Whether you’re taking the Land Cruiser to Fumotoppara Campground in Japan for rooftop tent camping or trekking the Mayflower Gulch Trail in Colorado in the dead of winter, you need a jacket that insulates like a sleeping bag and keeps you dry when the elements turn against you.

That’s where down comes into play. You know those puffy jackets your parents swore you needed for the cold season? Turns out, parents know a thing or two about staying warm; case in point: a down jacket built for hibernation.

Down comes from the soft underlayer of ducks and geese, where fluffy clusters trap heat and provide insulation without adding much weight. This insulation is measured by fill power, typically ranging from 550 to 900 or higher. The higher the number, the more loft the down provides per ounce, resulting in better insulation for less weight. Down’s biggest downfall (pun intended), however, is moisture. When down gets wet, its clusters lose their loft, compromising its ability to trap heat and keep you warm.

That’s why our Coldfront Down Jacket and Coldfront Down Vest feature water-repellent recycled nylon shells and 80/20 650-fill-power down. What the hell does that even mean? The 80/20 ratio refers to the blend of 80 percent down clusters and 20 percent feathers, while the 650-fill-power rating indicates the down’s insulating efficiency. Together, these features deliver warmth and shed light precipitation, so you don’t have to baby your jacket or vest every time the weather takes a turn. They’re built for cold commutes, winter hikes, and just about anything else the season throws your way—short of summiting a mountain in extreme conditions.

With our two warmest outerwear options of the season, we wanted to highlight what makes the Coldfront Down Jacket and Vest reliable companions for cold-weather adventures. Whether you’re heading into the backcountry or just trying to take the sting out of your daily commute, these pieces are designed to keep you warm when the temperature drops.

Our warmest jacket to date features two front pockets, an interior zip pocket, and a hood for added coverage. There’s also a drawcord at the waist to cinch in when the cold becomes too much to handle. While the jacket does a great job of insulating on its own, there’s plenty of room for layers underneath when temperatures drop below zero.

Our waffle crew fits comfortably under mohair cardigans or this jacket, while pairing it with our fleece vest helps trap heat around your core. Then there’s the big-wale corduroy pant, which is equal parts contractor and professor, so you’re ready for whatever occasion comes your way. Finally, the toasty thermal beanie keeps your head warm and helps retain heat in one of the areas where your body loses it.

Our hefty vest offers the same warmth as the jacket, sans the hood. It’s another great layering option, especially over our pigment-dyed tee and under our thermal fleece pullover. Winter is also the ideal time to stay cozy while breaking in a pair of dark Japanese denim jeans. And while beanies keep your noggin warm, a nylon cap is a solid option for keeping it dry.