Jack Wolfskin

Texapore Downshell Tec Jacket - Men's

The Texapore Downshell Tec Men's Jacket has a lot going on, but the designers at Jack Wolfskin didn't just throw a bunch of ideas at a wall to see what would stick. They wanted to make a jacket that combined the lightness, warmth, and packability of down, the durability and water-resistant warmth of synthetic insulation, the breathability of a softshell, and the features of technical ski gear into a single highly functional package that wouldn't just be complicated for its own sake, but would put most other ski jackets out there to shame.

We can't say for sure whether other gear has taken a big self-esteem hit in comparison, but we can talk about the Downshell'sTexapore Air 2L waterproof and breathable membrane. Highly breathable and water resistant, it teams up with the high-tech insulation (more about that in a bit) to keep you warm and protected from the wind without leading to overheating, which leads to sweating, which leads to freezing. An internal layer of SoftTouch taffeta pulls any moisture away from your skin to prevent clamminess, and Wolfskin's Vent Support System employs underarm zips to provide an extra cooling boost if the activity picks up or the sun pops unexpectedly.

If Texapore is exhibit 1A of the Downshell's killer design, the insulation system is exhibit 1B. We say "system" because the jacket features three types of insulation layered over one another to provide the ultimate in all-weather warmth, water resistance, and versatility. It's primarily 800-fill white goose down, which is renowned for its weight-to-warmth ratio and serious packability, but Wolfskin layered the down with two additional synthetic insulations to increase heat retention and weather resistance. Microguard Maxloft adds exceptional heat retention to increase warmth and compresses easily for smooth packing, while Microguard Silver provides additional loft, moisture protection, and heat reflection just under the shell, so you'll stay warm no matter what the mountains throw at you.

No ski jacket is complete without some tech touches, and Wolfskin threw in plenty, including a detachable powder skirt, snow-blocking inner cuffs, and a fixed insulated hood to keep your brain humming along on frigid days. Five pockets, including one for an RFID ski pass and one optimized for headphone, keep you organized, while a goggle cloth keeps your lenses clean and the adjustable hem stops snow from blowing up your back.