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The best ski suits. Choosing ski clothing and accessories Vapor permeability of a ski jacket

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:

Polyester is the most common high performance material.
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. good option serves as multi-layer 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:

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.
Sintepon is the last century. Due to poor breathability and reduced performance after washing, many ski clothing manufacturers have abandoned this material.
Fleece is a great option for any skier. Keeps heat, removes moisture, does not hinder movements.
Polartec is a kind of polyester that can become a full-fledged leader in our rating.
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 of a ski jacket is determined by the category of athletes to which you can attribute yourself.

Sports as recreation. In order to go down the mountainside several times a year, without bypassing the coffee shop, you will need to choose a fairly expensive outfit created using modern technologies using high-quality materials.
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. A good example is ski clothing from manufacturers such as Saga, Moment, Ortovox or Rehall.

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.

For each Ski suit numbers are applied that reflect its ability to waterproof. 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:

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 a new jacket if you ride on it, for example, with your elbows.
Pockets are not a 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.
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).
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 design delights do not count here, since this 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:

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.
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.
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 an elegant design, often manufacturers add 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:

Ski gloves should be the warmest of all that will be presented to you. They should be long, have additional elements made of 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.
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.
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.
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.

Congratulations, you are the proud owner of alpine skiing. But they rely on special equipment, the selection of which requires special attention - otherwise you risk paying with your health by catching a cold cold winter on the road.

The kit includes not only a pair of “jacket + trousers”, but also underwear, which is not customary to save on - it also depends on whether you will tremble under the gusts of an icy wind or return home only slightly reddened from its pressure.

How to choose ski clothing is a question that is not so easy to answer. All because of the complexity of the process itself, because in order to descend from the snow-capped peaks at high speed, you must take care not only of what is outside, but also of what will protect you from the inside. Collect a complete set, and you are guaranteed a sea of impressions instead of the only desire to quickly get into the heat and keep warm.

What to look for when choosing

For material. Down, wool are not suitable, because they easily collect moisture and get wet quickly. As a result, you will quickly freeze and get sick after the first ride. Do you want the first experience to be remembered for a long time? Then give preference to fabrics with high water resistance and vapor permeability. With it, you are not afraid of wet snow flying from all sides.
On the inside of the jacket, pants, overalls. It must be made of fleece. This is a type of knitwear that easily absorbs moisture - do not forget that wet clothes will lead to a mild cold at best, and pneumonia at worst. Do not be too lazy to see what kind of insulation manufacturers used. It should retain its properties after many washes. Let's go through the indicators. From 40 to 70 g / sq.m - these are clothes for relatively warm winter, 200 g/sq.m. – extreme conditions and activities that do not involve a high level of activity, suitable for fishing, but not for skiing. The best option is 100 g / sq.m.
On the number of layers - and this is important. You should not be dressed in "a hundred fur coats", but you should not go down the slope lightly either. Three layers is what you need. The first is good thermal underwear and underwear, the second is a jacket or sweater, the third is pants and a jacket / overalls. The latter should be made of a particularly dense fabric - windproof and resistant to moisture.

How to dress for skiing for the winter holidays: a few general recommendations

If you choose pants, make sure that the legs are moderately narrow, but also check whether it is easy to perform simple actions in them - squat, jump, bend over. Manage your own comfort. If you don't feel it, look further.
When buying a jacket, make sure it has plenty of pockets. It would seem a trifle, but it is important - you can put your phone in one, other things that will come in handy during outdoor activities, and so on. On models from Stayer, cuts are made by laser, and fastening is done by thermal welding. And there is handy pocket for ski-pass and one internal one - you can put documents in it.
Do not forget that the hood must be adjustable to fit your head so that you do not get blown away while riding.
The jacket should tightly cover the lower back and about 10 cm - pants. For example, like the best models from Stayer, which, among other things, have an adjustable fit on the hips.
Sweatshirts or sweaters should be fleece. As we have already said, it absorbs moisture well and reliably retains heat.

A few words about thermal underwear

Modern samples are entirely synthetic, but this is not something to be feared. In this case, the material is more than appropriate: the skin under it "breathes", the fabric itself dries quickly. In addition, it does not cause allergies, is made without seams and folds, sits perfectly on the body. Another plus is that such underwear will never stretch and turn into a rag.

What is contraindicated:

Wool and cotton are not our option. Why - already written.
Creases everywhere - even on socks. The fabric should fit the body well. In a sense, it is your second skin.

And now the conclusion: underwear for a person who is fond of skiing and other active winter sports should be, first of all, functional. It performs both a protective and practical function. It should be comfortable and warm, no matter what movements you make. Choose a model that fits your figure, with flat seams that will not rub the skin. If there are labels, then on the outside. If the material is polypropylene.

