Over the years I have come realizing that to fully appreciate the cold season, it is best to be properly dressed. Down jackets have become a winter wardrobe essential, and I could not do without them. What about one of those offered by the remarkable Cotopaxi company? Here are my impressions of the Solazo Down Hooded Jacket.
About Cotopaxi
Founded in 2014 by Davis Smith, Cotopaxi stands out, in part, for its colorful products, gaining in popularity in the outdoor community. One of the priorities of this company is sustainability. They are conscientious of both the people and the planet. Sourcing for materials, manufacturing and sustainability of their product are at the heart of their thinking. Cotopaxi is certified carbon neutral and B Corporation (Power of Business for Social, Environmental and Economic Good).
The jacket
Solazo is a Spanish word meaning comfort. The Solazo Down Hooded Jacket lives up to its name, because for me, this coat is synonymous with comfort and well-being. The Cotopaxi Solazo is a lightweight jacket. It is insulated with 600-grade duck down, which is light, fluffy and warm.
How is Cotopaxi’s insulation material eco-friendly? All of the Cotopaxi down is responsibly sourced and processed in partnership with ALLIED Feather + Down. This means which has a transparent, audited, and certified supply chain. 100% of the down Cotopaxi procure comes solely as a byproduct of the food industry and exceeds animal welfare best practices for ducks and geese.
Down and synthetics remain two types of insulation used in clothing and equipment to protect against the cold. It is also a long-standing debate in the outdoor industry. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the conditions and activities you’re involved in. For my part, I only owned down jackets with synthetic insulation. I was delighted to finally be able to make the comparison. In general, I found that the down provided much warmth, right from the first minutes of putting on the coat. However, on very windy days, I found I lost a minor insulation at the small seams. A long sweater (base layer style) is enough to fix this slight detail.
What people typically say about down: it is very light, very warm, very compressible and very durable. Down is ideal for cold and dry conditions. However, it is more expensive, harder to maintain and more sensitive to moisture. It may lose its insulating properties when wet, unless treated with a water-repellent coating.
For the Solazo Down Hooded Jacket, Cotopaxi used a water-repellent 20D ripstop nylon shell. It provides protection from the elements, without being too stiff or shiny. The Solazo is also treated with a Polygiene® anti-odor coating, which prevents the development of odor-causing bacteria.
Overall, it is a warm jacket offering excellent thermal insulation without being too thick or bulky.
There is :
- A three-panel hood conforms to the shape of the head and protects the ears.
- It has an inner flap that prevents water from entering through the zipper.
- It has elasticated cuffs, which prevent cold air from entering through the sleeves.
- A drawcord at the waist allows you to adjust the jacket to your body shape.
To conclude
The Cotopaxi Solazo Down Hooded Jacket is a colorful jacket that adds fun and personality to any outfit. It’s available in a range of colors, such as black, red, green or yellow, which are bright and contrasting. The jacket combines quality, comfort and style with a positive impact on the world. The Solazo jacket is not just a piece of clothing, but a symbol of solidarity and responsibility.
You can have more information about Cotopaxi here: