Nau Highline Blazer

www.nau.com
This may label us craft-obsessed hipsters, but we love it when old school sensibilities marry with the technical universe that dominates today’s outdoor gear industry. Nau—naturally based in “hipster-rich” Portland—shares this passion of merging the old world and new, a feat  perhaps best exemplified by their Highline Blazer. The classic, two-layer wool flannel jacket has been treated with a poly laminate to provide waterproof protection while simultaneously taking full advantage of wool’s all-natural insulation, breathability, and odor resistance.  Panels of waxed cotton along the forearms, back, and collar reinforce the weather-resistance on the places you need it most, and taped seams seal in other potential weak spots in the jacket. The lining boasts a subtle checked pattern, with a drop pocket ideally suited for one of the 1,001 smart phones of the world.  On the front are two buttoned hand pockets and a button chest pocket. You can dial in the tailored fit by adjusting the waist tabs, button cuffs, and button-down collar.  The back split flap also snaps at the bottom, but we confess that this seems more an affectation than technical design element. The five-button front closure rounds out the fashion-forward details. The result is a jacket that looks perfectly paradoxical, something of the past, present, and future (to really time-travel go for the light gray color, the most bold and fashion-forward of the three color ways). It fits snugly (though not as tight as the latest pair of hipster jeans); if you like bulky sweaters or sweatshirts you may feel cramped.