Whoever came up with the phrase “cotton kills” had a lasting impact on me when it comes to cold-weather outerwear or insulation layers. For decades I’ve shied away from cotton, even as an everyday cool-weather fabric, in favor of wool, polyester, nylon, and down.
I still exclusively wear wool or synthetic fabrics in the backcountry—for their wicking, anti-stink, and cooling properties—but a couple years ago I thankfully rediscovered the magic of cotton as an outerwear fabric. That renewed love is mostly thanks to Huckberry, the online retail store that’s made a big push around their Flint and Tinder-branded, flannel-lined waxed trucker jackets. As a journalist, I bring lots of skepticism to any product that’s being advertised incessantly, but once I got my hands on the jacket I quickly realized the appeal.
Free Gear Upcycling
When it’s time to upgrade your gear, don’t let the old stuff go to waste–donate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill. Outside’s partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items, print a free shipping label, and send them off. We’ll donate 100 percent of the proceeds to The Outdoorist Oath.
It’s made…
