A preview of the Japanese AK457 2L Down Jacket; The 2L Down is even lighter than the global LZ Down(!) We were able to shave more weight by using tighter and lighter fabrics throughout, as well as even higher loft premium down.
A waterproof breathable down jacket goes a bit against conventional wisdom.. everybody knows down loses much of it’s insulative value when it gets wet (and being in the coast mountains, I was skeptical), however when combined with a seam sealed breathable Gore shell it performs incredibly well.
TR
An on-point review of the 2010 [ak] Hover jacket, by the folks over at Easyloungin
I’m stoked to see this jacket resonate with the backcountry ‘apparel-needs-to-be-equipment’ crowd. The 2010 Hover is my all-time favorite [ak] jacket, to date. It was designed with on-snow performance and function as the sole objective, …for backcountry sledneck guys like Chappy. You can see his FaceTube video review below, or click the Easyloungin link above for a more in-depth written review.
In summary, this jacket is sick. Lots of lurkers and good banter over at Easyloungin too. Ck it.
2010 is the year of the Hi-Top. With 3L Pro-Shell Gore-Tex, the [ak] Hi-Top pant has everything you need for backcountry performance, and nothing more.
For 2010 we designed and prototyped an all-new Cyclic jacket. However, everyone likes the 2009 Cyclic so much, we were asked to carry the design forward for 2010.
One of our favorite jackets continues to evolve and improve. The 2010 LZ Down gets a new drop hood design that improves the function in a couple of ways; As the hood is now integrated to the outside of the collar, it allows the collar to stand properly while not wearing the hood. Where the ’09 full time hood pulled the front of the collar back against your face, the ’010 design allows the shaped collar to relax. Without the hood pulling the collar down you get better weather protection too. The bottom line is, it works better and is much more comfortable.
Like the Men’s, the W’s Hybrid Insulator uses a combination of quilted synthetic insulation, and synthetic fleece. It’s strategically patterned for warmth and breathability. The objective with the Hybrids is to be the ultimate thermal layering garment.
Designed at FYi; The Women’s [ak] Flare Down incorporates buttery soft premium goose down insulation, with fully seam-taped Gore-Tex shell.
