The Squaw Peak Jacket by NuDown integrates functional features from your favorite ski jacket with unique and technologically advanced equipment! The Squaw Peak acts as a shell, an insulating piece, and a full on down jacket. The key to NuDown jackets is that they are using air as insulation. Not only does this air insulate adequately, it is entirely adjustable! No more packing multiple layers on your all day tour.
There are a few mentionable features about the Squaw Peak Jacket. Rather than a shell, the Squaw Peak has Primaloft Gold insulation throughout the arms, collar, and hood, so you’ll be warm on the coldest of days. With that said, I would prefer to have the Mount Tallac Jacket which is a jump up from the Squaw Peak in that it is more of a ski jacket shell with the NuDown insulation integration. When I’m in the backcountry touring I typically don’t need insulation in my arms and hood but that is just personal preference.
The grid fleece paneling throughout the arms and side really allows for optimal breathability while you’re working up a sweat. Along with the pit zips, when you’re on your way up you can allow for a lot of airflow through the jacket.
A major downfall that I find with the Squaw Peak Jacket is that for my use (skiing and backcountry skiing), the collar is extremely small. If I have any substantial layers or even a small buff, the collar will barely zip and will not come up over my face at all. I prefer an oversized collar of which I can easily and quickly tuck my face into in the blowing snow and or wind.
There is not a conventional powder skirt included on the Squaw Peak Jacket, although NuDown lists there is one, it is definitely different then any powder skirt I have ever seen! Basically around the base of the jacket there is a grip material strip. This is not a huge deal for me as a powder skirt doesn’t make or break a jacket in my opinion. However, if you are heading out into some deep powder, I can’t imagine the said powder skirt would really keep snow out of your jacket.
My favorite feature of the Squaw Peak Jacket is of course the NuDown NuTech insulation. The inflatable insulation is what makes this jacket extremely versatile and so appealing for backcountry skiing. On the skin up, I prefer to have the air chambers (located throughout the core in the front and the back) completely empty. When I get to the top, I like to fill the air chambers depending on the temperature out, but for some extra insulation and warmth for the ski down. It is truly amazing that you could potentially head out in the backcountry without any extra layers in your pack!
The simple air pump with a release valve fits nicely into the left hand pocket and it goes unnoticed throughout the day. I don’t find myself using the sleeve inside the pocket because the sleeve puts the pump directly under my backpack strap. I simply put the pump in the pocket above the backpack strap.
NuDown is doing some really cool things with their technology including a women’s line, a vest, and a more technical ski jacket (the Mount Tallac). The air insulation is a brilliant idea, and I love even more the fact that you can change the insulation to any fill you prefer. Not only could you use this jacket for skiing, going out on town this jacket is going to keep you as warm as you would prefer.
