New York City, the location of Gear Patrol’s headquarters, is not known for its mild winters. A better characterization of the climate in the Big Apple during the colder months of the year would be temperamental, capricious, volatile. Once November turns toward its latter days, long-range weather forecasts cannot be trusted; two-day long blizzards are just as likely as a week of temperatures in the upper sixties. The standby norm tends to be gray and cold with a chance of precip — a reliable winter jacket is indispensable. To choose an outermost layer is to perform a balancing act of style and function, and each of us weighs these elements with different results.
Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody
I’ve had this Atom LT for over three years. It’s handled just about everything I’ve thrown at it from travel, to rock climbing, to snowboarding, to hiking and it still looks the exact same as the day I bought it. Most importantly though, it’s breathable and keeps me comfortable. I tend to overheat in insulated jackets, but this one hits the sweet spot. — AJ Powell, Assistant Editor
Aether Dakota Jacket
I’ve been a fan of Aether’s motorcycle gear for some time. The Mojave jacket saved my ass once or twice both on the road and off, and the Range Motorcycle pants proved to be pretty dam versatile from Seattle to Anchorage. One thing my wardrobe was lacking last year was a decent down jacket, so when Aether dropped its ’18 fall/winter line, the Dakota jacket caught my eye. So far, so good, but I’m still waiting for one of NYC’s trademark bitter cold winter days to really put it to the test. — Bryan Campbell, Staff Writer
Nobis Yatesy
I’ve had this coat for two years. It’s the first heavy-duty parka I’ve ever owned, and it is incredible: incredibly warm, incredibly water- and windproof and, I’ve gotta say, incredibly good looking. It’s very expensive, but I could literally wear a t-shirt under this coat and be super comfortable in crazy cold temps. Its multitude of pockets are useful, and the vents and snow ruff are, dare I say, ski-friendly. It fits a bit snugly because of the cut and serious down fill. Also, I have it on good authority that if you wear one while test driving a purple Bentley convertible, your brother may note you “look like a pimp.” — Nick Caruso, Coordinating Producer
Cameras don’t come much more powerful, compact and rugged than the ones GoPro has pioneered. The latest model, the HERO7 Black, is GoPro’s most advanced camera yet. The development of HyperSmooth technology is a pivotal evolution of stabilization for these robust cameras — mimicking a gimbal grip, it essentially means the end of shaky video footage. Add in the signature waterproofness and durability and it’s easy to see why the HERO7 Black is the optimal camera for any on-the-go activity. Learn more here.
Uniqlo Women’s Seamless Down Long Coat
As a recent transplant to NYC from California, I knew I would be in for a rude awakening with cold weather. This coat gives me the perfect blend of warmth and mobility. It is extremely lightweight and it keeps me nice and toasty during the cold days. — Sam Kephart, Platforms Coordinator
Element Wolfeboro Holman Camo Jacket
I am by no means a camo advocate — this is the first (and only) camo garment I’ve ever owned. I was hesitant to accept this, as it was given to me, but the pattern is a very subtle flecktarn camo that doesn’t make me go invisible to others while I’m wearing it. The last couple years it’s become my go-to for snow and any other cold weather precipitation thanks to the 4,000mm waterproof polyurethane membrane layered to its cotton twill outer shell. The quilted lining provides extra bulk and warmth, and the slant pockets are plenty big to fit hands with gloves on them. The high collar also means I can get away without wearing a scarf. While I don’t think it’s convinced me ever to own another camo garment in my life, I’m plenty happy with this one. — Ryan Brower, Content Producer, Gear Patrol Studios
Eddie Bauer Microtherm Stormdown Hooded Jacket
When Eddie Bauer first started designing custom jackets, roughly three years ago, I had the chance to create one. The initial process allowed me to select colors for everything from the body to sleeves to the side panels, even every zipper pull and interior lining. It was, to say the least, overwhelming, and I picked the Dark Pine color for practically everything. Regardless of the low key design attributes that I tried to infuse in it, once the jacket arrived, I quickly realized how great the fit was for everything from running in sub-freezing temperatures to hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail. This jacket works just as great as an outer layer as it does a mid-layer thanks to its streamlined fit and side stretch panels. Plus, the deep green is neutral for me, so it works with all my gear. — Meg Lappe, Staff Writer
Aether Nordic Jacket
After moving to New York from California last summer, I knew that I was unprepared for the looming winter. I asked co-workers and friends about what features they felt were important in an all-purpose winter jacket. The overall consensus was that I needed a down coat that was waterproof, wind-resistant and was stylish enough for the city. After perusing stores online and in Manhattan, I landed on the Aether Nordic Jacket in black. It had everything, plus nice extras such as felt accents, easily accessible pockets and the most comfortable/warm hood I have ever had. The best part about the jacket is that I don’t have to layer and can wear a light shirt under it for easy on and off going from place to place in New York. — Joe Tornatzky, Art Director
Patagonia Nano Puff Bivy Pullover
Weighed against the standards of most typical, space-efficient people, my penchant for collecting winter coats might be deemed problematic. I have a lot of them, and I’m not going to minimize, a lot of great ones. Down jackets, synthetic jackets, fleece jackets, shirt jackets, ski shells, windbreakers — I don’t know how anyone chooses one of each let alone just one total. It makes designating a favorite more difficult by magnitudes, but if I have to pick, my Nano Puff Bivy takes the prize. Not because it’s lightweight, packable or versatile enough for year-round use, but because it’s the one with the history. It’s been to snow-covered volcanoes in Siberia and up jagged peaks in the Rockies; it facilitates winter bike commuting in New York City and autumn camping in Vermont; it’s been in and out of Patagonia’s repair shop and has the patch to prove it. It’s accumulated enough memories that, even as other jackets come and go, it’ll always be in my closet. — Tanner Bowden, Staff Writer