How to choose the size of a ski jacket. How to choose a ski suit. Additional clothing details

Winter is a wonderful time of the year… Especially when you are in a ski resort enjoying the snow, the sun and the adrenaline rush. But so that your vacation is not overshadowed by various minor troubles, you need to prepare for it in advance. And today we will talk about what you should pay attention to when choosing clothes.

Ski jacket

Let's start with the selection of a ski jacket. There are a lot of ski clothing manufacturers on the modern market, but there are several main criteria, based on which you can choose a ski jacket for yourself. good quality and at an affordable price for you. Of course, these are not Mex quilted jackets, so the main thing here is not beauty, but comfort and warmth.

Waterproof. This is one of the most important criteria that determines how long the jacket will not get wet, the dimensional unit is "mm". The minimum value should be at least 5000, but in this case it is worth remembering that the jacket will get wet in heavy snow in a couple of hours. It is better to choose a ski jacket with a water resistance of 10,000 mm or more.

Vapor permeability. This indicator characterizes how effectively the membrane of a ski jacket will remove moisture from the body, the dimensional unit is "g / m2 / 24h". The minimum indicator should be at least 5000, but it is better to choose a model that has a vapor permeability of 1000 or higher.

Insulation. Dimensional unit "g/m2". Here it is worth clarifying that when choosing a ski jacket, you also need to choose whether it will be a down jacket (the insulation material is down), or the ski jacket will be with synthetic insulation (they usually have higher water resistance / vapor permeability than down counterparts, thanks to high manufacturability of these materials). Here you need to choose based on your activity, the lower the density, the less warm the jacket. For down jackets, only the insulation material is usually indicated, without density. For jackets with synthetic lining, the minimum insulation density is 40 g/m2, the maximum is 100 g/m2.

When the density of the sleeve differs from the main part, this is indicated. Well, conditionally, the density of the insulation can be determined by touch: the denser and heavier the ski jacket, the warmer it is. - Mandatory additions. A ski jacket must have a snow-protective "skirt", in critical places the seams must be glued, ventilation in the armpits (with a zipper) will be a plus. It is better to choose a jacket with a full hood.

The size. The size can be freely selected according to dimensional grid provided by the manufacturer (if you order through an online store), although it is better, of course, to measure. Please remember that skiing is HAZARDOUS, so do not neglect protective equipment. If you are going to use protection (back protection, elbow pads), then it is better to choose a ski jacket half a size or a size larger (ski clothes, unlike snowboard clothes, are quite fitted).

Price. The price range is quite wide, but don't buy a ski jacket for less than $200.

Ski pants

The selection criteria are the same as for the jacket, but with some amendments.

Waterproof. Should be quite high, especially if you are a beginner athlete. So it is better to stop at an indicator not lower than 10,000 mm.

Vapor permeability from 5000 g/m2/24h.

Insulation is usually 40 g / m2, no longer required, because you will be wearing thermal underwear. - Of the additional options, it's nice to have ventilation on the outside or inside trousers (with a zipper), detachable suspenders, protection of the inside of the trousers from abrasion (it is made of a denser material), internal snow gaiters (with an elastic band made of non-weeping fabric). Contour knees are now available in almost all models of ski pants.

It is as difficult as in a microcircuit - nothing good will come of it without experience and knowledge. It was not in vain that we compared the equipment of a skier with the details of an electronic device, since the materials for clothing are also created in the laboratory and undergo complex and multi-stage testing.

When choosing clothes for conquering the snowy slopes, one should not be guided only by one's own taste and trust the advice of sellers. You need to understand this topic yourself and clearly understand what requirements a skier's suit must meet.

Putting on the right ski clothes

Every detail in ski equipment is important, especially underwear. It should rid the body of sweat and retain heat. These duties are perfectly handled by modern synthetics, which are produced specifically for sewing thermal underwear for winter sports. With such underwear, the skin will breathe, and sweat secretions dry out quickly. There are several options for the material from which underwear can be made:

1. Polyester is the most common high performance material.
2. Merino or sheep's wool is an excellent option that warms well at low temperatures and removes moisture well.

A more economical option is impregnated ski thermal underwear. But the effect disappears after several washes, so such savings do not justify themselves. A good option is layered underwear, which includes several synthetic fabrics or natural ones are added to them.

In addition to high-quality material, thermal underwear for skiers should have as few seams as possible and fit the body well.

