Zipping up for winter

With the morning dew and nighttime fog among us, along with the winter sports season, HomeTeam Sports has you covered from head to toe.

This “What’s Hot in Gear” entry, however, will only have you covered from head to probably mid-thigh, as we bring you our hot picks in winter coats, designed for the active outdoor snowpeople. Snowboarders, skiers, snowshoers, you name it, these warm and comfortable duds will score rave reviews from onlookers and peers alike.

The first step in finding your niche in the winter jacket market is the “where.” The location you choose to find your coat mate is solely up to you. Many local shops in the area feature the name brands that provide ample quality year in and year out, but price is always something to keep an eye on.

The prices we include this week are an estimation, and you should use your shopping skills to their best ability. With that in mind, let’s look at some hot styles for 2008 and the approximate retail price of all the apparel.

North Face Milletan 3-in-1 ($280 - Women)

A jacket with multiple layers and options, this choice leaves leeway for shedding warmth as the temperature rises or your level of activity does the same. The cutesy pit-zip vents are a North Face staple, as well as convenient compartments throughout the jacket for your cell phone, digital media player or your hands. The 100-percent-polyester core and interior layers provide ample weatherproofing for the vertical specialist.

Burton Lush Jacket ($180 - Women)

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Jaunt to the hills donning “urban style” in this jacket, perfect for day-long recreation and fun in the snow.
The breathable, waterproof polyester insulation supplies lightweight, low-bulk warmth for all-day comfort.
It curves to the unique shapes of its owner, compared to that of street jackets you would see on the streets of New York. For the metro-friendly style, there is a faux fur hood that is fully detachable if you find it gets in the way of your 180s. Many pockets offer a customizable organization to your mountain essentials and personal belongings.

Columbia Titanium ($180 - Women, $200 - Men)

With its corporate headquarters located not too far away, nestled in the rain-soaked terrain of Portland, Ore., Columbia knows how to put together a product that can withstand the most annoying of conditions. But they also can blend that expertise into apparel that is for the recreational snow enthusiast. Columbia’s jackets contain many of the useful features previously stated. The “waterproof and breathable membrane,” according to Columbia, also features a zip in fleece for additional flexibility, and tear-resistant nylon guards.

686 ACC Weave Down ($230 - Men)

With an exquisite waterproof rating, the 686 snowboarding jacket also features a material with high-level breathability, a duck-down insulation and a unique faux fur hood… unique in that it has crossed the gender line as a unisexual feature. While it may be labeled 686, the style and comfort of the down jacket scream a 10.

North Face Trilithium 3-in-1 ($230 - Men)

As you climb in elevation riding up the lift, the men’s version of the Triclimate jacket gives freedom of movement, as well as flexibility in comfort, given the variety of combinations the three detachable and customizable attachments provided. The North Face also includes a “snap-in liner jacket, reducing the bulk of sleeves, a plus when partaking in intense cold-weather activities,” according to the corporate Web site.
Both the jacket and included vest have security pockets on its interior, as well as zippered pockets on its exterior for carrying whatever makes your winter excursion complete.

Hopefully this very generic how-to guide on only a handful of brands and styles will give you a head start on what features you are looking for when shopping for your winter sport jacket. Comfort and style are always the most important qualities for any item of clothing, but it is just finding the perfect combination of the two that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Happy shopping!

Story by Darren Shimp, collegiate sports editor. Darren can be reached by e-mail at darren@htsports.org.