How to choose a women's ski suit. Ski clothing - how to choose the right one? What should a ski suit look like on a man?
With the arrival of winter, people new year holidays go not only to warm countries to lie in the sun, but also go to ski resorts to fully experience all the delights
Experienced skiers are already aware of everything that may be needed, but for beginners it is easy to forget something or not take into account. For those who are finally going to a ski resort for the first time, you need to know a few rules.
First you need to decide on the country and the presence of tracks of varying complexity in it. Of course, a beginner needs to choose the easiest route. It is designated in European countries in green
Such a track is distinguished by a smooth descent, designed for ordinary skiing or sledding. On such routes, speed is not gained.
Trails of medium difficulty are marked in red. They have a steep descent, bumps. These tracks are for those skiers who already ski quite well and can turn when necessary, slow down and so on.
The most difficult tracks are black. Only professionals are allowed on them.
So, having chosen a country, resort and track, you need to choose clothes for skiing. Plain warm winter clothes not suitable, because it is heavy, you will quickly sweat in it, then you will be blown over by the breeze and that's it - the vacation is over because you will definitely get sick.
To prevent this, you need to choose a women's ski suit and clothes for it in accordance with all the rules. To do this, it is advisable to go to a specialized ski suit store, and not to the market, and get advice from the seller.
It is better to choose overalls and a jacket. It is possible to choose both a set consisting of a jumpsuit and a jacket, or pick up things separately. Ski jackets are presented in a huge color scheme, so there will be plenty to choose from. By the way, the women's one is also useful for cold Russian winters, not only for skiing.
So, the suit should allow moisture to leave, but in no case let it get inside. This is its main purpose. Also, it must be resistant to the wind, that is, not let the cold through, but repel. A women's ski suit may have a hood (which is preferable), or may be without it. It's up to you to decide.
It is important to pay attention to the coefficients of moisture resistance and vapor permeability. These are very important indicators, the higher they are, the stronger and more reliable the ski kit. These coefficients are measured in millimeters per square meter for 24 hours of fabric operation. When you go to the ski suit store, it's important to show off your knowledge so that the consultants understand that you are in the know.
Having chosen a good women's ski suit, you need to check that all seams are neat, that all lines are present. It also does not hurt to check all the “runners” for serviceability, since you will hardly want to change the ride later, and if at the most crucial moment you have a “lightning” on the track, it will be extremely insulting and annoying. It is also important that there are zippered pockets so that you can put things there and not lose them on the move.
It is not worth saving on ski suits, as they keep you warm and make you feel light and comfortable.
On the first trip, you should not buy equipment - you can rent it on arrival. You may not want to ride again, so it's better to buy equipment next time if the desire still persists. You can just try it on the track and choose the right option for you.
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Choosing ski clothing is no easier now than sorting out the electronics market. Modern models can be as technologically advanced as some fancy gadgets.
The materials used in their tailoring, as well as microcircuits, are developed in laboratories and undergo several types of tests. But because of this very manufacturability, labels on clothes mockingly laugh with incomprehensible symbols and abbreviations. Manufacturers, of course, speak well of each of their products. And the opinions of users who are filled with forums look contradictory: “I have been wearing Gore-tex for 10 years. There is nothing better!" Or: “Membrane? Avisent - here is my answer! So who to believe? Draw your own conclusions, but accept questionable material.
Firstly, it is worth starting with the fact that the price does not always justify the "stuffing".
Ski suit by Sportalm
Here, for example, is a suit of the famous Austrian brand Sportalm. This outfit, according to the seller, combines 3 trends - python print, bright crimson color and Native American embroidery. As for the non-aesthetic characteristics that will be responsible for the sensations when skiing, they are at an average level (water resistance indicators - 9,000 mm, breathability - 10,000g / m2 / 24h), although the price is far from average - 33,000 rubles (taking into account off-season discounts of 14,000 rubles). And that's just the jacket and pants. But we, at least, need some kind of insulation, since the raccoon fur on the hood will not warm.
The other extreme is buying clothes of the lowest price segment. You need to understand that you still have to pay for some of the properties of the suit (or not pay, but change your mind about skiing and signing up for a pool). So, you can buy a suit for 3-4 thousand rubles, but at the same time it will not perform the main tasks - to remove moisture and not get wet from the snow.
Glissade insulated jacket model
This model of the Glissade insulated jacket can be purchased at a 50% discount for 1,500 rubles. The specifications say that this jacket will be comfortable in any weather, which is already suspicious. The main emphasis is on details such as pockets and cuffs. There is no membrane protection, so it is likely that the jacket will get wet when it snows, and the sewn-in “skirt” will save only when it falls. The seams on the jacket are only partially glued - in many models, the seams are now completely glued. Moisture protection is the main function of the jacket. And such a model will protect from it only in mild weather conditions.
Mountains are an extreme sport, not a defile or a run in a park area. That is why high demands must be placed on all details, and not just on equipment. These requirements are based on physical laws known from school. Their understanding, on the one hand, will allow not to overpay for properties that are not necessary, for example, at the initial level of skiing; and on the other hand, do not sell too cheap and invest 2-3 thousand rubles in those functions, without which it will be uncomfortable on the slope.
