Mammut × Nigel Cabourn: Direttissima Capsule
Honoring Michiko Imai’s 1969 Eiger Direttissima—heritage design, modern materials.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos courtesy of Mammut.
A heritage‑driven capsule inspired by classic alpinism, reworked with modern fits and materials. The color story and textures play nicely with technical Mammut pieces, so you can move from lift rides to town without changing your base kit.
Michiko Imai and models wearing the Direttissima capsule on a red Eiger graphic background.
Backstory: Michiko Imai & the 1969 Direttissima
In 1969, a Japanese team completed the first ascent of the Eiger’s most direct and difficult route—the Japanese Direttissima. Among them was Michiko Imai, the first woman to summit the Eiger by this line. This capsule honors her story, reimagining a 1969 mountaineering kit with heritage fabrics (Ventile® cotton, Scottish wool, Swiss‑blanket cues) and modern tech (Pertex® Quantum lining, DRY DOWN). In recent years, Michiko returned to the Eiger to reflect on the climb that shaped her life.
Mammut × Nigel Cabourn Direttissima: Jackets, Knit & Baselayer
Mammut × Cabourn Direttissima IN Jacket — vintage‑inspired insulated jacket with an asymmetrical closure, Pertex® Quantum shell, and responsibly sourced down. Statement warmth for travel and lodge.
Mammut × Cabourn Direttissima IN Hooded Jacket — same insulated profile with a hood; Pertex® Quantum shell and lofty down. Wear over a base, under a shell on cold, clear days.
Mammut × Cabourn Direttissima Blanket Jacket — Swiss‑blanket wool, horn buttons, Mammut embroidery; relaxed fit for easy wear over technical pieces.
Mammut × Cabourn Direttissima Wool ML Sweater — heritage knit reworked from 1969 references; cozy midlayer for lodge and town.
Mammut × Cabourn Direttissima Baselayer (One‑Piece) — archival union‑suit vibe in capsule colors; unisex sizing.
Mammut × Cabourn Direttissima Cord Pant — hard‑wearing corduroy in the capsule palette; check regional availability and sizing.
Where It Fits
Travel & lodge: Statement top layer that packs small; warm on transit and in the lodge.
Resort — cold, clear days: Wear over a base or light insulated mid. If wind or snow moves in, put a technical shell (Eiger Free/Nordwand) on top and stash this piece in your pack.
Town & après: Heritage look that plays well with denim/cord and neutral Mammut shells.
Not for: Sustained storm/wet snow or above‑treeline exposure—use technical shells/insulation instead.
Fit & Styling Notes
True‑to‑size for a relaxed drape. If you plan to stack heavier midlayers underneath, consider one size up. Neutral palettes play well with black shells and Stoney pants. Keep accessories simple to let the fabric do the work.
See the Collection →
Check Out the Rest of the Articles in This Series
Full Women’s Winter Guide → Mammut Women’s Winter 2025–26: New Shells, New Colors, Warmer Layers, Nigel Cabourn
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.