How to choose ski pants

This is one of the main elements of equipment, so choosing it is not an easy task. First of all:

Make sure you base quality material. Like Stayer pants made out of membrane tissue with elastic fibers for complete freedom of movement.
Take only the model that suits you in size. But do not forget that under it there will be thermal underwear. In other words, trousers should neither hang nor be overly tight.

The best option is provided functional pockets(better at the sides, not at the back), detachable shoulder straps (necessarily adjustable), reinforced seams, zippers with non-metallic pull tabs, inner cuffs for reliable protection from snow. Well, if there are hooks for attaching the legs to the boots.

How to choose the right ski suit: women's and men's

The current range consists of 4 options:

Classical

It has the severity of forms and only those colors that will never go out of fashion. This option is for a wide range of skiers, those who ski on prepared slopes and want to be sure of the comfort of movement at high speed. All models of this type are insulated, equipped with high-quality membranes, effectively protect against snow and piercing wind.

Fashion

This is what they choose with their eyes - bright models, fashionable styles. The target audience is girls, although men can also pay attention to suits from this category, because they are not only good-looking, but also practical. The only negative is that the cut is not always comfortable for riding. Outwardly it is more casual wear for winter holidays in the city. But the combination of "style plus quality" has not been canceled - in this case, it is most welcome.

fashion premium sport

This is two in one - and advanced technologies for reliable protection against cold and moisture, and interesting decorative elements for original look models. The cut is increasingly tight-fitting, emphasizing the figure. But it does not constrain movement, but gives complete freedom of action. All because of the elastic materials from which such suits are made. Another advantage of clothes from this category is the high quality of the membrane and insulation for excellent thermoregulation.

Freeride

If colors, then muted, if prints, then discreet. Freeride is in front of you - it does not set itself many tasks, but with enviable stability it copes with one thing - impeccable protection from the cold and maintaining comfort while riding for those who like to leave the track and lay a new route. The cut is more baggy, rough, thermal insulation is adjusted with a separate down jacket and fleece, every detail is highly functional.

How to choose a good ski jacket and which model to choose

First, let's list all the required elements:

Membrane fabric - removes excess heat, prevents rain and snow from getting under the top layer of your equipment. Generally, the more efficient the material, the more expensive the jacket. The exception to the rule is Stayer, where even the most reliable models remain affordable.
Snow skirt - located on the belt, everyone needs it at all times. If what you bought does not have it, you were deceived by selling an ordinary down jacket. The main functions of this part are protection from snow and wind. Do you want to not only ride, but also walk in a new thing? Choose the option with a skirt with a zipper - it will be easy to unfasten.
The seams are necessarily glued, reliably protecting from moisture.
Adjustable hood - there should be drawstrings on it, thanks to which it will be possible to adjust the fit. If you buy a model without this important feature, your riding will be ruined and you will get a cold.
Pockets - Lots of pockets. For gloves and masks, gadgets, documents - everything that can be useful on vacation. They must be both inside and outside.
Ventilation - as a rule, it is done in the area armpits. She must be present. If there are extensions on the zippers - great, it will be easier for you to close them. And one more important nuance - the zippers themselves must be reliably protected from moisture so that water does not flow inside.
Cuffs - they will not allow snow to get into the sleeve, even if you fall. It is better to buy models in which they are double. It looks like this - the inside is more elastic and tight-fitting, and the outside is longer, adjustable, with a comfortable Velcro.
Adjustment from below - everything is clear here - it is needed so that the wind does not blow. Most often it is a regular lace or elastic band. Pulled up - and went to ride for fun.

How to choose a snowboard jacket

Basically the same requirements. This is practicality, no details that would hinder movement, good thermoregulation, water resistance, protection from the cold. But there is one difference - the size. It is slightly larger than the ski models.

A word of advice: while trying on, close the zippers and put your hands up. Not because you give up, but to check whether the clothes are ripped up or not. If it rides up and exposes the body, it is problematic to move your hand, and you are frankly uncomfortable, look for another option.

Also worth paying attention to:

Existence of laser perforation for ventilation.
Zipper with special impregnation, protected from water, with non-metallic pull tabs.
Two-layer cuffs.
The hood - it should be large so that it can be easily put on over a helmet.
Taped seams.
Lining - it should be made of synthetic materials or semi-natural materials that easily absorb moisture and dry quickly.
Pockets - for all the necessary little things.
Inner skirt - protection from snow.

