Snow Skills

In the world of outdoor recreation clothing, it’s not uncommon that the best performing clothes and gear are also an expensive choice. There are some items that this situation can’t be avoided; for example, we strongly recommend you do not buy a disounted, low quality water filter. ’nuff said.

But not all gear that will meet your needs well will be the most expensive choice. A good example of a good value in down jackets is the EMS Men’s Glacier Down Jacket from Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS).

The Glacier jacket has a taffeta shell with 650 fill down, same as many other, more-expensive down jackets. It also has many of the same features, including a zipper storm flap, draw cord weather skirt, and a stow pocket for packing the jacket into itself. One feature the Glacier Jacket does not have is a hood, but, for most situations, it’s our experience that a balaclava and hat combination is more effective and flexible for most situations.

At $99.99 list, EMS’s Glacier jacket is a great alternative to the North Face Nuptse (list $199.99) or the Marmot Cirque Jacket (list $249.99).

We suggest you check the EMS website, as the Glacier Jacket is often on sale making it even more of a value!