Heritage lines have been making the rounds in the outdoor world for the past few years—it’s no new trend. But while anyone can reference photos from the early days of recreational wilderness exploration, only a few can claim to have actually been there. Eddie Bauer is one that can. The man behind the brand (yes, Eddie was an actual guy) patented the The Skyliner, the first down jacket for the US market, in 1936.
The bomber style jacket would go on to define the brand’s early days as a leader in the field, and now that heritage is being revived in the form of Eddie Bauer Originals collection, it’s being reintroduced with a special collaboration with their neighbors to the south, Oregon's Pendleton Woolen Mills.
Over the years there’s no doubt Eddie Bauer has strayed from its core outdoor roots, expanding into countless mall locations and mailboxes across the country, but fresh blood near the top shows the Bellevue, WA-based brand is interested in reinvigorating the iconic brand. And while they’ve kept a foot in the performance market with their First Ascent line, we're excited to see the brand rightfully join in on casual heritage revival movement. Better late than never, right?
The special edition Skyliner is available in both men’s and women’s fits with a reversible design—Pendleton wool on one side and a quilted, water resistant down outer on the opposite. Eight National Parks are honored in the collaboration with striped colorways inspired by the iconic sights of each. With 650 fill down and a tailored fit, the ’30s staple remains stylish and functional. Plus, five percent of net proceeds from all sales of the jackets go toward the National Park Foundation’s restoration efforts in Glacier and Grand Canyon National Park.
