Gear Review: Canada Goose HyBridge Jacket

It’s amazing how far the technology behind goose down insulation has come in the last few years. What was once limited to bulky, once-size-fits-all, worthless in the rain, products has now evolved into a do-anything material that can be found in everything gloves to bags to bibs to booties. And this newfound versatility is really something, considering just how long down has been used as an insulating layer.

Even the tried-and-true down jacket — a backcountry mainstay since the early 20th century — has taken on new forms.

Case in point: the HyBridge Jacket from Canada Goose. Designed around what the company calls its Thermal Mapping Technology, the jacket offers insulation where you need it and flexibility where you don’t by placing 750 fill power Hutterite white duck down “shields” over specific body areas where warmth is at a premium – like the core, neck and lower back. The shoulders, elbows and hems are left uninsulated and articulated for greater range of movement. The result is an ultrawarm jacket that doesn’t fit or move like one. Think of it as an athletic garment that just so happens to be at home in the deep powder.

Beyond the insulation, the HyBridge jacket features a Polartec Power Shield O2 fabric softshell shell that’s been treated with a durable water resistant finish. In addition, the down panels are covered with a lightweight ripstop fabric that’s also been treated for water resistance. That means the jacket doesn’t give up the warmth when it gets a little wet.

The brushed tricot lined collar puts a little extra warmth up at the next, while the extra long back hem covers the hips without limiting movement. There is also a wind blocking storm flap up front, 3M reflective tape around the cuffs for increased visibility in the backcountry and an adjustable hem that can be pulled tight to seal out wind and snow.

As a result of this “warm but flexible” design, the HyBridge jacket is marketed as the go-to choice for active winter sports – like snowshoeing and skiing – that does not sacrifice the warmth or performance of true down insulation. According to Canada Goose, it’s the best of both worlds.

The slim fitting HyBridge Jacket is available in both men’s and women’s versions –with gender-specific targeted down shields depending on the wearer – in black, red or blue for men and black or red for women. Up to six different sizes are available. In addition to the jacket, Canada Goose’s HyBridge design is also available in a hoodie, a lite jacket (without the softshell) and a lite vest.

For more information on the Canada Goose HyBridge Jacket, visit http://bit.ly/Am4beV.  To purchase Canada Goose products, click here.

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