Skip to main content

Giga is the down jacket that comes stuffed with 16 useful features

The humble down jacket has been a staple in just about every outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe since it was first patented by Eddie Bauer (the man, not the apparel manufacturer) back in 1940. Since that time, we have seen the jacket continue to evolve, getting lighter, warmer, and more comfortable with time. Now, a company called MicroNovelity is looking to add even more innovation and functionality by introducing its multi-functional Giga Jacket.

At first glance, the Giga Jacket looks a lot like just about any other down jacket. But hidden inside its stylish exterior are features that will appeal to travelers, hikers, or just about anyone else who spends time outside. For example, the jacket not only comes with a clear pocket designed to hold a smartphone, but one specifically built to carry a tablet, too. There are also pockets for securely carrying a passport, boarding pass, and a pen, as well as a versatile multi-function pocket for keeping other important items close at hand.

Giga Jacket

Modular by design, the Giga Jacket also comes with a detachable hood, eye mask, and winter mask, allowing wearers to decide which of those features they want to take with them. It also comes with a built-in, concealed scarf, a loop for securing sunglasses, and a headphone loop that connects to the smartphone pocket. As if that wasn’t enough, the jacket will also convert to a pillow or a thermal bag as needed.

Insulated with duck down and wrapped in wind-resistant fabrics, the Giga Jacket is designed to keep the wearer warm in cold conditions. It even features thumb loops that extend the sleeves over the hand, providing extra warmth on cold days. The jacket doesn’t appear to use hydrophobic down, however, which has become the de-facto standard for most outdoor brands.

The Giga recently launched on Kickstarter with its designers hoping to raise $12,781 to make the jacket a reality. It only took a few days to surpass that number and now it should go into production in June and begin shipping to customers in September. The jacket is expected to have a price tag of $199, although early bird supporters can order one for a little as $119 if they pre-order now.

Editors' Recommendations

Kraig Becker
Kraig Becker is a freelance outdoor writer who loves to hike, camp, mountain bike, trail run, paddle, or just about any other…
The best down jackets
A reliable down jacket is practical no matter the time of year
best down jackets kjul trid lifestyle

Spring and summer may bring warmer weather but that doesn't mean you have to put away the puffy jacket. If you're an active person, you'll still venture outside for backpacking or camping trips, meaning you'll likely contend with chilly mornings before the air warms up or brisk evenings after the sun goes down.

Put plainly, it's always nice to have a jacket in your pack when hiking, biking, or even just walking around town. Whether you’re planning to sleep in the woods for several days, or just want to keep warm while waiting for the bus, you need a dependable down jacket or synthetic alternative. Here are our picks of the best down jackets for every occasion.
Arc'teryx Cerium SL Hoody
The best for hiking

Read more
If you need a jacket with 25 features, look no further than the BauBax 2.0
BauBax 2.0

It's been nearly three years since the BauBax Travel Jackets set a record as the most successful apparel crowdfunding campaign in Kickstarter history, and now, the team behind the outerwear is back to prove itself once again. After raising $9.2 million in its first go-around, the BauBax team is launching the 2.0 version of its jacket on the crowdfunding site. Meet the BauBax 2.0 Travel Jacket, created "by travelers for travelers" and meant to address "common travel problems and make every journey easier."
The jacket includes a number of bells and whistles that you probably didn't know you wanted. For example, there's a pen (or stylus) attached to the main zipper, earbud holders, multiple tech gadget pockets, a secret RFID safe pocket, a drink pocket, and of course, built-in gloves. The BauBax 2.0 also features specially sized storage pockets for your passport, wallet, tablet, smartphone, sunglasses, portable battery charger, and water bottle.
In essence, if you want to turn yourself into a walking suitcase, this is the way to do it. Oh, and by the way, the jacket comes with a carabiner, because why not?
And now that Apple products are more popular than ever, BauBax has added some iEmpire-specific features, including an Apple Pencil pocket, an Apple AirPods pocket, and built-in AirPod straps to hold your earphones in place.

While this may seem like a whole lot to carry on your person, the BauBax team notes that it's actually perfect for traveling, particularly through airports. “Instead of unloading all your pockets before stepping into the full body scanner, you can simply keep everything in your BauBax Jacket, take it off and send it through the scanner,” Hiral Sanghavi, Co-founder and CEO of BauBax said.

Read more
Snow-C is the down jacket that wirelessly charges your smartphone
Snow-C wireless charging jacket

SNOW-C | Charge Your Phone Wirelessly In Your Pocket | New Kickstarter Technology 2018

Keeping your smartphone charged while on the go is a constant challenge. Sure, you can carry a portable battery pack around with you, but running a cable to your mobile device can get awkward and unwieldy, which makes us wonder why someone hasn't come up with a way to wirelessly provide a charge instead. As it turns out, a new jacket that recently launched on Kickstarter promises to do that very thing.

Read more