Winter may be a season we love but it’s also a season not to mess with when it comes to extreme temps and bone chilling winds. Sometimes the season calls for the toughest outerwear for ultimate warmth you can find. Whether you are braving the train platform at 7am in negative temps or hiking the backcountry in knee-deep snow, your needs are similar – outerwear that has what it takes to keep you warm and dry.
Outerwear comes in two major types: Insulated and Shell. Both can keep you warm and dry but and insulated jacket/pant will be warm out of the box where a shell will require layering. In part 1 of 2 on 2014 outerwear picks we will cover the best outwear for ultimate warm, meaning the jacket/pant is warm with minimal layering. A shell jacket/pant can be warm when layering properly but is not warm out of the box meaning that it offers more versatility across warm/cold weather conditions. So, we will reserve those picks for part 2 on the best 2014 outerwear for versatility.
For the most extreme temps and conditions, there are a few key features that you will want to look for in your outerwear choices. Our guide to understanding outerwear covers outerwear tech in full detail if you need to learn some general terminology. Here is a quick overview of what to look for:
Gore Tex
Gore Tex is essentially the gold standard in outerwear technology and can be found on jackets from many different brands across the industry. Gore Tex products are wind and water proof and offer a lifetime guarantee, no matter what brand you are buying from.
High Water/Wind Proof Rating
Items that are not Gore Tex will have a numbered rating referring to how wind and water resistant they are. For tough conditions, look for numbers 10,000 and above. Generally, you will see two sets of numbers (ex. 15,000 / 10,000), the first referring to the water proofing and the second referring to the breathability or how well moisture is released. 5k to 10k do a good job at keeping you warm and dry but anything in the 15K-20K range will stand up to just about any harsh conditions.
Insulation
The outer shell is a critical part of keeping you warm and dry, but insulation certainly helps. There are many types of insulation out there – down, 3M, Thinsulate and countless blends – each will also generally list a number in grams, referring to how much insulation is in the piece. You may see something like 60g in the body and 40g in the sleeves. Zonal insulation like this works great because keeping your core warm generally keeps your whole body warm while less insulation allows for more movement in your arms.
For the Guys
686 Plexus Hydra Thermograph Jacket
686 has some great options in store for us this season too, including the extra tough Plexus Hydra Thermograph Jacket. Offering a whopping 20K waterproof rating, this jacket promises to keep you dry no matter the conditions outside. Fully taped seams encapsulate a 160 gram Infi-loft insulated panel system, helping to keep you warmer where you need it. This jacket is still what we could consider to be a shell so plan accordingly if the temps drop, but as far as wind and water proofing, this jacket has you covered! Other key features include wrist gaiters, a helmet-friendly hood and a powder skirt that snaps up out of the way when you don’t need it.
686 Plexus Plasma Thermagraph Pant
With the highest water resistant ratings you can get without being Gore-Tex, the 686 Plexus Plasma Thermagraph Pant has everything you need to stay warm and dry this winter season. Fully taped seams for a secure seal, 80g insulation in the seat and knee lining areas and a removable / adjustable waist gaiter. Continuous venting in the crotch area for quick cool downs and internal waistband adjustments are just a couple other features that make these pants extra awesome.
Burton 2L Gore-Tex Rogue Jacket
Packed with more tech than your average jacket could handle, the Burton 2L Gore-Tex Rogue Jacket is equal parts style and function, blended just perfectly. Using the newly formulated Gore-Seam seal by Gore-Tex, this jacket makes a promise to keep you completely dry in even the harshest winter conditions. Inside, the jacket is packed with 3M Thinsualte Insulation which is a low-bulk insulation, offering warmth without the oversized puffy jacket look. Burton added a highly breathable underarm insulation that is also protected with Aegis antimicrobial to keep you from overheating and gettin’ stanky. And did we mention how stylish this jacket is? As if the tech wasn’t enough…
686 Reserved M-65 Jacket
Hands-down, our favorite crossover city to mountain jacket in the entire store, the 686 M65 Jacket is a true one and done outerwear piece. With enough style to walk into your 9 to 5 job and the tech to handle some serious snowy conditions, the M65 is only jacket you need for this winter. With a polyester wax denim outer shell and 40g insulation inside, the M65 will keep you warm and dry with not much layering needed underneath. The 10K waterproof rating will offer enough water resistancy for the average day on the mountain and the critically taped seams will keep out those gusty winds so you stay nice and cozy inside. For a city jacket that can handle the morning commute and some shredding on the weekend, look no further.
686 Smarty Truckee Insulated Jacket
Twice the jacket and definitely twice the warmth – the 686 Smarty Truckee Insulated Jacket is the perfect vest / insulator combo. Giving you everything you need to stay extra cozy this winter, this duo offers a whopping 250 grams of insulation and a 15K waterproof rating. Not only will you stay dry in this getup, you also have 2 levels of warmth to choose from. The insulator alone offers fully taped seams and when you add the vest it only amps up the protection. Other features include a snap-on adjustable powder skirt, 40g polyfill insulation in the hood and a flip-up pass pocket conveniently located on the sleeve. Frigid days in the city or on the mountain – this is your jacket.
DC Wishbone 14 Snow Jacket
We know style wont keep you warm but lucky for you the DC Wishbone 14 Snow Jacket also happens to be packed with tech to get the job done. With 80 grams in the body and 40 grams insulation in the sleeves, the Wishbone can help you stand up to the worst this winter has to offer. Mix all that insulation with a 15K waterproof rating and you got yourself one tough jacket. With a relaxed, slightly longer fit, this jacket can keep your bottom covered on the chair and that loose fit also helps with breathability – keeping the air inside the jacket circulating nicely to keep you from overheating. Removable waist gaiters are great for around-town wear and the fully taped seams add to the superior waterproofing.
