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August 18, 2008
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Is there one jacket that I can wear on the trail and in a business meeting?
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Barometric Jacket (courtesy, ExOfficio)
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Any suggestions for a travel jacket that can also hack it as a weather-protection
piece and meeting wear? It doesn't have to look like a three-piece suit, but it
should up the ante on standard backpacking gear.
— Rick
Edmonton, Alberta
Do you have a question of your own?
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 Well, that’s an interesting question. A jacket that looks decent around town,
survives being stuffed into a suitcase, and offers some protection from the
elements.
We’re not going to find a navy blazer with little brass buttons that has a
Gore-Tex liner, but by looking to travel-friendly outerwear companies we might
find something. ExOfficio,
for instance, makes a piece called the Barometric Jacket ($170, but now on sale
for $119) that is essentially an urban soft shell. It’s made from polyester twill
with a water-repellent finish, so it can shrug off rain, offer some warmth when
it’s cold, and resist wind. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and stain-repellent. The
look is low-key, and, with a sweater or dress shirt, you would look fine walking
into any business-casual environment.
I also think Patagonia’s
Shelled Synchilla ($160) is a piece that looks good nearly anywhere. It’s
slightly on the technical side, with a slick polyester shell over a fleece
lining. But its colors are subtle, and its bomber-jacket style is a go-anywhere
classic. My Shelled Synchilla is more or less my standard winter uniform.
Lastly, Cloudveil’s
Serendipity ($270) offers a really high-performance piece that employs
Schoeller’s Dryskin Extreme fabric, which works well in wind, rain, snow. It’s
definitely an outdoor piece, but the design is very clean and understated. Get it
in black, throw it over a black turtleneck, and people will just naturally show
you the respect you deserve.
The 2008 Summer
Outside Buyer’s Guide is now online. From riding to trail-running to
camping, get reviews of nearly 400 gear must-haves.
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GEAR GUY FEATURES
Check out the bio of Douglas Gantenbein, aka the Gear Guy.
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The Gear Guy reports from the 2005 Outdoor Retailer summer trade fair, with his rundown of ten products to watch in 2006, plus the inside scoop on what shook down at the bi-annual gearapalooza.
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