Ski underwear also includes socks. An excellent solution is golf, which combines natural and artificial materials. Good socks should allow moisture to pass through without getting wet, and effectively deal with bad smell. Many manufacturers add sealing inserts to ski socks, and some even produce products with a massage effect.

We choose a heater separately from a ski suit

Choosing insulation separate from ski outerwear has a number of advantages that cannot be ignored. First of all, this approach will allow you not to sweat, regardless of the circumstances. There are several options for choosing a heater:

1. Down is selected according to the so-called elasticity, the best indicator of which is at the level of 750 units. This material is not considered a leader due to its tendency to stall when exposed to moisture. In this state, the heat retention performance is significantly reduced. Even impregnations do not help here.
2. Sintepon is the last century. Due to poor breathability and reduced performance after washing, many ski clothing manufacturers have abandoned this material.
3. Fleece is a great option for any skier. Keeps heat, removes moisture, does not hinder movements.
4. Polartec is a kind of polyester that can become a full-fledged leader in our rating.
5. Thinsulate takes the first position and leaves all other insulation options far behind. It is a synthetic substitute for down, characterized by durability, excellent heat retention and does not deteriorate from washing.

Choosing the right ski jacket

Ski jackets must meet four basic and mandatory parameters:

• dry in any weather;
• warm at any temperature, but not hot;
• compactness of the product;
• lack of embarrassment.

Separately, it is worth talking about the material used by modern manufacturers of ski clothing. To sew one jacket, you need to seriously invest in the purchase of a membrane, insulation, snakes with a waterproof structure, and accessories. It is clear that some manufacturers are looking for ways to save on costs without reducing the cost of the finished product. by the most in a simple way is to replace the membrane (top material) with impregnation. Thus, it seems that the characteristics of the jacket are preserved and the manufacturer receives more profit. But everyone forgot about the user, who needs to wash his ski equipment several times and it will cease to be waterproof and moisture-wicking.

These are not all the subtleties of choosing clothes for classes, there are some more nuances and rules that you will definitely have to take into account.

Jacket and occupation

Yes, that's right - the choice ski jacket is determined by the category of athletes to which you can attribute yourself.

1. Sports as recreation. In order to go down the mountain slope several times a year, without bypassing the side of the coffee shop, you will need to choose a fairly expensive outfit created according to modern technologies using high quality materials.
2. Freeride, alpine skiing, mountaineering require completely different equipment from the athlete. Ski jackets for a serious passion for one of these sports should be light and compact, versatile, with an anatomical cut. Particular attention must be paid to the material, which must breathe and provide sufficient ventilation. good example ski clothing from manufacturers such as Saga, Moment, Ortovox or Rehall can serve.

We focus on the manufacturer

We have selected the most reliable manufacturers who do not save on their products by releasing best clothes for skiers.

Ortovox is from Germany. No one has handled merino wool so skillfully yet. The weave of wool fibers is so fine that it looks like weaving microns. The ability to drain this natural material is on a par with synthetic fabrics. Ski clothing from Ortovox is tested by the best athletes in the field of freeriding and snowboarding.

The Australian company FASC initially focused exclusively on the domestic market and planned to become a purely national manufacturer. As they say, their own for their own. But the quality of the clothes was so high that the whole world wanted to buy clothes from this manufacturer.

Well, where without the Americans? So, the American company Moment, which is based in Reno (Nevada), got into this rating. Not only ski clothing is produced under this brand. This company puts itself in line with Lamborghini as it creates skis and skiboards by hand. Each ski suit under the Moment brand turns out to be aggressive, always of high quality, incredibly stylish and expensive.

The Dutch have also learned how to make great clothes, which are produced under the Rehall brand. These products are produced by people who are passionate about snowboarding, who embody all their experience and irrepressible energy in each suit. This approach to business has allowed the company to become a trendsetter in the world of ski clothing.

What do the numbers on the jacket say?

All the points that were described above are the main and most common criteria for choosing a jacket for skiing. But there are some other subtleties that few people mention, but that doesn’t make them any less important.

