Admittedly, the depths of January are not shacket weather in most of the country. But an unseasonably warm day in Santa Fe last week had me swapping out my puffy for the Western Rise Airloft quilted jacket ($228), and I was reminded just how much I love it.
The Airloft sits in my closet next to the ubiquitous Patagonia Nano Puff. It’s lightweight, slim-fitting, and perfect for wearing in temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees. The Airloft prevails in style: Layer it over a button down and it will almost pass as a sport coat. OK, that may be a stretch anywhere but in the outdoor industry, but I do love the tailored cut and muted palette (either black or olive), which matches nearly everything in my closet. Plus, the quilted design helps distinguish it from other similarly styled coats.
Sure, the Airloft wouldn’t be my first choice for hiking or biking, but like a lot of gear these days, that form I mentioned is well balanced with function, thanks to durable construction and premium materials. The shell is made from a lightweight, abrasion-resistant polyester-nylon blend that’s coated with a water-repellent. The inside is stuffed with lofty and breathable synthetic Toray active insulation. So while it certainly wouldn’t be as good on the trail as my other sport-specific jackets, the Airloft has all the necessary elements to keep up if needed.
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