The Jacket That Hugs You Back: Inside the Design of the Catnap & Bearhug
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When we set out to design the Catnap and Bearhug, we wanted to create something that felt like a warm embrace— protective, cozy, and effortlessly stylish. We knew these jackets had to be more than just another outerwear option; they needed to redefine comfort and function in a way that only Terracea could. We wanted to break away from the jackets we’ve made before, while still staying true to what taught us how to make technical outerwear; resulting in the idea to make the ultimate do-it-all winter jackets that feel like body armor for the slopes to the streets.
That’s where our GM, Vic Satir, came in. Vic looked at jackets from his personal collection, and highlighted some unique features of each one. He examined what made them great, from materials, design elements, and most importantly usability, and then pulled together a product brief that ultimately ended up bringing them into one finished product. “The brief wasn’t presented for the team to replicate what we liked, but to enhance and innovate where it made sense” Vic said as he recalled the brief review meeting with design.
Take the front pocket, for example. We found a version we loved, but it relied on outdated closure system which felt bulky, inconvenient, and like it would wear out. So we asked ourselves: “how can we improve this”? That’s when we introduced the use of secure and quiet magnets, ultimately becoming the MagFlap®. By using magnets, we achieved a sleek, seamless design that feels effortless while maintaining functionality. This small but significant change became a defining feature of both the Catnap and the Bearhug, offering easy access without compromising on aesthetics or comfort, with or without gloves on.
Comfort was our guiding principle, but we also knew that weather protection had to be at the forefront of the design. Through testing and feedback, we discovered that people needed the most protection around their most sensitive areas, the face and head. Cold, wind, and precipitation tend to hit there first, we reinforced these areas with added waterproof material to ensure maximum dryness & warmth no matter the conditions.
The Catnap and Bearhug represent a major evolution for Terracea. As we celebrate nine years as a brand, we’re pushing the boundaries of what outerwear can be—blending the technical elements needed for harsh New England weather with a design that fits seamlessly into everyday life. These jackets mark the start of something bigger for us: a move toward lifestyle outerwear that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
We’re incredibly excited to share the Catnap and Bearhug with you. Whether you're braving a winter storm or just stepping out for a casual stroll, these jackets are designed to make you feel like you’re wrapped in your own cozy world—protected, comfortable, and ready for anything.
- Tags: Outdoors winter apparel