Each ski suit is marked with numbers that reflect its water resistance capability. This includes resistance to the effects of wet snow or rain, as well as vapor permeability and moisture evaporation. The latter characteristics imply the amount of water vapor that can pass through a square meter of fabric during the day. If skiing is of a moderate nature and we are talking about an amateur, then sufficient water resistance is at the level of 5000 mm, and for vapor permeability, 5000 g / m² is considered normal. Fans of an aggressive type of descent are advised to choose a suit with higher rates - 7000 and 7000. Athletes who are fond of freeriding will need a ski suit with rates of 10000 and 10000.

additional characteristics

A real quality jacket should have the following elements:

1. Amplifiers are presented in the form of overlays, which are located in those places that wear out the most. Frozen snow is like sandpaper and can instantly ruin new jacket, if you ride on it, for example, with your elbows.
2. Pockets are not decorative element, at least in ski clothing. The more of them, the better. The presence of waterproof snakes is an indisputable advantage, which will be fully appreciated when placing documents and a walkie-talkie or telephone in a jacket.
3. Double cuffs protect you from the snow that tries to get to the body. They can have a different design (put on fingers, have fleece and elastic band inside, and fasten with Velcro, have loops for attaching gloves).
4. The adjustable hood is especially comfortable to wear. The presence of a visor is welcome, since this element is able to protect against snow, wind and blinding sun.

It's hard not to notice how bright ski clothing is. This feature affects not only the women's ski wardrobe. fashion and designer delights it doesn't count here, because it is a necessity that can save a person's life. It will be easier for rescuers to find a skier dressed in bright clothes, which will highlight it against the background of white snow. Let the women's (or men's) ski suit have a discreet color, but the presence of bright inserts is a must.

Membrane in a ski jacket gives additional benefits

The best suit for a skier is one that has a membrane layer. It can be presented in the following form:

1. Hydrophilic or non-porous membranes have more disadvantages than advantages. On their surface there is a certain amount of condensate, which impregnates the fabric and helps to remove moisture. The skier always feels the increased humidity of the atmosphere around him. Such a suit will not protect against low temperatures and high humidity. It’s still not worth it to completely dismiss this version of the membrane layer, because it can last a long time, stretches well, is not whimsical to care for, and shows excellent results at medium temperature conditions.
2. Membranes with a porous structure function due to indistinguishable pores that allow steam to pass through, but do not let water through. In warm weather or in the rain, it will be uncomfortable in such clothes, but in severe frosts, such a suit will warm you perfectly and quickly.
3. The combined version of the membranes is on top of all the options that exist today, although it is still very far from the ideal. Wear resistance, water resistance, stretching - all these advantages fade before the high cost, poor tolerance to high humidity and low temperatures.

We dress children

A suit for children who are going to join skiing is chosen according to the same rules, but with some reservations:

• in overalls, it will be difficult for a child to go to the toilet;
• the child grows quickly, so he will grow out of a ski suit faster than out of a jacket and pants;
• a separate set can be worn separately and not only on vacation in the mountains.

In general, children's ski clothing is created according to the same rules as women's and men's wardrobe.

Choosing pants

You can’t ride much in the mountains in one jacket, so you need to choose trousers. Their design can be different: low, high, straight or narrowed. From the snow, which strives to get to the lower back, it is best to protect high pants with straps. In addition, these pants do not impose restrictions on the choice of jackets. But low pants that fasten at the waist require the choice of a long jacket. We will not consider options with a low waist at all, since they are absolutely useless in the mountains. fashion options, which you can choose freely and not be afraid for your comfort, are trousers with a tapered cut.

Trying on ski pants, you can and even need to squat and jump to understand how comfortable you will feel. They should not press, hang and cause any kind of discomfort. Each skier should try on pants with a jacket, paying attention to how tightly the jacket fits the pants. The length of the jacket must be at least 10 cm longer than the waist on the pants.

Choosing shoes

Ski boots should be chosen no less seriously than all other items of equipment. We choose our size, put on shoes and stand in the usual stance for a skier (it will be enough to bend our knees). We stand and listen to the sensations in the legs. Good ski boots should be comfortable, fit snugly around the foot, and evenly apply moderate pressure to each area of ​​the foot.

Did you find such a model? Go ahead. If ski boots suit you, then they should not provide excessive freedom to the foot, but the toes should move without difficulty. At the same time, the foot should not hang out in them, and the heel should not come off the sole.

From the first time, few people manage to find their ski boots. They come in different stiffness and can have a block with different widths. The fitting must be carried out on the socks in which you plan to make descents.

Women's ski boots, as well as children's, have anatomical features and can be designed for different levels of training. Thermoformed ski boots have great advantages. Such shoes adapt to the anatomical features of a person, making the skiing process as comfortable as possible.

Ski boots for women have elegant design, often manufacturers add a fur or plush trim. Models with a lowered top are offered for owners of a wide shin, and shoes with an easy entry are presented for beginners.

