The Perfect Snow Jacket

Yes, that's nine inches of snow in Georgia. Photographed here on the way to Springer Mountain from the Len Foote Hike Inn. 

I couldn't resist stopping at the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville, Georgia while on a recent drive through the north Georgia mountains to celebrate Valentine's with the Big Guy. The North Face outlet store was calling my name. The women's rocket red Thermoball Snow Jacket caught my eye as I perused the beautiful merchandise.  I just had to try it on, and it was love at first sight. Not only was it a perfect fit with a cinched waist, it was discounted from the already reduced outlet price. What a steal....that's how I justified my purchase.  

Here are some of the features advertised by North Face:   

- Outstanding warmth without weight

- Flattering cinched waist 

- Features The North Face's PrimaLoft ThermoBall insulation

- DWR (durable water repellent) finish which sheds light moisture 

- Zip hand pockets

- Internal elasticated cuff 

- Water resistant, breathable 

Click here for more information on The North Face Women's ThermoBall snow jacket. 

As luck would have it, I got an opportunity to wear my new snow jacket the next week during the Siberian Express which blanketed the eastern United States in late February 2015. On a Chattanooga Hiking Club trip to the Len Foote Hike Inn, we received almost 10 inches of snow the first night. What a magical sight in Georgia for late February. Click here for more information on the Hike Inn. 

Thanks to an Appalachian Trail thru hiker from Michigan, who was also staying at the inn, for breaking trail before we departed on our hike.  

My first experience hiking in this much snow.  (Photograph courtesy of Reggie Jay)

The plaque at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, Georgia. 

I love my new snow jacket. All of the features touted by The North Face are true, and I highly recommend it if you're in the market for such a jacket. Soon, I had to remove one of my two base layers after working up a sweat trekking through nine inches of snow. Thanks to my new snow jacket, I was warm and dry the remainder of the day with only one layer.

While the snow quickly melted in Georgia, this particular hike to Springer Mountain will remain in my memory long after the jacket has been discarded for newer, more advanced outdoor gear.  I hope you will "Keep On Hiking."