If you are buying new ski clothes there are many considerations including price and fashion. However, before looking at either of these factors it is essential to think about the four most important things that should be built into any good quality item of ski clothing. They are, waterproofing, insulation, breathability and seam sealing. This article discusses these essential qualities to help you to make the best choices when you are shopping for ski gear. Skiing is an expensive sport and the most important thing is to enjoy your time on the slopes. There is no point in looking fantastic if you are miserable.
Water Resistance
Water resistant clothing (no breathable material is actually waterproof) is critical for a day on the slopes. If you've spent any time around snow, you know how quickly it can turn into water and penetrate regular street clothes or a pair of cheap gloves. Usually, if you trip and fall in the snow when wearing this sort of clothing, you'll be drenched almost immediately, and stay that way until you can change. It's even worse if you take a fall while riding skis or a board, as all that speed translates into more pressure that will push the wet through your clothes faster. Wear water resistant ski clothes to prevent this. The higher the water resistance rating in millimeters, the greater the pressure it will take to push water through. If you want to stay dry under almost any circumstances, purchase clothing with a water resistance of around 10,000 mm.
Adequate Insulation
You don't want to be cold, but you don't want to overheat, either. Look for ski clothes that offer insulation appropriate to the conditions and your natural comfort level. In addition, make sure that you don't feel too bulky or immobilized by the clothing - warmth comes first, but if you can't move easily, then you're not going to be able to ski or board very well. If you opt for clothes without built-in insulation, make sure you wear an adequate mid layer beneath your outer shell and above your base layer when preparing for a cold day.
Breathability
Water resistance and breathability perform the opposite function in the opposite direction: while high water resistance stops moisture from getting in, high breathability makes sure sweat and other trapped moisture move away from your body. This aspect is also measured in millimeters, and once again, the higher the better. Breathability is extremely important because when you're standing still in a line or sitting on the lift, you'll start to cool down, and your sweat will chill you. In extreme conditions, it can even freeze to your skin. Since the risk of hypothermia is high under such circumstances, you'll want to make sure you get clothes with adequate breathability.
Taped and Sealed Seams
Seams are the weak point of ski clothes - if they aren't protected or specially made, then they can allow water to seep in, even if the fabric itself is extremely water resistant. Look for clothes that have taped or welded seams. Taped seams are, as one would expect, taped on both the inside and outside to keep water out, while welded seams are smooth-looking and entirely free of needle holes. If you're getting clothing with taped seams, check to see if they are fully taped or critically taped. Critically taped means only the seams most likely to be exposed to falls or falling precipitation have been taped. You can save money this way, but fully taped clothing offers the best protection.
Once you've made sure the ski clothes you're looking at meet these four criteria, you're free to worry about fashion and price. There's a huge variety of ski clothing these days, so if you can't find something that meets all of your needs and desires, just keep looking - the right set is out there somewhere. Whatever you do, though, always stay warm, dry and safe.
Water Resistance
Water resistant clothing (no breathable material is actually waterproof) is critical for a day on the slopes. If you've spent any time around snow, you know how quickly it can turn into water and penetrate regular street clothes or a pair of cheap gloves. Usually, if you trip and fall in the snow when wearing this sort of clothing, you'll be drenched almost immediately, and stay that way until you can change. It's even worse if you take a fall while riding skis or a board, as all that speed translates into more pressure that will push the wet through your clothes faster. Wear water resistant ski clothes to prevent this. The higher the water resistance rating in millimeters, the greater the pressure it will take to push water through. If you want to stay dry under almost any circumstances, purchase clothing with a water resistance of around 10,000 mm.
Adequate Insulation
You don't want to be cold, but you don't want to overheat, either. Look for ski clothes that offer insulation appropriate to the conditions and your natural comfort level. In addition, make sure that you don't feel too bulky or immobilized by the clothing - warmth comes first, but if you can't move easily, then you're not going to be able to ski or board very well. If you opt for clothes without built-in insulation, make sure you wear an adequate mid layer beneath your outer shell and above your base layer when preparing for a cold day.
Breathability
Water resistance and breathability perform the opposite function in the opposite direction: while high water resistance stops moisture from getting in, high breathability makes sure sweat and other trapped moisture move away from your body. This aspect is also measured in millimeters, and once again, the higher the better. Breathability is extremely important because when you're standing still in a line or sitting on the lift, you'll start to cool down, and your sweat will chill you. In extreme conditions, it can even freeze to your skin. Since the risk of hypothermia is high under such circumstances, you'll want to make sure you get clothes with adequate breathability.
Taped and Sealed Seams
Seams are the weak point of ski clothes - if they aren't protected or specially made, then they can allow water to seep in, even if the fabric itself is extremely water resistant. Look for clothes that have taped or welded seams. Taped seams are, as one would expect, taped on both the inside and outside to keep water out, while welded seams are smooth-looking and entirely free of needle holes. If you're getting clothing with taped seams, check to see if they are fully taped or critically taped. Critically taped means only the seams most likely to be exposed to falls or falling precipitation have been taped. You can save money this way, but fully taped clothing offers the best protection.
Once you've made sure the ski clothes you're looking at meet these four criteria, you're free to worry about fashion and price. There's a huge variety of ski clothing these days, so if you can't find something that meets all of your needs and desires, just keep looking - the right set is out there somewhere. Whatever you do, though, always stay warm, dry and safe.
About the Author:
My two passions are snow skiing and cooking. I love nothing more than feeding family and friends after a day on the mountain. If you want to learn more about Ski Clothes, then visit his site on how to choose the best Ski Clothing to meet your expectations.
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