Other items of ski equipment

We figured out the main elements of the skier's wardrobe, but there were untouched moments that also play a big role:

1. Ski gloves should be the warmest of all that will be presented to you. They must be long additional elements from natural material. So that the skier does not lose gloves, they must have comfortable and reliable fasteners. In addition, gloves, like a ski suit, must not let moisture through, retain heat well and not hinder movement. There are already more advanced models that have carbon protection for the most vulnerable spots.
2. A helmet is not always welcomed by skiers, although you should not refuse it, especially when skiing near trees. The helmet should be lightweight and fit perfectly. For children, the presence of a helmet is a prerequisite for entering the snowy slope.
3. Goggles for a skier are not an ornament, but a means of protecting the eyes from snow, which not only creates discomfort, but can also harm vision.
4. The cap is selected depending on whether the helmet will be included in the equipment. Under the helmet, you can wear a thin one, and without a helmet, you need to choose a warm model that covers your ears, preferably with fleece.

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the rules for choosing ski clothing, you can safely go on vacation to the mountains. You will not look like a cold white crow compared to experienced skiers.

What is a membrane? How many pockets should there be? What should be the fasteners? How to properly care? Where can I buy?

Write a review of clothes for winter views sports - what could be easier, it would seem? How difficult is it to collect several jackets and trousers, matching them with bright hats with pom-poms, gloves and mittens? But I could not even imagine how global my delusion was. After a long study of forums and websites, looking at photos of happy friends on the snowy slopes and interviewing acquaintances, it became clear that the most problems arise with the choice of clothing for snowboarding and skiing. A poorly chosen kit can discourage a beginner from riding and upset an experienced rider who had high hopes for new season. The material was accumulated in a number of articles, and the first one is devoted to the choice of a snowboard and ski jacket.

Autumn-winter collection of Icepeak brand.

What to pay attention to?

The main requirements for clothing for skiing are lightness, warmth, practicality, water and wind resistance. A snowboard jacket is usually larger than a ski jacket - this is their main difference, and the rest of the parameters are about the same. When trying on a jacket, you need to fully zip up and raise your hands up - clothes should not restrict movement and ride up. It is better to pay attention to things in bright colors and with reflective stripes that will help you be visible in the snow and in poorly lit places.

What else is worth paying attention to?

1. Laser perforation on the collar is necessary for ventilation, the same usually happens in the underarm area.
2. Lightning must be impregnated with a special compound so that it does not get wet.
3. Zip tabs should be large and non-metallic so that they can be easily unzipped while wearing gloves.
4. The cuffs should be double-layered, the inner one should be made of fleece or polartec or lycra, the outer one should be elasticated with flaps with buttons or Velcro.

5. Snowboard jackets should have a large hood to fit over a helmet, while ski jackets should have a small hood. The visor will protect from snowfall, and the side wings and transparent windows will protect from the wind.
6. The inside of the collar should be made of polartec or fleece, which quickly remove moisture.
7. The lining of the jacket should be made of synthetic or semi-natural materials that easily absorb moisture and dry quickly.
8. The seams must be glued and reinforced with a special tape.
9. Pockets should be located on the sides, on the chest - for a phone or walkie-talkie, on the sleeve - for a ski pass and inside - for documents.
10. Buttons inside the jacket are necessary for fastening trousers, so the snow does not get under the clothes.
11, 12. The inner skirt and elastic fasteners should protect against snow.

Label

The presence of a membrane is considered important - this is an internal coating of the fabric or a special weave of threads, due to which water does not pass inside, and body evaporation is easily removed.

The water resistance of the membrane is indicated in millimeters and means what column of water the jacket can withstand during the day.

3000 mm is the minimum value at which the jacket can be worn in snow or light rain, this indicator is more applicable to urban environments than on slopes.

10000 mm is the average value at which the jacket will not get wet in heavy rain and snow.

30000 mm is the maximum value at which the jacket can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Vapor permeability is determined in grams of water, which the fabric area of ​​1 square. m. passes in 24 hours.

5000 g/sq.m. - an average figure suitable for traditional skating.

10000 g/sq.m. - the maximum indicator applicable for professional sports.

The best fabrics are Goretex, Dermizax, Pertex, Prooface, MemBrain, PreClip. They have a waterproof rating of at least 20,000 mm, and breathability of about 6,000 g / sq.m.

Outside, the fabric is coated with an additional water-repellent DWR layer, thanks to which water does not absorb, but rolls off the surface of the jacket. Such a coating is short-lived, but it can be updated with the help of special products sold in stores with snowboard or ski equipment.

