Responsible down, because we give a duck

From: Backcountry - Friday Feb 17,2023 01:06 am

When our product designers aren’t crafting blue-ribbon joggers, they’re building top-notch puffy layers stuffed with ALLIED down. This feathery fill is hand gathered, never plucked, and processed with less H20 & harsh chemicals than cheaper down. In other words, really freaking warm and super low impact for mama Earth. Our Teo Down Jackets (seen below) are made with goose down, but ALLIED fill can be from ducks, too!

Want to further reduce your winter layer’s impact? Wear it forever. Refluff your puff with a monthly tumble in the dryer with a tennis ball. For tears in the recycled outer fabric, skip the duct tape and seal with a durable no-sew nylon patch. We like getting artsy with our repairs—hello cat-shaped patches and one-of-a-kind Sharpie art.

Backcountry Teo ALLIED Down Jacket - Women's

Backcountry Teo Hybrid ALLIED Down Jacket - Men's

Backcountry Raglan ALLIED Down Parka - Women's

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THE SCOOP

Ski Vs. Snowboard Fits
Can You Tell The Difference?

Think you can tell a skier from a boarder? Method of riding aside, the style of each snow shredder stands alone. Skiers tend to wear a form fitted and fully featured kit, while snowboarders stick with big coats, sweaters, and baggy pants. We asked our top snowboarding and skiing Gearheads if they could tell between the two.

Gearhead Ashleigh

Ashleigh is a ski gear expert who does everything from cross country to backcountry.

“I think I could tell the difference between most! There’s some crossover, like anything, but mostly you'd be able to tell [snowboarders] with the baggier fit and more cargo pockets. Skiers typically have clean lines, with fewer patterns, pockets, and colors.”

Gearhead Warren

Warren is a snowboard extraordinaire who regularly contributes to product development panels.

"To be honest, I don’t think there is much of a difference these days. For example, Burton is a boarding company yet you see so many skiers in their stuff. I would say that I’d struggle to spot the difference based off brands.”

Gearhead Devon

You might remember Devon from the last edition, but if you don’t, he’s a year-round snowboarder who spends more time on snow than ground.

"Snowboard outerwear tends to be a bit baggier, but there really isn't much difference. Backcountry’s Cottonwoods and Cardiac kits embody this: described as neither and work well for both.”

Skiing or Snowboarding, there’s one thing we all have in common—boots. We know the iconic boots-around-the-neck look will never completely disappear, but if your neck needs a break Travel & Leisure just announced that our boot bag is the best.

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OUR ATHLETES IN ACTION

Choose Your Playlist

Music makes everything better. When in search of the perfect playlist, we always turn to our favorite Nat Geo contributing photographer, advocate, mountaineer, hypewoman, and Backcountry athlete L. Renee Blount. Match her playlist to your pursuit.