Canada's premier export, Westbeach - who celebrate their 30th anniversary this year - have released possibly their best outerwear collection yet for 2009/10, including a pretty stylish selection of jackets.
Based in Vancouver, the classic brand are known for combining functionality, quality, and style all in a not-extortionate price, drawing on living in and loving the mountains - not aspiring in the city.
With now 30 years experience under their belt, this year's no exception - with specially selected fabrics and components to give kit for women that actually rip, not pose. As well as trademark loud prints - the Caprice Jacket (1&2)in Bazooka Plaid, Cypress Jacket in Bazooka (7) and Lady Racer (5) in Twilight Zone, will definitely get you noticed in the park, or in a white out - they've also gone for a slight imitation of Holden's subdued, streetwear look, with the Alibi Peacock (3&4) and Sea Plane Jacket (8), which I've fallen for most.The technical specs are fully legit too: choose your level of protection from Basecamp, (6000mm waterproofing and 6000 gm breathability rating), Summit (10,000 mm / 10, 000gm), or Elevation (20,000mm / 20,000gm) and even the patented C_Change fabrics - which react to changing temperatures and conditions, to give you the most protection - or cooling - when needed.
Plus, with easy access music pockets, three in one layers, bottle openers, custom printed linings and three in one liners - plus a choice of insulations and linings - you'd struggle to find something more tech in a women's range.
1 & 2: Caprice Jacket, in unknown print and Parliament Plaid, £189
3 & 4: Alibi Peacoat, in Bomber Blue & Black, £149.99
5 Lady Racer Jacket (insulated), in Black, £149.99
6 Dusty's Jacket, in White Birch Print, £169.99
7 Cypress Jacket, in Bazooka Goe Print, £129.99
8 Sea Plane Jacket, in Blood Red, £159.99