A few words about care: jackets should be washed by hand using special products or, in extreme cases, laundry soap. Such clothes must not be ironed, otherwise the outer fabric may be damaged.

Where to buy?

When choosing a jacket, you should first decide on its purpose. The equipment of an avid rider is not suitable for a beginner, and smart jackets are not suitable for athletes who spend most of the day on the slopes. Clothing that is comfortable to ride, for example, in the Moscow region, will not withstand the load in the mountains, where there is high humidity.

Among snowboarders, clothing brands Burton, 686, DC, Quiksilver, Bonfire, Volcom are popular. Skiers choose things from the brands Bogner, Schoffel, Rossignol, Icepeak, The North Face, Phenix. The Russian companies Baon, Red Fox, Bask, Stayer have also proven themselves among outdoor enthusiasts - clothes are made from high-quality materials, and the prices are quite affordable.

Experienced riders prefer to order clothes in online stores, focusing on technical specifications. For beginners, it is better to go to specialized stores, such as, for example, Kant, Trial Sport, where sellers will help you choose the first set.

Men's jacket brand 686, indicators - 10000mm / 8000gr

Women's jacket DC, indicators - 10000 mm/10000gr

Men's jacket Bonfire, indicators - 10000mm/8000 gr

Icepeak women's jacket, measurements - 3000mm/3000gr

Bask versatile jacket

Women's jacket Stayer, indicators - 10000mm / 15000gr

Dressing properly in a ski resort is a whole science. From the article you will learn what layers ski clothing consists of, and what functions each of them performs. You will understand how, depending on the weather, to combine layers. By the way, all this applies to snowboarding clothing.

Any fan of skiing or snowboarding can be called a hero without a twinge of conscience. Every day on the slope he enters into an unequal battle with the elements, trying to resist the cold, the ubiquitous snow and the piercing wind. Of course, like any self-respecting warrior, a Kant knight cannot do without the right uniform. What does it include and how to choose it? Read our latest article.

Ski clothing: how to use it correctly - layering system

What do you think is the main task of clothing for a skier or snowboarder? To warm your owner as much as possible? No. Seriously, no. If that were the case, everyone on the slope would dress like the ever-frozen clumsy beginners. Have you seen these on the track? In several sweaters knitted by your beloved grandmother, woolen pants or ordinary jeans, huge down jackets, and even fur coats or sheepskin coats ... It would seem that it should be warm. But in fact, it is cold, wet and monstrously uncomfortable.

Ski clothing: layer theory

How then to be? Remember the important rule:The main task of ski clothing is to keep the wearer's body dry.. After all, it is wet clothes that most often cause serious hypothermia. Evaporating in the wind, moisture further cools the surface of the skin, preventing the body from generating and retaining heat.

No wonder the polar explorers say: "If your clothes get wet, change them immediately, otherwise you will die." Of course, everything is not so critical for skiers, but why risk your health?

Don't get wet!

You need to understand that skiing clothes should not only get wet from the outside (that is, protect from snow, prevent it from melting and soaking into a jacket or pants), but also from the inside. During active sports, a person sweats. It `s naturally. But in no case should the released moisture remain on the surface of the skin or make the clothes wet.

If, after a couple of hours on the slope, your T-shirts, sweaters and pants can literally be squeezed out, put them away and finally buy a normal ski (snowboarder) set of clothes.

3 layers

You need to dress for skiing in accordance with the rulesthree layer theory, long recognized by experienced athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts (and not only skiers) all over the world. What is it? Each layer of clothing must solve its own problems and is made from a separate material. What are these layers?

Ski clothing - how to use it correctly. Layer system

- Base or inner layer. Adheres directly to the skin and removes moisture from it.

- Middle or heat-insulating layer. Keeps warm, removes moisture even further away from the skin, easily removed when changing weather conditions

– Outer or protective layer. Protects from wind, snow and other vagaries of nature

Do not think that three layers is a lot, and you will immediately become clumsy on the track. This is not true. Modern materials are thin and comfortable, perfectly coping with their functions. You just need to not be lazy and carefully choose each item of clothing.

And now let's talk more about all the layers separately.

Ski clothing: layer 1 - thermal underwear

In 90% of cases, people who complain about the cold on the slope wear ordinary cotton T-shirts under a jacket and a warm jacket. Meanwhile, cotton, like most natural materials, is categorically not suitable for the base layer of ski equipment, since it absorbs moisture very well and retains it for a long time. And we have already found out that it can even be dangerous.

