Do you love the idea of a down jacket, but not always the execution? Do you think insulated jackets make you look like the Michelin Man? The problem may not be all down jackets, but only their construction.
Take a look at two different styles of jacket by Nau: the Down Shirt and the Synner Cape.
The Nau Down Shirt is a lighter-weight version of the traditional down jacket. Its recycled polyester ripstop shell with DWR to keep light rain at bay and Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified 800-fill down work together to keep you warm without looking puffy.
The tailored fit and asymmetrical quilting gives the Down Shirt a new look and great protection—with a seven-snap front, snap sleeve cuffs, a snap chest pocket and a collar that folds up or down depending on the coverage you need.
The Down Shirt is easy to pack and so comfortable I’ve sometimes forgotten that I’m wearing it. Extra bonus points for air travel: Since the shirt isn’t quite as huge as a puffy jacket, it makes a reasonable travel pillow when you’re not wearing it.
The Nau Synner Cape doesn’t have down, but does have synthetic insulation to keep you warm. The poncho-style jacket is made from a tough recycled polyester ripstop fabric and a water-resistant DWR-coating, so you can get out in the weather when you need to.
The cape’s Cocona insulation is odor-resistant and quick-drying, and fresh insulation is a benefit when you’re spending long days out in the cold. The high collar helps block out blustery winds, and the knit cuffs have a soft, comfortable fit next to your skin. The relaxed cut and longer coverage at the back enhance your protection when the weather is worse than usual.
The high collar has a snap flap for extra neck protection, the front zip closure has a wind flap to keep those breezes out, and the two front hand pockets are roomy enough to keep your digits warm.
The Nau Down Shirt comes in viridian (green), downpour (blue) and caviar (black), and lists for $240 on the Nau site. You can also find it at Moosejaw. There’s also a Down Shirt for men.
The Nau Synner Cape (sorry, dudes, no cape for you) comes in caviar stripe (black) and pesto stripe (green). Don’t worry—they’re not all that stripy. It lists for $290 on the Nau site. It’s also available at Backcountry.