BEST VALUE SK I JACKET
EDDIE BAUER POWDER SEARCH
PRO INSULATED JACKETPrice: $279 | Insulation: 100-gram
synthetic | Rating: Warmest | Moisture
Protection: 2-layer waterproof shellIf you ski or snowboard a handful of times
each year, it might not make sense to
choose a jacket that costs more than your
car payment. Instead, choose the Powder
Search Pro. Eddie Bauer keeps the price
in check by choosing synthetic insulation
instead of down (like premium brands
often use) and opting for a basic but effec-
tive design. The classic-fitting jacket has
an insulated, helmet-compatible hood,
a powder skirt, and pit zips for dumping
heat when you really start moving. It’s a
bit stiff and heavy for a ski jacket, but it’s
well-built. The ripstop nylon exterior with
300-denier polyester at the shoulders,
elbows, and back hem is tough enough to
hold up to a ski edge, as well as working
and playing outside in rougher conditions.BEST VALUE PARKA
L.L. BEAN BAXTER
STATE PAR K A
Price: $299 | Insulation: 650-fill down
| Rating: Warmest | Moisture Protection:
2-layer waterproof shell
The waterproof L.L. Bean Baxter State is
comfortable, very warm, and packed with
features. There are 10 pockets (three of
which are internal), a two-way zipper, fleece
wrist cuffs inside the sleeves, and both the
hood and its faux-fur brim are removable.
The 650-fill down instantly warmed us up
after we donned the coat, and it kept us
toasty enough when zipped closed that we
were comfortable even when walking and
sitting in subfreezing temperatures. The
more affordable price tag does come with
some trade-offs, though. The jacket runs
true to size, but some of its proportions are
askew. The sleeves are very long and wide
(we were glad the wrist cuffs kept warm air
from escaping), and the stiff collar reaches
chin height even when the coat isn’t zipped.
The zipper can be finicky, however, and
although massive and warm, the hood
isn’t adjustable.
78 November/December 2020
Outdoor
(^11) Stuff
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