Fitness
These Puffer Jackets Will Keep You One Step Ahead of Winter
Published
3 years agoon
By
Terry Power
Once the curtains fall on daylight saving time, it’s time to brace for winter’s blustery chill—and shake the dust off the winter jackets in your closet. As far as cold weather layers go, style-savvy outerwear like tailored wool overcoats and flannel-lined bomber jackets might serve as sophisticated picks for scuttling down frosty sidewalks. But when you’re confronted with truly dramatic winter weather—the dreaded polar vortex, an unprecedented nor’easter—no other garment will keep you comfortable like a puffer jacket.
Designed With Down
With a puffer jacket, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. These quilted jackets have their signature “puffiness” because they’re stuffed with goose or duck down or synthetic fibers, which are kept in place with internal baffles (the stitched segments that give puffers their distinctive look). The baffles prevent the filling from lumping or shifting about.
Puffers are popular among outdoor enthusiasts because of their unparalleled comfort and insulating abilities. Better yet, most down-filled jackets are highly portable, too: You can compress and roll them up for more organized packing.
Fill Power
When comparing jackets, one of the key metrics to look for is fill power. Without getting too technical, it’s an industry term that quantifies the volume of loft that one ounce of down produces. The higher the fill power, the greater the loft and the more efficiently the down jacket will insulate (though other factors contribute to overall warmth, such as the density of the down filling and whether the jacket has a wind-resistant shell).
Aside from those basics, puffer jackets come in a wide range of styles. Our selects for this season include a variety of silhouettes and colorways; some are more lightweight for convenient layering, while others can keep you warm in Arctic conditions. Bundling up for winter has never felt (or looked) so good.
The Puffer Jacket Guide 2022
1. Nobis Citizen Tailored Parka
Every bit of the wind- and water-resistant Nobis Citizen parka was engineered to ensure supreme warmth. Filled with ultra-insulating Canadian white duck down, the jacket hits at the knee for extra coverage and to block out drafts of chilly air. Ribbed button cuffs and a hidden drawcord waist trap heat and create a snug fit, and fleece-lined pockets offer a cozy refuge for your hands. This parka also comes with removable coyote fur trim around the hood for added style points.
[$1,150; us.nobis.com]
2. Quince Lightweight Down Hooded Puffer Jacket
Stuffed with responsibly-sourced down, Quince’s hooded puffer is a lightweight, highly packable option. Made with warm 650-fill-power insulation, it rolls up into its chest pocket and packs down to about the size of a football—perfect for tossing into your suitcase. Better yet, it’s highly affordable, too.
[$70; onequince.com]
3. The North Face HMLYN Down Parka
The HMLYN Down Parka is a streetwear-appropriate update to The North Face’s original Himalayan Down Jacket, a go-to outer layer for elite mountaineers. The parka is built for challenging conditions. In addition to 550-fill-power down, it’s made with a DWR-treated nylon WindWall shell for wind-resistant protection, an adjustable hood for maximum coverage, and a storm flap over the front zipper to block out precipitation.
[$330; thenorthface.com]
4. Canada Goose Crofton Slim-Fit Recycled Nylon-Ripstop Hooded Down Jacket
Constructed from recycled tear-resistant nylon ripstop, Canada Goose’s Crofton is an all-around winner for those who want the insulation of down without the bulk. It uses down padding for a streamlined feel and lower weight, and it’s ideal for outdoor expeditions—it even comes with detachable backpack straps for slinging over your shoulders when you break a sweat.
[$650; mrporter.com]
5. Moncler Montcla Logo-Hood Puffer Jacket
Lean into high-end alpine fashion with Moncler’s Montcla puffer, which is constructed with a sturdy but flexible nylon fabric and—unlike the other picks on this list—nylon insulation. Available in black and khaki green, the jacket features channel-quilted detailing, a two-way front zipper, generous side pockets, and a grosgrain logo band embellishing the inside of the hood.
[$1,850; neimanmarcus.com]
6. C.P. Company Nycra-R Down Parka
Italian sportswear brand C.P. Company develops its innovative fabrics to help you confront the harshest weather and stay comfortable. One of them is Nycra-R, a sustainable regenerated nylon that’s stretchy, waterproof, and breathable. This padded down parka made from Nycra-R was garment-dyed for added color depth, and it’s finished with an adjustable hood and storm flap over the front zip for increased protection.
[$1,098; cpcompany.com]
7. Faherty Vintage Down Jacket
Faherty’s Vintage Down Jacket draws on mountaineering fashion of the ‘60s and ‘70s for its roomy cut and faded color, but it features high-performance modern fabrics that hold up against extreme weather. This puffer jacket comes with a removable drawstring hood, and it’s made with recycled down paired with a regenerated polyester ripstop lining.
[$498; fahertybrand.com]
8. Fjällräven Expedition Long Down Parka
The popular Expedition Series builds off an iconic winter-ready jacket that Fjällräven launched back in 1974. Today, the Swedish brand ethically produces its Expedition garments with recycled nylon and top-quality, 100-percent traceable down (rated for 700 fill power). This parka style hits at mid-thigh for extra protection against the biting cold.
[$600; fjallraven.com]
9. Arc’teryx Revet Down Coat
Arcteryx’s 750-fill-power Revet gets its warmth from large baffles packed with European goose down that’s RDS-certified for animal welfare. The breathable exterior is coated with a durable PFC-free water-repellent treatment to prevent moisture from seeping through, and the low-profile hoodie will keep your noggin toasty when the wind picks up.
[$600; arcteryx.com]
10. Marmot Hype Down Jacket
When the mercury plunges to subzero temps, throw on Marmot’s 800-fill-power Hype Down Puffer. Elasticated cuffs, zippered pockets, and a drawcord hem work hard to shield your upper body from cold air, whether you’re shredding black diamonds or commuting to the office. The lofty puffer also rolls up tight for packability, so it’s a good choice for travel and longer outdoor trips
[$250; marmot.com]
11. Norse Projects Willum Down Pertex Quantum
The updated version of the Willum from Norse Projects has been enhanced with increased pocket storage and an even more ergonomic fit. Made with tightly woven Pertex Quantum, a windproof textile sourced from 50-percent recycled fabrics, this parka is finished with a DWR treatment for dependable weatherproofing and lined with RDS-certified, 700-fill-power down for warmth.
[$695; norseprojects.com]
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
[$10.99 for a six-pack; deschutesbrewery.com]
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Fitness
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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Fitness
The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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