Euro Rockstar Outdoor Jacket

This week, from the Swiss skiwear company KJUS comes a peek at what could be the future of outerwear for the alpine world. Or, at least, this jacket, which comes out in 2012, is a funky Euro attempt to blend function and fashion like never before. In reality, the Equilibrium Jacket, pictured here, is not a giant leap. But it is neat, combining Polartec’s Power Shield Pro softshell material in the shoulder area with panels of goose down for insulation and warmth from the stomach downward.

The jacket is wind-proof, and the Power Shield Pro softshell material offers high water resistance and high breathability. (Power Shield Pro is one of my favorite outerwear fabrics ever made.) The quilted goose down area that is the bottom half serves to keep your core warm.

KJUS, a Swiss company, is known for its uber-premium outerwear, including jackets that sell for $1,000 or more. The Equilibrium Jacket’s price is set at $599, and it should be in stores in the U.S. mid-winter 2012. Yes, you’re going to need to shell out the big bucks if you’re looking to get the level of functionality (and fashion) that the company promises with this rockstar piece.

—Stephen Regenold