Layer 1 - Odlo men's thermal underwear

The only right choice is to use a good thermal underwear as an inner layer. It is sewn from high-tech synthetic materials or naturally processed in a special way, retains the heat of the human body, almost does not absorb and effectively removes moisture due to the special section, knitting and capillary effect.

Many manufacturers of thermal underwear additionally impregnate their products with antibacterial compounds for maximum hygiene and to prevent sweat odor. All for you, dear lovers of skiing and snowboarding!

See how complex the construction of modern thermal underwear is, and how different it is from our regular tank tops (X-Bionic brand, eng.):

Note, despite the name-decoy,thermal underwear is (in most cases) not designed to keep you warm, but to keep your skin dry and allow your body to generate heat on its own. Therefore, it is not necessary to pester consultants in stores with questions about how well this or that model heats up. She shouldn't be hot!

By the way, it is precisely because of such misconceptions that experts in Russia and some other countries suggest calling the base layer of clothing "functional underwear", which more accurately reflects its features. However, experts are experts, but the name has already taken root.

Another argument in favor of wearing high-quality thermal underwear is its special cut. When skiing and snowboarding, reaction speed and freedom of movement are important.Thermal underwear fits snugly to the body, does not bind, often has no seams, is practically not felt. It's like a second skin. The most thoughtful models have reinforcements on the elbows and knees, various zoning.

The choice of thermal underwear today is almost limitless. These are thermal shirts, thermal shorts, thermal tops, thermal socks, thermal jackets, thermal pants of various colors and sizes for men, women and children. Suitable option everyone will find here, it is only important not to save time on fitting.Thermal underwear should sit exactly on the figure, but not squeeze or hinder movements..

Layer 1 - can be fun

Now let's take a closer look at the fabrics from which thermal underwear is sewn. Most often we are talking about synthetic or mixed materials. And it's not bad! I know that the idea is firmly in our heads that synthetic = poor quality, the skin does not breathe, there is no naturalness, and in general we will all go to hell for this. But it's time to get rid of prejudices, gentlemen.Good synthetics are superior in many ways natural fabrics - it is more wear-resistant, easy to clean, less prone to deformation, allows air to pass through, retains heat, removes moisture. Because synthetic thermal underwear is good.

Thermal underwear composition

Most often found in storesthermal underwear from:

- polyester. It's syntheticpolyester fiber , which has many advantages. Polyester breathes, i.e. allows air to pass through, dries quickly, almost does not absorb and removes moisture well, stretches easily, and then takes its original shape, is characterized by increased strength and wear resistance;

– polypropylene. This is a synthetic material that skiers have traditionally worn for many years. It is lightweight, breathable and quick-drying. However, many polypropylene do not really like the touch, so do not forget to touch it before buying;

– polyamide. Better known material by name trademark American company Dupont - nylon . Polyamide is durable, waterproof, elastic and easy to care for. The material is very pleasant to the touch, excellent seamless underwear is sewn from it;

– silk. It is a natural, lightweight, breathable material. Silk perfectly removes moisture from the body and dries quickly, and is also very soft and pleasant to the touch. Perhaps its only drawback is its high price;

– wool. The most popular soft, warm, ultra-fine wool merino pleasant to the touch and giving a micro-massage effect. Special processing and impregnations allow the material to compete with synthetics in the ability to remove moisture; Some manufacturers offercashmere thermal underwear and even yak wool.

Ski clothing: layer 2 - insulation

The task of the second layer of the ski suit iswarm and wick moisture further away from the body. A variety of jackets and vests are used here. Some fans of snow-covered slopes neglect the second layer and simply buy a jacket or overalls with insulation. However, we still recommend looking for a suitable jacket.

As you probably already know, the weather in the mountains is changeable, the season does not end in the first days of spring, which means that you do not always have to ride in the cold. This is where you will appreciate our advice.After all, you can always take off your jacket in warm weather, but you can’t do without a jacket..

Layer 2 - Layering system in ski clothing

A modern ski suit should be of high quality and high-tech to the last detail, and you should not save on any of the layers. As much as you'd like to wear your favorite deer sweater over your thermal underwear, don't. Without special treatment, wool and down quickly get wet and stop warming.

So, save your reindeer for après-ski, and go to the slopes in a separately purchased jacket. Thankfully, their choices are virtually limitless.

