All it takes is one jacket that gets everything right and suddenly the rest of your wardrobe pales in comparison. So it goes with the new Mclean jacket from upstart Boulder, Colorado-based Scapegoat. This small apparel company was founded by guys who share an enthusiasm for well-crafted jackets suited for both the outdoors and the city. Each piece takes every detail into consideration, from laser-cut, welded interior organizer pockets for your cell and PDA/mp3 player to custom zinc-cast zippers.

At first glance, the McLean's aesthetic evokes a blue collar's simplicity—and aptly so, considering the jacket is named after John McLean, who opened Seattle's first gas station back in 1907. But its casual appearance disguises a wealth of highly-functional details. The exterior is crafted out of buttery-soft cotton canvas that's been waxed and lightly brushed for wind and water repellency. Inside, quilted Primaloft One insulation wraps around your core to keep you warm, while 100 percent microfiber poly lines the sleeves for weatherproof protection—ideal for post-piste partying or just wandering the snow-choked trails. The cuffs come with synch straps secured by snaps—and about one third of the cuff folds down for additional protection (a feature secured by a narrow magnet sewn into the garment). In addition to the aforementioned interior laser-cut gadget pocket, you get one bigger interior stuff pocket, zipped hand-warmer pockets, and a pocket on the upper sleeve trimmed with a waterproof zipper. A micro-fleece-lined collar and the fold of fabric above the zipper, insulating the cold metal from your exposed chin, typify the level of detail that defines the jackets in the Scapegoat line.

Right now, the McLean is only one of Scapegoat's nine jackets, each crafted for men. Some designs are more tech-oriented than the McLean, but all are equally remarkable products. And with the recent acquisition of this boutique tech-couture line by climbing-and-lifestyle apparel powerhouse Prana, we're definitely witnessing the start of something special.

$250; scapegoatbrand.com