[leadin]Puffy jackets are a staple of winter. The Vulcan Down Jacket adds a new “stretch” to this mostly uniform category.[/leadin]
Down puffy jackets are the insulating layer of choice for many people in cold weather climates. But there are only so many differences between models. Dynafit throws a new twist into the ring with its stretchy down design, the Vulcan Down Jacket ($280), available in both women’s and men’s models.
Dynafit Vulcan Down Hood Jacket Review
If you have been looking for the ultimate, do everything (and look good doing it) puffy, this is it. The Vulcan from Dynafit, a company known for its ultralight, trendy apparel and gear has done it. For the past month I have barely taken it off. It has proven itself in many conditions: from snowboarding in a super wet snowstorm, to fat biking on a crystal clear, cold morning, to taking a windy walk along the river.
The Vulcan weighs 362 grams, making it one of the lightest, warmest hooded down jackets on the market. It is insulated with 750 fill hydrophobic Downtek down, an extremely high quality, high loft and light insulator.
Compared to my other down (and synthetic) jackets, the Vulcan has an athletic, sleek, and pliable fit making it comfortable and easy to layer both under and over.
Stretchy Puffy
The big difference comes from stretchy fabric inserts at the sides. Not too large to affect warmth, these stretchy panels really make it easy to reach high and far with my pole, ice axe, or for my beer!
(Editor’s Note: A few other brands also add stretch panels to puffy jackets for similar results.)
One of the perks of living in Central Oregon is that I can test apparel in many different environments with just a short drive. From snowy to windy, and wet to sunny; this jacket has been with me and has proved useful in all of the scenarios.
The only place I wouldn’t bring this jacket is the beach. The combination of Pertex quantum face fabric as the outer layer and down that is treated with water repellant and antibacterial DownTek makes it a durable, ultralight and water resistant piece. After a month of wearing it non-stop, it shows no sign of breaking down.
The Vulcan has multiple pockets including an inside large stow away pocket where you can fit a phone, keys, or an iPod. The whole jacket packs down to the size of a small travel pillow, which makes it easy to stash in your bag. As an added bonus, the available colors are bright, fun, and stylish.
If you are looking for the ultimate mountain puffy, this will cover all of your bases.
