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The Man Who Invented the Down Jacket - And Why It Almost Didn't Happen
In the early 1930s, Eddie Bauer, a Seattle-based sporting goods store owner, nearly died of hypothermia on a fishing trip. This near-death experience led him to invent the down jacket, revolutionizing outdoor apparel. The Skyliner, patented in 1936, was lightweight, wind-resistant, and warm, setting a new standard for cold-weather gear.
From a Seattle Fishing Trip to Your Wardrobe: The Story of Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer, born in 1899 on Orcas Island, Washington, survived a near-fatal fishing trip in the 1930s. This experience led him to create the Skyliner, America’s first quilted down jacket, in 1936. His brand, built on a commitment to quality and performance, has outfitted expeditions, the military, and adventurers worldwide for over a century.