My last down jacket never softened up. It was warm, but when I put it on I felt like I was wrapped in inflated bicycle tubes. It was stiff and uncomfortable. Not so with the Drift, which felt soft and gooey from the get-go. It doesn’t restrict my movements like the last one did and keeps me cozy, with the right layering configuration, in anything from negative 10 to 30 degrees. Its six pockets include two handwarmers, inner and outer chest pockets, a zippered pass garage, and an interior phone sleeve with wire port—plenty of room to stash a skier’s daily accoutrements. Stretch hand gaiters, pit zips, and a removable hood and powder skirt and round out the features. I’m always on the prowl for gear I can grow old with and the Drift is a strong candidate. [$349; dakine.com] -Sam Bass, Editor