How NOT to dress for a slope
Wool and cotton can become the main enemies on the slope!
An improperly dressed skier suffers either from heat or from cold, because his clothes quickly get wet and, with a decrease in activity, cool down and turn into ice captivity. And his main enemies are such outdated ideas as: cotton best "goes" to the body, and wool and down warm best. Cotton clothes worn as underwear do not remove moisture and get wet quickly. Down and wool retain heat well, but with increased activity in clothes made from these materials, it becomes hot and humid.
The 3-Layer Rule and Key Performance Indicators
All of the above materials, except for down, are used by manufacturers of modern ski clothing in combination with others, but not separately. In addition, not only athletes, but everyone involved in active tourism, it is useful to observe 3 layer rule:
The first, inner layer, must remove moisture from the body;
The second is to keep warm;
The third is to protect from snow, rain and wind.
And this rule applies both in terms of worn layers of clothing, and at the level of designs of individual materials.
Here, it is necessary to reveal the essence of "removes moisture" and "does not get wet." The two most important indicators that are responsible for comfortable riding are water resistance and vapor permeability. Waterproof shows how much water pressure the material can hold without leakage, it is measured in millimeters of water column (mm w.st).
Waterproof measurement
Vapor permeability coefficient is responsible for how much steam per square meter the material is able to pass per day (g / m² / day).
Vapor permeability measurement
For these indicators in ski clothing, the first layer from the outside, or protective layer, is mainly responsible.
Protective layer, or how to choose a suit with a membrane
The protective layer (in the context of the clothing worn, not the material) consists of a jacket and trousers / overalls. The jacket can also include insulation, thereby partially or completely taking on the role of the 2nd layer. Suits made with the addition of membrane material, or (abbreviation tightly used) membranes, have the highest rates of water resistance and vapor permeability. The material itself is a thin film attached to other materials that act as protection for the membrane itself. So, a modern jacket in its composition resembles a sandwich.
membrane material
Since the membrane material appeared several decades ago, it has undergone a significant number of changes. In the course of special research and testing, many technologies for its production have been developed. That is why it will be difficult for a person who first encountered the concept of a membrane to navigate in a store. Most likely, he will return from there with a headache and a purchase recommended by the seller.
The task of a beginner skier is to choose clothes from such a membrane material that:
a) will correspond to the activity that he will show on the slope;
b) the weather conditions in which he will ride;
c) the funds he is willing to spend.
Therefore, for each rider, the decision will be individual. On this moment There are 3 types of membranes.
1. Non-porous (hydrophilic) membranes
hydrophilic membrane
This membrane works on the principle of diffusion: enough condensate must first accumulate on its surface so that moisture begins to saturate the fabric and be removed to the outside. That is why hydrophilic membrane suits are almost always slightly damp. It does not perform well in high humidity and low temperatures. But this material is durable, elastic, does not require particularly careful handling. Great for riding in moderate temperatures.
Latest modifications: Toray Dermizax NX 3L, Saleva PowerTex Ultimate 3L, Sivera Shell-Ter Pro 3L.
What is a membrane? How many pockets should there be? What should be the fasteners? How to properly care? Where can I buy?
Compile a review of winter sports clothing - 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 must be made of synthetic or semi natural materials absorbs moisture easily and dries 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. This coating is short-lived, but it can be renewed with special means 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 quality materials, and is quite democratic.
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
Riding the slopes without a good ski suit is like riding a train as a hare. You can probably drive a couple of kilometers, but you should not count on more. Of course, no one will throw you off the track like a free rider. You yourself will not be able to continue on your way. Therefore, it is very important to figure out which ski clothing is the best.
Now there are so many options on the market with different designs and price ranges that choosing among them the one that will become your reliable protector and assistant on mountain trips is no easier than buying a computer or TV. Therefore, we will try to give you tips and advice that will help you when buying the right one. protective suit. In this article, we consider the parameters by which the best manufacturers are distinguished famous brands ski suits.
How not to make a mistake in choosing a suit
It was not in vain that we compared the elements of an athlete's equipment with electronics. Over the development of materials for sewing protective sportswear scientists work in laboratories. The goal of their work is to create a product that will reliably protect against snow, wind and rain, but at the same time be as light and comfortable as possible. That is why the details of the equipment are most often made of synthetics. This material has been specially adapted to the needs of skiers, unlike natural cotton, down or wool. It is better to forget about them altogether when choosing clothes for this sport.
Let's try to explain why:
- Cotton is not water repellent. With active movements, you will certainly sweat, the cotton underwear under the suit will get wet and soaked through with moisture.
- Down and wool perfectly warm, but are not suitable for thermoregulation. You will quickly become hot, and you will not be able to continue exercising. If you still want to buy outerwear with natural filler, make sure that the material has undergone special processing. Without impregnation, it will quickly get wet.
