Food & Drink

Ski, Run, Bike: Jackets to Keep You Going This Fall

Cool jackets to keep you warm and dry

By Hilary Meyerson October 2, 2018

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This article originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Seattle magazine.


This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue. Click here to subscribe.

Forget the umbrella—Seattleites know the best protection against the elements is an excellent jacket. These outerwear choices, featuring the latest high-tech fabrics, will keep you warm and dry, without sacrificing good looks, as you head outside for some seasonal fun.

From Left to Right:

Helly Hansen Sogn Shell

This one is a personal favorite of Olympic skier Kaylin Richardson, who competed in the 2006 and 2010 Olympics. It’s a great shell for the Northwest’s varying ski conditions. To wear this jacket off the mountain—shown here in sweet lime—just zip off the powder skirt. $375. Available at Helly Hansen, downtown, 1504 Sixth Ave.; 206.623.3976
Most Likely to be Seen At: Alpental, chair no. 2, waiting for snow.

Eddie Bauer Microtherm Stormdown Jacket

This dark navy insulated lightweight jacket stands out for mobility and warmth even in wet conditions. Flexible enough for a brisk hike up to a peak, warm enough to sit down at the top for a while and rest. $249. Available at area Eddie Bauer stores, including Bellevue, 1033 Bellevue Square; 425.453.0450
Most Likely to be Seen At: Any trailhead along the I-90 corridor served by Metro’s Trailhead Direct.

Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket  

Lightweight and fully breathable, this all-around workhorse of an outdoor jacket in cobalt blue moves well during any activity, and the helmet-compatible hood makes it a great choice for mountain biking. It packs up smaller than a water bottle, so there’s no excuse for leaving it at home. $299. Available at Outdoor Research, Seattle store, SoDo, 2203 First Ave. S; 206.971.1496
Most Likely to be Seen At: Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park on the Issaquah Plateau.

Feller Queen Anne Trench
We love this stylish trench coat created by Seattle designer Wendy Feller. Made from 100 percent premium waxed cotton in a floral print, and manufactured by a British company established in 1880, the coat is a departure from the usual Seattle sporty vibe, yet still provides great protection from the elements. $495. Available online at feller.clothing; and at Mercer, University District, 2670 NE University Village; 206.388.0329
Most Likely to be Seen At: Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk.

Brooks Canopy Jacket
This is the same jacket that Desiree Linden wore earlier this year when she won the Boston Marathon, the first American winner in 33 years. No wonder it’s become so popular. Wind- and water-resistant in black with nightlife stripe, it packs into its left-hand pocket, and can even be worn on your arm while you run. $120. Available at Brooks Trailhead store, Wallingford, 3400 Stone Way N; 206.858.5700
Most Likely to be Seen At: The Burke-Gilman Trail in Fremont, as a blur.

Mountain Hardwear Hatcher Hoody
Move over, fleece. This versatile wool-faced full-zip sweater in manta grey is the perfect layer for a multitude of activities. The inner layer wicks moisture away if you’re working up a sweat, but it’s fashion-forward enough for indoor adventures. $170. Available at Mountain Hardwear, downtown, 250 Pine St.; 206.441.2639
Most Likely to be Seen At: Golden Gardens Park off-leash area.

Patagonia Departer Jacket
The Departer is the best “mountain to town” jacket around, ready for a ski day and for Seattle’s rainiest winter days. Sporting all the details (such as big mesh inner pockets that can hold goggles) that make Patagonia a top snow choice, the jacket is made of a double-layer 100 percent recyclable polyester Gore-Tex face fabric that makes this a green choice as well. $349. Available at Patagonia, downtown, 2100 First Ave.; 206.622.9700
Most Likely to be Seen At: Stevens Pass by day, Leavenworth pubs by night.

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