In a gear-centric world where there’s a jacket, mid-layer, and shirt for every type of sport, it’s nice to find something that has multiple applications. Take the Polar Shift jacket ($250) from the boutique snow sports brand Trew. You get some serious warmth from 60-gram PrimaLoft ONE synthetic insulation, knitted in a diamond-quilted pattern and covered in 15-denier double-ripstop nylon shell—ideal for mid-layering in cold conditions and as a stand-alone jacket in the 20s. The hood is fully insulated, the elastic cuffs have thumb loops, and the whole 12-ounce package can be shoved into an included stuff sack for easy storage. But we really love that it’s fully reversible—two jackets in one. You can go conservative (the same colors either way) or break out with different colors simply by reversing the coat. One side has zippered, insulated hand pockets and a chest pocket, while the other has big drop storage pockets with elastic openings.
—Nathan Borchelt
