The blues for the churned up Atlantic, bouncing off the coast and twirling around rocks hidden just below the surface. Almost Mediterranean bright in some spots, yet dark and moody around the corner. Brilliant, stunning, powerful. A playground for locals to fish, surf, swim, sail and dive. The yellow for the goldenrod, Golden cattails and dunes surrounding these sites and keeping them well hidden. Protecting from harsh wind and slowing shoreline erosion. While the hazey yellows ignite a false feeling of warmth even in the depths of winter. The light gray for the rocky beaches and cliffs that shape the coastline - well worn and enjoyed over hundreds of years. The colors themselves nicely balanced above a muted tone, without crossing into glossy. True to representation on the Hexa platform. 

On a particularly early cold snap, I tested out the Hexa Puffy Jacket and headed for the windiest costal point. With 650 premium fill power down it was instant warmth, a cozy comforting layer, without the Michelin Man marshmallow effect. From November to April, the island stays at a fairly consistent 30s to 40s. Not quite low enough for snow, but with a damp cold you can’t shake and winds that leave you teary eyed, it isn’t necessarily pleasant. I knew immediately this jacket would be my daily staple. The longer-length hem fell just below my hip but didn’t restrict movement as I scrambled along the shoreline. The length offered slight protection against the elements for my lower half. Something that can’t be overlooked for the days you forego base layers or reach for an easy dog walk layer. The jacket length, as well as the elasticized cuffs and hem are a pleasant warmth boosting detail that helps keep the draft out and heat in. Flipping the hood up, was noticeably warmer. It comfortably fit with a beanie and stayed firmly on, moving with my head movements so there was no obstruction of view. 

The lightweight, ultra-soft Toray Nylon shell blocks wind effectively and is water resistant, thanks to a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. With a premium 20-Denier it’s also durable for when you accidentally graze a rock, stick, or in my case have an excited puppy jump at you. Though, as it is with any puffy, extra care to avoid sharp points is always a smart policy.

When choosing sizing, I found the guide offered by Hexa to be particularly helpful. Originally, I thought I was a run of the mill size small but upon further exploration and some measurements I discovered there were some alterations that would offer a better fit. Once I received the jacket, it was clear that this decision to check measurements was a smart choice. I ended up going with a shorter sleeve length and slim fit for the hip-to-waist ratio. This offered a better overall fit with room still for a mid-weight layer underneath, should that be needed. Hot tip if you don’t have a measuring tape, use a string and the measure app on your phone.

Typically my winters would consist of spontaneous sends to northern New England, long weekend trips west, recreating in the snow and mountains. Trying to escape the seemingly endless gray wetness. But, as we know all too well, this year is far from typical. So with a responsibility towards safety during the pandemic, I envision this winter holding more romps on the island, bundling up for shared meals outside, meaningful conversations over coffee during sunrise strolls, invigorating dips in the ocean and *fingers crossed* squeezing in trips up north. Certainly less grandiose and Type II fun. An appreciation instead for the small details that exist in my daily surroundings. And while I’m not wishing for shorter daylight hours, I’m looking forward to pulling out my unique Hexa Puffy again and knowing it’ll hold the much needed cozy warmth to keep me exploring outside.