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Co-Founder Deep Dive: The Evolution of Light Layer

Mar 8, 2025, 3:15 PMministryofsupply

Hi there,


When I was last on my way to the Oslo airport, I saw a peculiar sign at the central train station - “Jacket Hotel.” It promised free storage of that bulky winter coat you wore to the station (most travel from Norway leads south to warmer temperatures).

jacket hotel

The Jacket Hotel offers a useful (albeit awkward) alternative to stuffing your massive down jacket into an overhead bin and schlepping it around unused for the duration of your trip. If you’re traveling this time of year, you’re bound to come across different climates and wild temperature swings on any given day. There has to be a better way!

mercury light layer heated

For the past 8 years (even before it was officially launched), our Light Layer Jacket has been the first thing I pack into my bag. No lugging a down jacket around, no need for both a weatherproof jacket and overcoat; 9/10 trips I don't even need to pack a sweater (though we do make some great ones).

Whether it's the original Light Layer, its Kinetic-branded follow-up, or our latest (and greatest) Mercury Heated Light Layer, it turns out you can have it all (and pack less) with one incredible piece.

Light Layer Over the Years

gihan light layer 1 gihan light layer 2

We’re particularly proud of the Light Layer’s design and capabilities, and much of its DNA has persisted with each new iteration - incredible stretch, full-zip front and snap closure, zippered pockets for your phone, passport and more. And as mentioned before, the whole thing packs down into its own front pocket for a minimal footprint in your travel bag.

light layer packed
All packed and ready to move.

When it’s time to head outdoors, Light Layer has your back - its tightly-woven shell fabric sheds light drizzle or snow while also blocking wind (helped by its convertible stand-up collar), and lightweight 35-gram stretch insulation provides welcome warmth without feeling restrictive.

gihan light layer 3
Whether headed from Oslo to Boston or Boston to SF in the summer, the classic Light Layer works across most climates with a comfortable range of 32ºF-60ºF wear.

While the jacket is tailor-made for travel, it’s intentionally styled as a blazer for comfortable wear indoors - Aman and I regularly wear our Light Layers to meetings in lieu of a traditional blazer or sweater, or toss them on over a blazer as an overcoat on chilly days. 

Making a Time-Tested Piece Even Better

But sometimes you need an extra boost of warmth on those mornings while you wait for your Lyft or train, so we set out to turbocharge Light Layer this year by adding our renowned Mercury heating system - flexible and lightweight carbon nanotube heating panels powered by a USB-C battery bank pumping out 10W at up to 120ºF.

mercury light layer 1 mercury light layer 2

To Heat or Not to Heat

A fun fact that’s always stuck with me is that our torso produces roughly:

💡    50W of heat while standing (~1 traditional incandescent light bulb) 
💡💡    100W while walking (2 light bulbs) 
💡💡💡    150W when walking briskly (3 light bulbs)

Mercury’s heating system helps adapt to changing external conditions for travel or activity levels by switching between the three distinct power levels - and when you no longer need a boost, you can simply switch the power off.

In the end, that’s really the beauty (and true goal) of the new Light Layer - a tech jacket that doesn’t scream tech jacket. Much like a broken escalator is still a functional set of stairs, a smart garment should work well for you whether or not your battery is charged.

Safe travels, and stay curious, 

- Gihan

PS: I spoke more about our design approach to Mercury Light Layer with the folks at Fast Company back in January. If you’re interested, you can check out that article here.

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