The New York Times (Nov. 3, 2005)

Taming the Incredible Hulk

By Kate Siber

A GOOSE-DOWN parka is an age-old defense against plummeting temperatures. But real down also makes jackets puffy.

"The trend is now toward a sleeker insulation look," said Stephen Sullivan, a founder and the vice president of global brand at Cloudveil, an outdoor apparel maker. So jacket makers are turning to synthetic down.

Unlike natural down, the synthetic kind does not need to be quilted, so manufacturers are free to design jackets that are form-fitting and less bulgy. Synthetic downs like PrimaLoft also come in a wider range of weights, and retain their warmth when wet.

In the late autumn or early winter, when the weather might be cold, rainy or snowy, synthetic-down jackets serve as all-purpose protectors.

On a chilly day punctuated with showers, Donna Weinbrecht, the freestyle skier who won Olympic gold in 1992, went hiking in these PrimaLoft-insulated jackets and returned with her thoughts.

CLOUDVEIL SPACEWALK $275, www.cloudveil.com. This jacket has a breathable outer layer that keeps out wind, rain and snow, and stretchy material under the arms and behind the neck to let you move easily. To prevent drafts, the waist cinches but from the inside, so that the coat retains its original silhouette, a perk Ms. Weinbrecht appreciated. She found the Spacewalk well designed with the exception of the inside collar, which chafed.

NORTH FACE CLOUDRIPPER QUILTED 1/4 ZIP SWEATER $80, www.thenorthface.com. The lightest of the jackets tested, this pullover is ideal for intense cardio workouts like running. The fabric was soft, like "a sleeping bag," Ms. Weinbrecht said, and the loose design didn't ride up. "Use it as a mid-layer in the dead of winter," she suggested, and as a top layer above 25 degrees.

GROUND WAVELIGHT JACKET $130, www.groundwear.com. The Wavelight, with its lightweight fill, is meant to be worn like a fleece. It fits comfortably under an outer layer in the winter but it can also be used as a lightweight fall jacket. "In the rain, water balled up and peeled off," Ms. Weinbrecht said. But on very windy days, she thought the zipper, which has no protective flap, would let in cold air.

ARC'TERYX FISSION AR JACKET $450, www.arcteryx.com. This jacket's sealed zippers and waterproof Gore-Tex exterior protect against all manner of wind and water. This is "real foulweather gear," Ms. Weinbrecht said. She pictured wearing it for "skiing on a powder day or sailing in a storm." She also liked the hood, which is large enough to fit over a ski helmet.

OUTDOOR RESEARCH ZERO JACKET $169, www.outdoorresearch.com. This loose-fitting jacket has a medium-weight fill, making it warm enough for moderate activities like slow-but-steady hiking. Ms. Weinbrecht said it was very compressible, easy to pack, and unbelievably soft. "It's one of those things that you put on and don't want to take off." The breast pocket is useful for stowing trail maps.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR FLIP JACKET $165, www.mountainhardwear.com. Ms. Weinbrecht found this ski jacket "versatile"—shapely, but also roomy enough to fit over layers. Its fleecy collar can be tightened to keep out drafts, and its zipper tabs are easy to grasp with gloved hands. After noticing some of the fibers poking out, she wondered if the decorative stitching was durable.