Skip to main content

Ski Season Preview: Eddie Bauer Custom Down


Winter is upon us. For those of us that worship at the altar of the Snow Gods, this in-between seasons time is one of anticipation as we carefully watch weather forecasts, tune skis, and update gear. Every snow flurry brings hope that opening day at our favorite ski resorts will be that much closer. This year, we’ve carefully researched the best gear, found new trends in the industry, and discovered what will become favorite innovations. Stay tuned as we unroll our Ski Season Preview.

It’s no secret that goose down is the best warmth-to-weight insulator on the market. However, all down is not created equal, so you’ve got to be careful when searching for that next winter parka or mid layer. Eddie Bauer’s Storm Down takes all of the guess work out of your shopping though; with a DWR treated shell and 800-fill hydrophobic down, their Microtherm Hooded Jacket has been our go to mid layer for quite a few ski seasons.

Related: Cape Productions | Voormi Core Construction

So how do you improve on a jacket that is a staple in every serious winter kit? Eddie Bauer made a custom option. Everything from the zippers to each panel of cloth of the shell and lining can be color matched from over a dozen options. When we got a sneak peak at the system late last month before it launched, we quickly became overwhelmed with the thousands of permutations available (although finally settled on perfect Manual themed hoody that we are impatiently waiting for).

Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent team also enlisted each of their guides and athletes to provide input, so you can see personal preferences from skiing visionary Lindsey Dyer to renowned wildlife biologist and hunting guide John Burrell. With snow and cold weather in the forecast for much of the country, what’s stopping you from building your own custom down jacket this winter?

Editors' Recommendations

Austin Parker
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
Packing for the weather: The hiking gear you need for different climates
Don't let ice or desert conditions ruin your hike. Here's what to pack to stay safe and comfortable
weather with sun and clouds

If you have a good pair of hiking boots and woolen socks, you’re ready to hike — mostly. You know how cold or hot it might get in your region, how much rain you might expect, and how hard the sun is going to beat down on you.

These considerations are even more important when hiking in other regions. The weather in Florida is hot and humid, while the weather in New Mexico will by hot, dry, and maybe colder at night. Taking to the trails in the Pacific Northwest means staying warm and dry in the temperate rainforest, while hiking Wisconsin’s Ice Age trail means bundling up no matter what season you go.

Read more
A beginner’s guide on how to shift bike gears like a pro
Mastering how and when to change gears on your bike can help you become a faster, stronger, and better cyclist.
how to shift bike gears bicycles parked on road

With spring here and summer just around the corner, the days are steadily getting longer, and that means it's time to head outdoors. Thoughts of racing a bicycle along a forested single-track trail or a tight city street might soon begin to fill our minds. Biking is a nice middle ground — a bit more exhilarating than hiking, but not as expensive as buying a motorcycle.

Perhaps you're a mountain bike beginner, considering buying your first setup. Maybe you're upgrading from a single-speed. You could even be looking to ditch your city-friendly folding bike and start heading for the hills. Whatever style of bike or bike riding you're into, knowing how to shift gears is essential to optimum pedaling efficiency. Let's dive into the basics of how to change gears on a bike.
Bike gears explained

Read more
REI anniversary sale: Up to 30% off clothes, camping and outdoor equipment
The REI Co-Op 6 person Tent on a white background.

REI has a huge sale on right now with up to 30% off some of its most popular items. It's all part of the company's celebrations for its anniversary. There are extra special offers for members but everyone can save too until 5/29. With so many different things on offer, it's worth clicking below to see what's already out there. However, we've also taken the time to highlight just what kind of brands and categories are featured in the sale. Keen to learn more? Let's take a look.

What to buy in the REI Anniversary sale
If you've been reading up on our camping gear 101 guide, REI is sure to help you out while keeping costs down. For instance, it has a REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent for $419 instead of $599 that's ideal if you want to home six people on your camping trip. It also goes way cheaper too with discounts on water bottles, chairs, sleeping bags, and trekking poles. Essentially, you can shop everything you need for your next camping trip here, whether you're looking to a trip this summer or longer term with a wintery journey.

Read more