Photo courtesy of react0rhh

Staying warm doesn’t have to be expensive.

Times are tough and money is tight. It’s hard to justify spending cash these days on extra gear and jackets. However, if you’re currently researching warm winter jackets, you don’t have to break the piggy bank to keep warm.

First on the lineup is the Burton Process Premium Hoodie:

Photo: Burton

This sleek, super low profile hoodie is perfect for the days that aren’t cold enough. The hoodie works wonders in the morning for walking to the coffee shop, before heading to work, or walking the dog in the evening.

Since it’s constructed from 100% cotton, it’s soft and extremely comfortable. It has a slim fit, so choose your size wisely. Best part about it? Deep, zippered hand warming pockets, drawstring hoodie, and Sherpa fleeced lined hood.

Keep the head warm, keep the body warm.

Cost: $75 | Where to buy: Burton

Next up is the Dakine Turbine Mock:

Photo: Dakine

Technically, this is a fleece not a soft shell. However, it has a smooth polyester outer layer which fights off wind while keeping the fleece resistant to water for those misty hikes. It has a full zipper, which is good for rocking the jacket open faced while inside your local neighborhood pub. Zip it all the way up without covering the entire neck.

It also features a stealthy upper chest zipped pocket for storing those phone numbers from pursuers–of the jacket.

Cost: $80 | Where to buy: Dakine

Last on the list is the Cloudveil Traverse 1/2 Zip:

It’s time to replace that fleece you bought at the Disneyland souvenir shop with the Traverse 1/2 Zip.

No frills. No Whistles. 1/2 Zipper? Yes.

Simple, good on its own, and perfect for layering.

This lightweight isothermic fleece can be worn for all your outdoor activities, or while shopping for used gear at garage sales. Designed not to be overly technical keeps the cost down without sacrificing warmth and performance.

Its soft, attractive material means people will not stop touching you.

Cost: $80 | Where to buy: Cloudveil

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About The Author

Austin Chu

Austin Chu was laid off in December 2008. He has a deep obsession with breakfast burritos and backpacks. He doesn't know why. He just drove through fifty states filming a documentary on the economy and the recession. Follow his project on www.therecessends.com

  • Mary

    Thanks for the heads up on winter jackets.

    ExOfficio also makes fleece jackets that are in the same price point as the others listed.

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