If you want to find high quality ski and snowboard clothing and not be disappointed in its functionality, buy Stayer brand models, made with modern technologies and tested in extreme conditions. They are suitable for both professionals and amateurs who are just starting their acquaintance with new slopes and trails. It is in this outfit that athletes from the Russian team perform at the Olympics in South Korea. Evaluate it and you, to make sure of unsurpassed quality, reliability and original design.

Choose the right ski clothing!

It would seem: well, how much can you talk about the same thing?! We were already digging and fiddling in clothes, thermal underwear, and gloves. And again about jackets and pants?

Yes, that's not enough. No matter how much we frolic in the cold waters of the ski ocean, we still want more and more - because this reservoir is boundless! (It's cold, but we're climbing - a paradox!) And now we're diving for another pearl - how to choose the right ski jacket!

So don't forget my submarine, it will do you good! (I love talking to you, you have no idea what a joy it is!)

Well, everyone hugged for joy, now on a hike!

In order to accurately choose a ski jacket, you first need to study the subject well. This applies not only to jackets, but also to the rest of the ski equipment.

Today we will go through all the significant characteristics that will help you take out of the store what you need, and not the most colorful or expensive.

#Categories of ski jackets

All jackets can be conditionally divided into five categories (there is a picture just below, but don’t look yet, let’s do a little test):

Sport
Glamor
Freeride
Tracks

Let's decipher:

Sport- this, of course, is for athletes, or for those who want to be like them. Distinctive features: very warm (should instantly warm the athlete after the race) and a lot of stripes that indicate that the owner belongs to famous teams and famous brands.

A park- here the main criterion is to be as different as possible from the rest of the guests of the ski resort. This is achieved mainly due to the length of the jacket and street style (in addition to pants lowered to the knees). Products are inexpensive, designed for young guys who have not yet got their own money.

Glamor- such a jacket should by all means show others that they paid a lot of money for it. In addition to intricate patches and fur-trimmed hoods, iridescent materials are used. Such jackets are worn only by respectable ladies and gentlemen.

Glamorous jackets are mainly sold in specialized boutiques: Sport + Fashion, Bogner and others.

Freeride- since freeriders wallow in deep snow all day long away from the slopes, they should have the appropriate clothing - the most technologically advanced. It is designed to push back the moment the rider gets wet as far as possible - such characteristics as protection against moisture and effective removal of excess heat from the body come to the fore.

Tracks- the most massive segment and inside it you can find "fakes" for all the classes described above. This is its distinguishing feature. Prices fluctuate from the cheapest to the average, but they are far from quality freeride jackets and glamorous class.

The most promiscuous public, or rather, they have not decided yet, are fans of the tracks, in the initial stage. It will be very difficult to force the rest to buy clothes of an alien class. They can only accept it as a gift, but they will not wear it. Rather, they will sell and buy their uniforms (I am the same).

You can understand us. For example, you will not meet a young lady in a brocade overall off the slopes, and the maximum GORE-TEX is not very appreciated among those who are used to sitting out (dancing) their ski holidays in bars. And an experienced freerider will never buy a jacket with a warm lining, he will shoot himself earlier.

It is possible, in passing, to conclude: although skiing symbolizes freedom, the skiers themselves are not very free in choosing ski clothing, and when buying they look back at the opinion of their teammates.

Test:

Now cover up the caption for this photo and try to guess which category this or that jacket belongs to:

Ski clothing - categories corresponding to the style of skiing (from left to right): sports, park, glamour, freeride, slopes

Happened?

#Membrane in ski jackets

A membrane is a material that is responsible for removing excess heat from the body and protecting it from moisture (rain, snow). There are high-quality membranes, there are average ones - the difference is in the efficiency of the performance of their duties. The more efficient, the more expensive the jacket. Very often, it is the membrane fabric that makes up the lion's share of the cost of the jacket.

Quality membranes are more common in sports, glam and freeride jackets. In the highways and parks, a simple membrane fabric is used, since consumers in this class are either not very demanding or are not yet ready to pay.

#Lining

Jackets come with or without lining.

But if the pants on the belt end, and you still strive to climb into virgin soil, then the jacket should be longer. But not too much (like parking attendants) - it will interfere when riding and when landing in a chair.

#Hood

Look, if you ride on very green or blue slopes, and there is a developed infrastructure around, then you don’t really need a hood - you just need to go straight to the bar to warm up.

But if you ride in the wild mountains, but far from electricity, then a large hood (which can still be pulled over a helmet) is indispensable. Behind the collar is dry, and the wind does not blow.

Ski jacket with large hood

The hood should have drawstrings (back and/or front) that can be used to adjust its size and fit to the head. Be sure to pay attention to this, otherwise the hood will sit crooked and irritate all the way.

