The Patagonia Knifeblade jacket

A new jacket and trouser combination from Patagonia claims to bridge the gap between traditional softshell and hardshell technology.

The Knifeblade Jacket and Pants are made from Polartec Power Shield which the company said offers optimum wind and water resistance, breathability and stretch ideal for snow pursuits, winter climbing and trekking.

Patagonia said the clothing blocks 99 per cent of wind, so preventing windchill, but allows enough air circulation and breathability to stop the user overheating.

The American brand said: “The water-repellent surface sheds rain and snow and offers high levels of breathability, stretch for comfort and abrasion resistance.

“The Knifeblade jacket, thanks to Polartec’s Power Shield Pro fabric fills the gap between traditional soft- and hardshells.

“It has a pliable, lightweight feel, slides easily over layers and is packed with features, such as three water-resistant zippered pockets, low-profile cuff closures and Touch Point System embedded cord locks in the helmet-compatible hood and hem for quick adjustment.

The Knifeblade pants

“Team this jacket with Patagonia’s Knifeblade Pants, also made using Polartec’s Power Shield Pro, to feel the benefits of water and wind resistance, breathability and essential stretch for ease of movement on the slopes.”

The trousers have a high, flat waistline for harness-wearing comfort, adjustable elasticised braces, a two-way zip fly with snap closure and partial side zips at the hips for drop-seat configuration.

The jacket is in the shops now at £240 and weighs 536g for the men’s version and 488g for the women’s model.

The trousers cost £200 and tip the scales at 502g and 462g for men’s and women’s respectively.

More details are on the Patagonia website.