienic) communities across the nation, and even the world—there is a devoted Extreme Bathing Club in Saskatchewan, we hear. The goal, as stated by the Society of Extreme Bathers, is "to bathe in as precarious and picturesque a spot as possible." One Charles A. Wipple, of Valdez, took a bath atop the now exploded Mt. Redoubt only five weeks ago, no doubt solidifying his place among the handful of legendary Extreme Bathers. Mr. Wipple, we salute you.

See additional coverage in our April 1st Gear Review Series.