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2009 Winter Buyer's Guide
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Outside Magazine, January 2008

Review: Winter Jackets
Town & Country
The latest batch of storm shells and insulated jackets ends the debate about performance vs. style

By Doug Schnitzspahn


Winter Jackets Reviewed
(Photo by Anna Wolf)

1. BURTON MARK XIII PAUL SMITH SINGLE BREASTED JACKET
Sure, this slim-fitting, limited-edition sport coat looks like it's born for après. But beneath its plaid, Teflon-coated skin are taped seams and a three-layer membrane that's every bit as waterproof and breathable as your current ski jacket. $800; burton.com

2. SWOBO COTTONWOOD
The Cottonwood's waxed-canvas outer easily sheds snow and light rain, and it's stuffed with enough synthetic insulation to handle below-freezing temps. Of course, you're free to ride across town in it, too. Built-in cuff extensions keep cool air from drafting up your arms. $255; swobo.com

3. NAU SHROUD OF PURRIN TRENCH
Nau's sleek interpretation of the trench coat is really a soft shell in disguise. A lightweight fleece lining cuts the chill on cool mornings, and the stretchy, windproof polyester fabric easily fends off rain while venting well enough for a bike commute. $324; nau.com

4. MERRELL UNIVERSAL JACKET Despite its understated look, the Universal is a serious storm shell. It's crafted from Gore's new lightweight, ultra-rugged Pro Shell fabric—the same stuff you'll find in high-end ski and mountaineering shells—and features a removable hood and generous pit zips. $400; merrell.com

5. SCAPEGOAT COASTER
The retro Coaster wraps toasty, high-performance PrimaLoft synthetic insulation in a water-resistant fabric and, thanks to a trim cut, slides under a hard shell almost as well as any other midlayer. When the temperature drops, cinch down the removable hood. $270; scapegoatbrand.com

6. HOLDEN SPARROW
Built with a blend of hemp and recycled polyester, the Sparrow is a full-featured ski-and-snowboard jacket—with powder skirt, taped seams, and waterproof-breathable shell—disguised as a hooded sweatshirt-and-coat combo. Smart touches include hand gaiters and a key clip. $400; holdenouterwear.com




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