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A lowkey outerwear powerhouse, Japan's Goldwin has been innovating in the outdoors since luanching in the 1950s as a knit fabric manufacturer. In more recent years, as the umbrella company of famed fashion crossovers Nanamica and The North Face Purple Label, Goldwin has established one of the world’s foremost technical outerwear R&D labs and continually releases unique, forward-thinking designs blending adventure-ready designs with urban aesthetics.
Goldwin's undying attention to detail is what draws us in again and again—the same can be said for fellow Japanese outerwear standouts and Wander and Snow Peak. The new SS21 collection from Goldwin, released this week, maintains their track record of releasing nothing but bangers—the Pertex Shield Air Jacket being one of them.
The Japanese made jacket, weighing just 10.2 ounces, is constructed of ultra-packable, three layer Pertex Shield Air—a unique material from which the jacket gains its name that is strong enough to withstand downpours, yet breathable enough to wear while recreating, too. Clever use of patern making minimizes seams (which are all fully taped, of course) and maximizes mobility to increase performance in wet weather. A two way zipper and ventiliating pockets increase air flow for optimium temperature regulation.
Beyond the usual tech specs, the Pertex Shield Air Jacket's most unique and notable feature is an external mesh chest pocket that can be tucked away in a front zippered pocket while not in use. (This isn't the first time Goldwin's wowed us with the use of a mesh pocket, btw.) Uses for the mesh pocket include stowing wet gloves, holding litter found on the trail (because we know you're a good steward), or foraged mushrooms.
With high-quality materials and fabrication comes an equally eyecatching pricetag—as we've come to expect from Goldwin. But if anyone can justify the investment, it's us.
[Ed Note: check out the Goldwin Pertex Shield Air Jacket release video for some seriously wild ASMR vibes.]
Published 03-04-2021
