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Eider Shaper Jacket Review

Founded in 1962 by Frenchman Georges Ducruet, Eider are all about bringing elegance and a touch of class to the slopes. Ducruet, who was based in Annecy, was a fan of the fast-growing sport of alpine skiing, but was fed up of getting cold and wet while doing it.

A tailor by trade, he decided to solve the problem by making his own warm waterproof gear. But he didn’t want a jacket that was purely functional – it would have to meet up to the same exacting standards of style that he’d expect of the suits which came out of his atelier. This approach, combining elegance with performance, still characterises Eider’s line to this day.

“If there’s a blizzard blowing, the cosy little cocoon created by the ‘Fix A Shape’ zip, hood and collar will protect the lower half of your face without restricting your freedom of movement.”

The Shaper ski jacket, with its unique hood and collar shape, is a perfect example. Eider worked very closely with zip makers YKK over a three-year period to develop a fastener with special teeth that helps the collar hold its shape when it’s zipped up. This keeps it away from your face and gives you room to turn your head.

If there’s a blizzard blowing, the cosy little cocoon created by the ‘Fix A Shape’ zip, hood and collar will protect the lower half of your face without restricting your freedom of movement. This makes it great to wear with a helmet, and in the words of one of Eider’s marketing bods, it also means it’s the perfect jacket for men with beards.

Of course the hood isn’t the only great thing about this jacket. Its cut is slimmer than many of the ski jackets on the market, which you’ll appreciate if you prefer a fitted feel to the baggy snowboarder look. The seams are fully taped, the zippers are waterproof and the removable powder skirt has loops that are compatible with any pair of ski or snowboard pants.

The outer fabric (this is a single layer jacket) is breathable as well as waterproof and has been reinforced in key areas like the shoulders, so you won’t have to worry about the edges of your skis ripping the jacket when you’re carrying them.

There are nice touches like an internal pocket that features a phone sleeve with a hole for your headphones wire. The overall build quality of the jacket, which is manufactured within the EU, is excellent. It’s the kind of stitching and workmanship that would no doubt make Georges Ducruet proud.

Eider Shaper Jacket Stats:

The 100 Best Outdoor Products for Winter 2016 View them all

Shot on location in Chamonix

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Selected for The Outdoor 100 Winter 2016

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