Second layer materials

The most popular and most suitable materials for the second layer of a ski suit:

– fleece. This is a synthetic knitted fabric with a fleecy structure. It is used to make beautiful thin, light sweaters that do not restrict movement and are ideal for the three-layer principle we have described.Fleece known for outstanding thermal insulation properties due to the fact that layers of air are stored in its villi. Accordingly, the longer the pile, the warmer the jacket. In addition, fleece is breathable, dries quickly and does not cause allergies.

The most famous type of fleece is produced nowbranded as Polartec. It was created in 1979 by an American company Malden Mills . The hollow structure of natural fur was taken as a basis. That is why Polartec fleece is often referred to as "polar fur" even though it is made from 100% polypropylene.

Fleece jackets can have different degrees of density (a numerical designation given based on weight in grams per square meter), respectively, and they warm in different ways.Polartec 100 is suitable for warm weather, Polartec 200 for moderate weather, Polartec 300 for cold weather.;

– fluff. Each of us knows from childhood that it is warmest to sleep under a large duvet. Goose down clothing once again confirms this opinion, perfectly warming on the slope. Such jackets and vests are light, very compact when folded. And yes, they are a pleasure to wear.

But in order for everything to be so cloudless in reality, when buying a down jacket or jacket with down filler, you need to show maximum vigilance.

Firstly, the material must be processed in a special way, check with the seller. Without special impregnations, the fluff quickly gets wet, falls off and stops warming.

Secondly, specify the composition and elasticity of the filler. Goose down is often mixed with duck down or feathers, which affects its quality. The best way- from 90% down, good - from 70%. When the down and feathers are 50 to 50, the product is no longer so warm, and numerous feathers are annoyingly trying to get out of the fabric and prick in the side.

Thirdly, it is better to choose quilted sweaters and vests, where the fluff is evenly distributed over the squares, and does not strive to slide down and leave the chest and shoulders without heating.

Layer 2 - Example: Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T

If you find a quality down jacket or vest, they will not disappoint you and will brighten up the descent in the coldest weather. The only disadvantages of the material are the high price and the ability to cause allergic reactions;

- wool. Not every woolen jacket is suitable for the middle layer. The material must be specially treated to absorb moisture and odors less. The best option is light, soft, breathable merino wool, the benefits of which we have already mentioned.

Layer 3. Protection

And now let's move on to the outer, protective layer. It is represented by jackets, trousers and overalls of various cuts and colors and simultaneously performs several seemingly opposite functions. On the one side,protective layer shouldrepel water(rain or snow), preventing it from getting inside, but on the other hand,let moisture out, more precisely - steam, which was taken away from the body by other layers.

Layer 3 - outer protection

Thus, before us aretwo important indicators of the quality of a jacket or overallsfor comfortable riding

- waterproof. It indicates how much water pressure a material can hold without leaking, and is measured inmillimeters of water column ;

- vapor permeability. It shows how much per day the material is able to pass steam, and is measured in grams per square meter.

Both indicators are usually indicated by manufacturers on the label. Which option is right for you? It all depends on the weather conditions that you often encounter and the intensity of physical activity.For light snow or frostsufficient water resistance3000 mm in. Art., to ride in snowfall or virgin soil - 5-10 thousand mm in. Art., a for extreme and heavy rainfalllook for a waterproof jacketfrom 20 thousand mm in. st.

Vapor permeabilitywith active drivingshould be 20 000 gr/m²/day, when relaxed and calm - 5,000 gr/m²/day, a at medium intensity - 10,000 gr/m²/day. Of course, these recommendations can be adjusted depending on personal characteristics - all people sweat differently and prefer different levels of protection.

Most manufacturers produce ski jackets, trousers and overalls based onmembrane material with high levels of breathability and water resistance. The membrane is a thin film, most often made of Teflon or polyurethane, attached to other materials designed to protect it. It turns out this is a sandwich.

Types of membranes in ski jackets

The membranes themselves currently existthree types:

- non-porous membranes. Otherwise they are called hydrophilic . In order for moisture from a non-porous membrane to begin to come out, it must accumulate on its surface. condensate (principle of diffusion). Because of this, in such suits it is constantly a little humid, and with already high humidity and in the cold it will not be comfortable at all.

But hydrophilic membranes also have their own advantages: durability, elasticity, ease of handling.This option is suitable if you ride in medium temperatures.. Most quality products with membranes of this type - Toray Dermizax NX 3L, Saleva PowerTex Ultimate 3L, Sivera Shell-Ter Pro 3L.

- porous membranes. They have microscopic pores through which vapor molecules easily pass, but water molecules do not. To effectively remove moisture from the body, you need a difference between the steam pressure under clothing and on the street, so for warm weather such jackets are not the best choice.