Burton Poacher Insulated Pant
For an inexpensive way to stay toasty this winter, we highly recommend the Burton Poacher Insulated Pant. This super simple cargo style pant offers a 10K waterproof rating and 40 grams all over 3M Thinsulate insulation. If you’ve never had an item with 3M insulation then you’re in for a treat. They’ve formulated a way to keep you warm with less bulk so you stay cozy without feeling like the Michelin man out there on the mountain. Leg vents allow you to cool down quickly, ankle gaiters keep the pants nice and tight around your boots and the fully taped seams add to the water proofing and help you stay nice and dry. One of the warmest options we’ve found for just under $150!
686 Mannual Infinity Slim Snow Pants
If style and warmth had a baby, it would be the 686 Mannual Infinity Slim Snow Pants. With a modern fit and slim leg, these pants will not only keep you warm and dry – they will also keep looking real good on the mountain this winter. Thanks to the fully taped seams, 40 grams of insulation and 10K waterproof rating, these pants can handle some seriously chilly riding days like a champ. Some other sweet features include 2 cargo pockets, leg vents for quick cool downs and boot gaiters. No need to let the cold compromise your keen sense of style.
For the Girls
Roxy 2L Fiona Gore-Tex Jacket
What do you get when you mix 80 grams of insulation with a Gore-Tex outer shell? Just the unstoppable Roxy 2L Fiona Gore-Tex Jacket! This stylish yet super clean jacket can stand up to Mother Nature at her worst thanks to the beefy insulation and water proof outer. The classic ‘regular’ fit is perfect for layering if needed, the hood is totally helmet-compatible and the jacket also has pit zips for cooling down on the fly.
Burton Eden Down Jacket
For the city or the mountain, the Burton Eden Down Jacket is warmth and function at it’s finest. With a whopping 600 fill down insulation, you will be nice and cozy inside this jacket no matter what is going on outside. The 10K waterproof rating and critically taped seams get the job done in keeping you dry and the pit zips will help you cool down quickly on the go. Not much layering is needed inside this warmth machine, and on warmer days, feel free to roll with the pit zips open as a way to offer some great air circulation.
Roxy Torah Bright Luminous Jacket
One of our personal favorites for this season is the Roxy Torah Bright Luminous Jacket. Style for days with some killer tech make this a must have piece for winter 2014. 120 grams of 3M thinsulate insulation means a ton of warmth without all the bulk and a 10K waterproof rating means you will stay nice and dry even on the snowiest of days. The oversized hood fits perfectly over your helmet or looks awesome all by itself and the waist gaiter is removable for comfortable around town wear.
Volcom Camden Down Parka Jacket
Hands down our favorite city jacket for this winter is the Volcom Camden Down Parka Jacket. What more can you ask for in a jacket that is perfect for toughing out those rush hour train platforms in single digit temps.? 400+ power down fill, 10K waterproof rating and an extra long fit to keep you as warm as possible. If you have a 4 block walk to work and the snow is blowing at 7am and it’s only like 3 degrees outside, we are guessing you probably want to be wearing this jacket. Stay warm, look good, don’t be defeated by winter.
686 Smarty Command Jacket
For layering that you don’t have to think about, the 686 Smarty Command Jacket is the way to go. Not only is this beauty packed with insulation, it also comes with a zipped-in fleece that is perfect for those frigid winter days ahead. With 260 grams of insulation in the body of this jacket alone, it’s a super warm jacket. Then you add the fleece lining and you are good to go no matter the temps. Warmer, sunny winter day? No problem. Simply zip out the fleece and go with just the jacket. Then when spring rolls around you’ve got yourself a fancy new fleece that is perfect for mild chilly spring days. 10K waterproof rating keeps you dry and pit zips keep you cool when needed.
Volcom People Insulated Gore-Tex Pant
For the best of the best in warmth and waterproofing, look no further than the Volcom People Insulated Gore-Tex Pant. As if the super tough Gore outer shell wasn’t enough, cutting the wind and keeping you dry as a bone – Volcom adds 60 grams of polyfill insulation and Bam! You have yourself one amazingly warm and water proof pair of snowboard pants. Other sweet features include fully taped seams, a sleek modern straight leg fit, adjustable inner waistband and hand warmer pockets for keeping those hands nice and cozy.
686 Reserved Mission Insulated Pant
Old faithful when it comes to trusty warmth and solid water proofing – the 686 Reserved Mission Insulated Pant gets the job done season after season. This “favorite pair of jeans” inspired look is sure to keep you warm all day long thanks to the 40 grams of insulation and 10K waterproof rating. The slim relaxed fit is comfortable yet flattering and the denim-like fabric goes with any jacket you own. Critically taped seams keep you dry enough for the average day on the mountain while the leg vents offer a quick way to cool down on the go.
686 Mannual Patron Insulated Pant
In my opinion, one of the best looking insulated pants in our lineup is the 686 Mannual Patron Insulated Pant. With style for days and the tech to back it all up, you can look good and stay warm all winter long. Available in two killer colors, both offering a 10K waterproof rating and 40 grams of insulation throughout. The heathered fabric offers a clean, cool look while wicking away the moisture from the inside and out just like you would expect from your favorite 686 snowboard pants. Don’t compromise your style this winter, keep looking your best with help from your friends at 686!
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