Product
Eider Vildiur Jacket
Promise
Maximum protection and comfort with a Primaloft lining for warmth and lightness.
Performance
In the heart of the French Alps since 1962, Eider has combined a passion for mountain sports, historical textile expertise, permanent research for innovation with a unique and contemporary style.
The Vildiur Jacket is for the serious skier and boasts all the technology and comfort you need from a ski jacket. The most notable and easily missed addition (other than the extreme performance qualities) being the hidden zip-out balaclava down the inside back. Another more immediate difference is the Crystal Eye Vision System – or, more simply, clear plastic panels at your peripheral to enhance your field of view when cowering under a fully drawn hood.
Of course as with so many of these jackets, the hood is removable and you could tuck it away with the balaclava if need be. Lycra cuffs with thumb holes keep the cuffs fitted perfectly around your gloves to aid in your protection from the elements – although if the lycra itself gets wet it won’t be terribly comfortable.
Eiders own Defender Stretch Expert fabric is exceptionally waterproof with a whopping great rating of 30,000mm and breathability of 20,000g/m2/24H. The defender bi-stretch technology is highly abrasion and tear resistant with four-way stretch and both have a waterproof/breathability rating of 20k.
The two chest and hand pockets have waterproof zips though the hand pockets are noticeably smaller that most, limiting your stuff space for hats and gloves. The common goggle and mp3 pockets are hidden away inside and the powder skirt can be removed for more everyday use throughout winter. A ski-pass-pocket is, of course, on the sleeve and armpit vents are always a must.
Verdict
With multiple layers including the primaloft it’s obvious when wearing the jacket that this piece of clothing means business. Not only is this jacket one of the toughest and most waterproof around, a large size weighs approximately 1.35kg, making it one of the lightest jackets we have reviewed for such extreme conditions.