Here is what the full three-layer equipment of an athlete consists of:
- the first layer is internal, it is necessary in order to remove moisture from the body;
- the second layer - serves to retain heat and maintain a comfortable temperature;
- the third layer - performs a barrier function, provides protection from harsh climatic conditions: snow, rain, wind;
Let's start with the choice of the inner layer and consider the main quality criteria.
Buying the right thermal underwear
The formation of comfortable and functional ski equipment begins with it. Ordinary underwear is not suitable for this. In it, you run the risk of freezing, catching a cold, or vice versa - sweating a lot. In specialized stores you can find many options for underpants and jumpers designed for winter sports.
These criteria should be guided in order not to be mistaken with the choice of suitable underwear:
- First of all, ergonomics is important.
- Anatomical features for male and female models.
- The elasticity of the fabric.
- Flat seams.
- The tightness of the rubber band.
- Suitable size.
- Removal of moisture from the body.
- No allergic reaction to tissue.
- Thermal protective properties.
If you still prefer clothes made from natural materials, you should look at models from merino or sheep wool. Among all the options, this one is the most successful. And it is best to give preference to mixed products. They combine best qualities synthetics and natural fabric. Of course, such clothes will cost a little more, but the characteristics and quality are worth the money spent.
But what you should definitely avoid is thermal underwear with impregnation. A cheap option, but there is little use for it in skiing. You can ride in it immediately after purchase. But after a few washes, the fabric will no longer remove moisture and warm the body.
Also, when choosing a kit, try to find models with the least number of seams. Such clothes sit better, do not rub and do not cause discomfort to the body.
Choosing the best filler for a cool ski suit
The inner lining of your jacket and trousers determines how long you can maintain your initial body temperature during sports. It is important that the material is not only warm, but also thermoregulating.
What fillers and fabrics are most often used as heaters:
- Down, usually swan or eiderdown. Contains several levels of elasticity. Of these, the highest and most reliable - 750 units. Despite its popularity, it is far from the best option for the equipment of a professional skier. When water gets in, the material rolls and falls off, even if impregnation is present. This greatly reduces the ability to retain and retain heat.
- Sintepon - one more bad example material for insulation. The best modern manufacturers of ski clothing have long abandoned its use. It does not allow the body to breathe and rolls after washing.
- Fleece - a good choice for an athlete. It perfectly protects the body from the cold and removes moisture. In addition, the layer is quite thin. Allows you to move freely and does not restrict movement.
- Polartec - synthetic fabric, which is one of the types of polyester. Soft, warm, the effect is achieved by maintaining the air gap between the villi.
- Thinsulate is the highest quality and most reliable option. Thin, hygienic, hypoallergenic. Allows the skin to breathe, does not roll or shrink after washing, dries quickly when wet. It is not cheap, but the price is justified by the positive characteristics.
Save on insulation is not worth it. This does not mean that you need to take the most expensive model. But still remember that quality costs money. Insulated products from the company "Stayer" are remarkable in that they can be used not only for sports, but also for everyday wear due to the universal design. Shelter is another of the polyester microfiber insulations used in Stayer models. It perfectly retains heat and performs all the functions of a filler that are so necessary for ski lovers.
Protective layer: we get a jacket and trousers
The final and most difficult step is the choice outerwear. It should be not only beautiful, but also practical. To decide for yourself which ski clothing company is the best, remember the four main criteria. A good suit must:
- keep warm (but it is not hot in it);
- be easy;
- do not restrict movement;
- ensure dryness;
- Colmar
- Bogner
- Goldwin
- Killy
- Vuarnet
- stayer
The most common way to achieve this goal is to replace an expensive membrane with a more budgetary, but inferior in terms of quality, option - impregnation. It seems to the buyer that he is acquiring a cheaper option with the same characteristics. However, the performance will decrease by 30% after the first wash. Therefore, carefully study all the parameters on the label several times before making the final choice.
Membrane fabric in a ski suit
This protection is the best for both professionals and amateurs. But the choice of a membrane also has its own characteristics that must be considered when buying a product. Not every material is able to keep the body dry and warm. Here are the types of fabric, models of which are represented by modern brands:
- hydrophilic membranes. Otherwise, they are called non-porous. Moisture-repellent properties are achieved due to their structure. Durable, elastic material, does not require special care, but can only withstand medium temperatures. In extreme frosts, such protection is not enough.
- Material with porous structure. Its peculiarity is that water cannot seep through it, but the steam passes perfectly. Such clothes prevent overheating of the body, but do not protect against sweat. Therefore, it is better not to use it at high or medium temperatures. But at severe frost ensures long-term heat retention.
Reading the information on the label
Some important details, which are indicated on the label, are crucial when choosing a skier's equipment. To understand which company Ski suit it is better to choose, carefully study the numbers on the label before buying. They demonstrate:
- resistance to natural influences: snow, rain, wind, frost;
- vapor permeability;
- moisture resistance;
- Riding at low or medium speed on a short slope with a temperate climate - 8000/10000.
- Driving at high speed, extreme climate conditions - 10000/8000 and above.
- Freeriding for 5-6 hours continuously in deep snow, at high speeds - 15000/15000 or 20000/15000.
