Key Specs:
Brand: Black Diamond
Model: Vision Down Parka
Price: TBD
Availability: Fall 2019
Unique Features: Ultra tear-resistant liquid crystal polymer shell

Upshot: Next fall, Black Diamond is releasing its warmest down jacket to date, as well as its most durable. You won’t have to choose between them either because they’re one and the same. The Vision Down Parka is stuffed with 800-fill moisture-resistant down that’s wrapped in a proprietary shell fabric that’s coated in liquid crystal polymer, making it impressively tear-resistant. Furthermore, the jacket has gusseted arms for an increased range of motion in a coat of this size and six pockets.

Who It’s For: Hardwearing adventurers and anyone who hates the cold.

Insight: Black Diamond is a climbing company, and the tech loaded into the Vision make it ideal for that specific activity (guess what happens when a lightweight shell is cheese-grated on a granite rock face). But the implications of the Vision extend far beyond climbing — durability is as much of an issue in down jackets for skiers, campers and casual users as it is for climbers. The fact that this is also an incredibly warm jacket will undoubtedly make it attractive for those who live in frigid urban areas too. The jackets unique sandpaper-y feel is also pretty cool.