The Eider Whymper jacket

Are you sitting down? Then we’ll tell you about the latest high-tech jacket from French brand Eider.

But be warned: there’s a sting in the tail.

The Whymper, named after the Englishman who was the first to climb the Matterhorn, comes in at the top end of the gear market and is aimed at the backcountry skier.

Eider’s Whymper, the company said, offers superb breathability on the way up and warmth on the ski down without having to take off or add a layer.

It uses two of Polartec’s new fabrics to offer insulation and warmth.

The Whymper has Alpha insulation, the brand-new product developed originally for US Special Forces. Combined with NeoShell, Polartec’s award-winning breathable waterproof fabric, the Whymper also has Aquaguard zips on the full front opening and chest pocket.

There are zipped hand pockets under a flap, a removable hood, pit-zips with two-way waterproof zips, a removable powder skirt with non-slip band and preshaped elbows.

The jacket features a ski-pass pocket and adjustable hem.

Eider said: “The Whymper jacket offers unprecedented breathability and moisture vapour transport whilst maintaining insulation while wet and dramatically faster drying times than existing lofted insulated fabrics on the market.

“Highly compressible, it also provides superb wind resistance and warmth without weight.

“Whereas, the Polartec NeoShell outer offers breathability, ventilation and the stretch of a softshell with the waterproof and windproof performance of a hard shell – delivering the best of both worlds.”

All this technology comes at a price. If you fancy an Eider Whymper you’d better get saving now.

The jacket has a suggested selling price of £580.

Stockist information is available on the Eider website.