Next to hatchbacks and trail mix, the puffy mid-layer is as outdoorsy as it gets. OG Swedish mountaineering brand Klättermusen has upped the ante for FW20 with a seriously impressive synthetic: the new Vale jacket($320).
The Vale is a sustainably-minded puffy jacket made for skiers and alpinists—and thus well suited for brutal weather conditions in town, too. A breathable 100% recycled Levitend nylon face fabric protects from the outside. Behind it, fistfuls of biodegradable Primaloft Bio 125g insulation make the Vale toasty enough for winter sports and coffee shop commuting. Fleece-lined hand pockets double as vents for use during high-output activity, and as an added touch, there’s a slight asymmetry to the front zipper for additional comfort with a backpack or harness and to keep the zipper storm flap off your chin.