Extremely cold weather can be hazardous, even fatal, to people living on the street. With the goal of minimizing risk, injury, or death due to exposure, many cities issue a Cold Weather Alert. A Cold Weather Alert is a short-term, emergency response, which remains in effect for the duration of the extreme weather conditions. An alert is called when Environment Canada forecasts one of the following:

• a low of -15ºC without wind chill
• a wind chill advisory for outdoor activity
• extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard or ice storm

The hope is that fewer people will sleep outside during extreme conditions. But the reality is not everyone is able, or willing, to get off the streets for the night.

Enter, the 15 Below Jacket.

Stuffed, (with newspaper) the 15 Below jacket can be worn as a winter coat.
Stuffing removed, it can be worn as a raincoat.
When not being worn, the jacket can be folded into a backpack for easy transportation, or used as a pillow.

(click through for a great video on it.)