This New Outdoor Jacket’s Truly Weird Feature Could Be a Game Changer

The Goldwin Pertex Shield Air Mountaineering Jacket’s innovative right-side pocket serves a unique purpose.

Published March 20, 2025

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Updated March 20, 2025

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With roots dating back to the 1950s, the former Tsuzawa Knit Fabric Factory has been shaking up the performance apparel space for more than 70 years.

(Fun fact: The company renamed itself Goldwin in support of athletes competing in 1964’s hometown Tokyo Summer Olympics, where 12 of the 16 Japanese gold medalists wore Goldwin.)

goldwin pertex air shield mountaineering jacket pocket detail — The Inside-Out Mesh Pocket fully hides in the jacket until you decide to actually use it.

These days, the brand is renowned for its continuous innovation, unique aesthetics and as noted in its own manifesto “obsessive dedication to detail.”

What’s really cool about this detail is the truly quiet technicality: It can function just like a traditional pocket, with the inside-out nature only making an appearance if you actually need it.

Only that combo of qualities could result in one aspect of the new Pertex Shield Air Mountaineering Jacket that I just can’t get over: the Inside-Out Mesh Pocket.

Hot pocket

So what is the story with this odd little compartment that the brand so unabashedly lets hang out of the jacket in so many of its product photos?

As with so many things Goldwin, this detail exists for a reason.

goldwin pertex air shield mountaineering jacket angles — Two of many images on the product page proudly displaying the peculiar pocket.

The breakdown on the product page is a bit fuzzy, so I inquired with a rep for the brand itself and got the following response.

“Featuring Goldwin’s signature seam design, the right-side pocket includes an Inside-Out Mesh Pocket that allows for ventilation and convenient storage of wet gloves or caps.”

In other words, you can essentially flip this pocket inside out, stash wet gear in it and, presumably, enable it to dry out much faster than if tucked inside.

goldwin pertex air shield mountaineering jacket pocket out — The pocket’s mesh material gives wet gear plenty of air to help it dry out quickly.

This approach instantly reminds me of the loop on ski gloves that allows you to attach them to the outside of a pack facing up so moisture can drain out rather than pooling in the fingers.

What’s really cool about this detail is the truly quiet technicality: It can function just like a traditional pocket, with the inside-out nature only making an appearance if you actually need it.

Further details

Of course, the funky pocket is just one piece of the puzzle here.

This jacket has a lot of other compelling features that make it great for trekking, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

goldwin pertex air shield mountaineering jacket hiking — The jacket’s Pertex Shield Air waterproofing tech helps shed precipitation without causing you to overheat.

The eponymous Pertex Shield Air is this shell’s waterproofing tech. It is notable for its high level of breathability, which enables this jacket to excel even under exertion or in hot and humid conditions.

The sleeves have a 3-D design that follows typical movements, increasing mobility for your shoulders and arms.

The placket is design to stay at the height of the collar and provide wind protection even when the jacket is unzipped.