If you ride in moderate or cold temperatures, a pore membrane will suit you.. The highest quality products with membranes of this type are Mountain Hardware DryQ elite, Sivera eVent Pro.

– combined membranes. Perhaps these are the most modern and technologically advanced membranes,combining the advantages of the previous two types. Yes, and the disadvantages of other options have not gone away, but they appear to a much lesser extent. The most famous manufacturer of combined membrane jackets is gore-tex.

Great popularity in Lately use not just membrane jackets, but SoftShell . Outside, they have a membrane that can withstand heavy snowfall (of course, if the model is of high quality), and inside they have insulation made of fleece or other synthetic materials. SoftShell jackets are lightweight, compact and comfortable.

The main idea of ​​such rulers is to get by with fewer layers and save money. However, jackets with insulation in warm weather also have disadvantages, which we have already mentioned.

A properly chosen jacket, trousers or overalls should protect their owners not only from the elements, but also from other skiers. How is this possible? Very simple. To do this, most models are made quite bright and noticeable, and sometimes they even provide reflective stripes.

Everything so that you can be seen from afar on the track, because collisions and touches are extremely dangerous in the mountains.Against the backdrop of snow, the worst choice is a white, beige or cream suit, the best is bright saturated colors. Skiers are traditionally offered shades from the main range, and snowboarders are offered acid colors.

Should this stereotype be broken? You decide. But still forget about a pure white suit (especially beginners), otherwise no one will see you.

The outer layer can also be in the form of a jumpsuit (Norrona brand):

Well, and, finally, about styles. First of all, you have to decide - trousers + jacket or overalls. Previously, for a long time, the second option was considered optimal, since it gave a 100% guarantee that when falling snow would not fall under the clothes. Now manufacturers have begun to make trousers with a high waist and straps, and to equip jackets with protective "skirts", belts and "cuffs", and overalls are gradually becoming a thing of the past.

Particular attention should be paid to the choice of a jacket, having determined in advance the necessary options for yourself, such as additional ventilation (needed if you work out very intensively), the presence of a hood, key pockets, mobile phones and ski pass. Also, do not forget to make sure the quality of gluing the seams and cut.

Where and how much to buy ski clothes

All items of clothing are now easy to buy in any major sports store, such as ski« Trial-Sport " or Kant or border "Trajectory". The temptation to use the services of online stores is also great. So what? You don't have to leave the house, the prices are often lower. When it comes to buying an inexpensive hat, a simple backpack or gloves, we are all for it, but you need to be careful with clothes.

Size ranges from different manufacturers may differ from each other and from the ones you are used to (especially Western brands), and a ski suit (set) must be comfortable and suitable. That's whyIt's best to go in person and choose, rather than looking for an online store (the exception is experienced skiers who know the model they are purchasing and their size well).

How to choose?

Firstlyeverything needs to be measured. And not just to measure according to the scheme “it fit - well - I take it”. Walk around in the chosen clothes, wave your arms and legs, stand in a ski stance - in general, make sure that the jacket, jacket, trousers or thermal underwear fit exactly on the figure, do not restrict movement and do not pinch anywhere.

Secondlyread the labels carefully. There should be information about the manufacturer, materials, technologies, rules for caring for the product.

Thirdly, carefully inspect the seams (if the threads stick out, if the line is even, if they are well glued, if we are talking about a jacket), zippers (they should unfasten and fasten without problems), appearance fabrics.If you have the slightest doubt about the quality of the selected product, in no case do not take it, no matter how attractive the price is. Remember: the miser pays twice.

So we got to the most interesting - the price of the issue.And it can vary from very democratic to completely sky-high.. So, the cost of thermal underwear ranges between 1 and 8 thousand rubles.

In the lower price category, even ordinary cotton underpants and T-shirts can be hidden, which, in fact, have nothing to do with thermal underwear, but are called by this buzzword. Well, either options from not very high-quality synthetics.

The most expensive will cost thoughtful, high-tech premium models from X-Bionic, Odlo, Helly Hansen, Icebreaker - 45-90 thousand. For quality men's trousers they can ask for 20-50 thousand rubles, for women - 20-70.

Why so expensive? Because the basis of ski clothing is high-quality membranes, which are not produced in Russia. The rest you know.

A complete set of quality ski clothing can be very expensive, but it will last you more than one season. Not to mention the fact that health, comfortable rest and doing your favorite sport are priceless.

What are you riding in?

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