www.tripleaughtdesign.com
If Conrad Anker were the CEO of some well-known social-networking site, this is the kind of hoodie that he’d be seen sporting. In short, it does the business when conditions are at their worst, including during several frigid nighttime rides and downpours this winter. The jacket employs Schoeller’s sophisticated Nanosphere technology to offer reliable water- and abrasion-resistance (a claim to which we can attest, with the caveat that water beads up and has habit of dripping off onto other more casual, non-water-resistant apparel like shoes and jeans!). Compared to other burlier winter coats, the Stealth Hoodie almost feels a little flimsy, but this is an illusion. Triple Aught’s “c_change” membrane provides wind- and waterproofing, while offering breathability when things get more aerobic than running from a little rain; the non-fussy nylon exterior protects against abrasion without making you look like Robocop. By itself, it’s not the warmest of pieces, but layer up and you’ll be snug. Overall, as Mark Zuckerberg might say, “Like!”.

Editor’s Note: We also reviewed an earlier model of the Slealth Hoddie LT; the new one boasts additional features (like the use of Nanosphere)…and a higher price.

This year, Eddie Bauer is making a big deal about, well, a big deal as 2013 marks the 50^th anniversary of Jim Whittaker becoming the first American on the summit of Everest.  To commemorate the historic achievement, Eddie Bauer is offering limited-edition, commemorative versions of the iconic Downlight Jacket and the Karakoram Sleeping Bag. We expect both pieces to be fantastic in a classic-retro way and something that we expect to maintain value for another 50 years. There are no photos of the new pieces yet, but we expect to test them in early summer, so we’ll report back before they hit the shelves in the fall. One piece that is available now that is a must-have is the BC MicroTherm Down Jacket 2.0 ($299). The warm but extremely well-venting jacket speaks to Eddie Bauer’s expedition creds—the 800-fill down parka is worthy of alpine storms, with waterproofing rated to a bomber 20K (that mean’s it will withstand a hard rain), but it weighs in at only one pound and four ounces. We love the long tail to kept snow, wind, and cold from sneaking up our backside, and the snug (but not too tight) cuffs. Plus, the hood fits over a helmet without restricting side-to-side movement or peripheral vision.

Also, at a recent dinner at Outdoor Retailer Winter 2013, Eddie Bauer and their PR team from Backbone Media hosted Jim and his family (his adventure-parnter-wife Dianne, and youngest son, Leif, who has summited Everest twice), a red-carpet list of media personalities, and an all-star cast of big time guides and mountaineers. Keep an eye out for Eddie Bauer (and its talented offspring, First Ascent) for fall ’13 celebrations of Everest’s first ascent—including a film clip of fantastic footage of the 1963 Everest expedition.