The Marmot Isotherm Hoody

Outdoor gear manufacturers are giving a tantalising glimpse of some of their upcoming goodies ahead of one of Europe’s biggest trade shows.

ISPO takes place in Munich next month and is used as the launch pad for a plethora of new clothing and equipment that will find its way into outdoor shops in the coming months.

We’ve had a sneak preview of some of the more interesting products to be unveiled at the Bavarian gear fest.

Eider’s new Whymper men’s jacket, named after the Victorian London-born climber who posted the first ascent of the Matterhorn, makes use of two cutting-edge Polartec materials.

The jacket has a NeoShell outer, which boasts waterproof performance to the standard 10,000mm level while having a claimed breathability twice the standard of a conventional waterproof jacket.

And underneath the shell, the Whymper uses Polartec’s brand-new Alpha synthetic insulation – a thin, lightweight layer that Polartec says provides unprecedented breathability, moisture vapour transport, maintains insulation when wet, has high wind resistance, warmth without weight and a quick drying time.

Polartec’s stand at the show will feature another manufacturer’s coat using its Alpha insulation.

The Marmot Isotherm Hoody has Alpha insulation throughout the whole jacket.

Eider's Whymper Jacket

Weighing a (very precise) 416.7g, the Isotherm has a 20-denier Pertex Quantum face fabric and softshell reinforcements on the shoulders.

Marmot says the insulated jacket is ideal for backcountry ski-touring and mountaineering and will also be available in a women’s version, both retailing at £180.

Having had a couple of brief outings in Marmot’s Project Alpha Jacket which also uses Polartec Alpha insulation, we can vouch for the superb windproofing and breathability of the material.

Look out for a full Project Alpha test review in the near future.