1) Why a membrane matters in winter

A membrane is a thin, clever layer in the fabric that blocks liquid water from the outside while letting water vapour escape from the inside. Result — you stay dry from snow and from internal condensation.

2) Toray Dermizax™: the Japanese hydrophilic membrane that works harder when you do

Dermizax™ is a hydrophilic (non-porous) PU membrane. Because it doesn’t rely on pores, it’s less prone to clogging with grime and keeps stable breathability as internal humidity rises and under effort. Exactly what we want in Latvia’s swingy “plus/minus” winters.

Specifications (waterproofness/breathability) differ across versions (Balanced, Protect, Breathe, etc.). Check each product page for exact figures.

3) Insulation: down or synthetic?

It’s not the fibre itself that warms you, but the air it traps. Down delivers the best warmth-to-weight in dry cold, while synthetic insulation copes better with moisture and dries faster.

• Down — maximum loft and warmth, but protect it from prolonged wet conditions.
• Synthetics (e.g., PrimaLoft®) — dependable warmth even as snow turns slushy.

4) PrimaLoft®: why it keeps warming even when wet

PrimaLoft® uses water-repellent microfibres finer than a human hair. They maintain loft and warmth as humidity rises. The result is a soft, light, compact layer that works confidently in the city and outdoors.

5) Layering: base layer → midlayer → shell

Base layer

Thin merino or synthetic that wicks moisture and dries quickly. In winter, choose a warmer weight.

Midlayer (insulating jacket)

• PrimaLoft® midlayer — moisture-tolerant, flexible, perfect city/outdoor hybrid.
• Down midlayer — maximum warmth in deep cold and packs tiny.
• Fleece — the breathable workhorse for active movement.

Shell (membrane)

Dermizax™ blocks wind/precipitation and vents vapour. You tune warmth by adjusting the midlayer for the day.

6) Best ways to wear it with fleece

Fleece shines in motion: it breathes and stabilizes your micro-climate. The combo light base + medium fleece + Dermizax™ is often drier than going too thick under the shell.

7) Down midlayers: turbo-warmth for deep cold

In very cold days under a shell, down gives maximum comfort at minimal weight. If the forecast is wet snow, choose hydrophobic down or keep a moisture-safe PrimaLoft® midlayer handy.

👉 Browse men’s down jackets

8) City ↔ nature: why multi-purpose jackets win

Mountain tech has moved into daily life: stretch membranes, quality DWR, smart insulations and understated styling let the same jacket work in the office, the city, on a hike and on a fishing trip. Dermizax™ + PrimaLoft® = a wide comfort window.

9) Latvia scenarios: what to wear together

11) Care: make it last longer

• Wash smart: use membrane-specific detergents, no softeners.
• Renew DWR: with dedicated agents (follow maker’s guidance) and gentle drying.
• Midlayers: down — tumble-dry with balls to restore loft; synthetics — simpler care, faster drying.

Specs and fabric variants differ by model; see each product page for exact numbers.