#Cut and elasticity

Another point is freedom of movement. There is only one advice: in the store, put on a jacket over a fleece, as when skating, and then wave your arms, squat, twist left and right. If nothing interferes (true, she shouldn’t hang like a grandfather’s jacket on her grandson), then the jacket is yours.

Materials in the production of jackets play an important role: if the fabric in your jacket is 4 way strech, then you are guaranteed freedom of movement.

Ski jackets use 4-way stretch

If not, then the main focus is on a good cut.

#Zipper in ski jackets

If we choose a jacket in the middle and cheap segment, then the main zipper should be closed with a protective strip - this is very handy during cold windy weather. For example, in Sheregesh, sometimes a blizzard will suddenly fly in, and then you can’t do without well-thought-out clothes.

If we can afford more expensive jackets, then such a strap is optional (see the picture below) - such products use high-quality and glued zippers, they are not afraid of any wind or rain.

Under the chin, the zipper should be closed with a fold of fabric so that the cold lock does not freeze to the skin, does not scratch the stubble and does not interfere with skating:

On other jackets, for the same reasons, the zipper can be taken to the side, as on this one from Mammut:

Mammut Ski Jacket - Zip moved to the side

#Pockets in ski jackets

Pockets in modern jackets can be both many and few, it all depends on its purpose. If you ride on trails and are not used to a backpack, then choose multi-pocket ones to cram everything you can into them.

#Number of pockets

Ski jacket with six external pockets (Slope category)

If you are a fan of deep fluffy snow, and your shoulders have long been accustomed to a backpack (in which the main luggage rests), then your choice is jackets with an emphasis on protection against dampness and removal of excess heat from the body. They have a minimum of pockets.

Black Diamond brand ski jacket with minimum pockets (Freeride category)

Nothing should bristle, hinder movements when skiing off-piste. Nothing should touch the branches of trees when riding in the forest.

It’s easier for girls: the backpack always rides on male shoulders. And some ladies use it to the fullest - they load their gentleman with several kilograms of cosmetics and other things needed on the mountain. With this approach, their suit fits nowhere better, and that's all our beauties need.

#Pockets for documents and money

General note: the contents of the pockets should not create a camel hump on the chest, and using them should be as convenient as possible even with a backpack, which you will sooner or later acquire.

There are internal pockets for wallets and documents - they are more protected from moisture by a high-quality lining.

Ski jackets - pockets for documents and money

#Pockets for gadgets

There are special pockets for smartphones and players. They are equipped with special holes and clips for headphones.

On the left sleeve there is often a pocket (closed with a zipper) for a contactless ski pass, this is definitely necessary thing on all modern slopes. On the left, because in modern resorts ski pass reading systems are located on the left.

Ski pass pocket on the left sleeve

Sometimes a place for a ski pass can be found under the cuff of the sleeve.

#Pockets for gloves and mask

Inside the jacket, a pair of mesh pockets are very useful, in which you can store your mask and gloves.

Mesh pockets for gloves and mask

#Cloth for wiping the mask and other little things

Be sure to rummage through the pockets of your new jacket while you're still in the store - you can find a lot of useful things there. Most often there is a cloth for wiping the mask. A trifle, but very necessary.

One day, I bought a Westbeach jacket and found a portable ashtray and pick in it. I think that this set was designed to kill boredom on the lift - you smoke, flick the ashes in a personal ashtray, and between puffs you play with a pick on your teeth.

#Ventilation in ski jackets

Ventilation zippers are usually located under the armpits.

Ski jacket - underarm ventilation (Freeride category)

But sometimes they are cut into the front panel of the jacket, closer to the sides. In these places they are easier to unfasten, but they are farther from the armpits.

Do not buy ski and snowboard clothing without ventilation holes. Today, not a single decent jacket or pants can do without them.

Another important nuance: zippers are much easier to close if there are extensions on the zippers, which you can properly grab even with gloves on.

It is better to have waterproof zippers (ask the seller). And then: a fabric with a membrane, the seams are taped, and water flows through the zipper? Disorder.

We went down to the belt, and here we are waiting for another piece of ski and snowboard clothing, without which you cannot go skiing: a snow skirt. If your jacket does not have a skirt, then it is not a ski jacket, and you have been cheated.

A snow skirt is always needed. It protects from the wind (does not blow under clothes), when falling and riding in deep powder, it prevents snow from getting under the jacket.

It comes with a zipper and, on a day off from skiing, it can be unfastened.

#Fixing the skirt to the pants

Sometimes, it can be fastened not only to a jacket, but also to pants - and then you get almost a jumpsuit - a useful feature.

#Protective cuffs

Cuffs can be used to narrow the sleeve of the jacket in the wrist area, so that even when falling, snow does not get into it.

Ski jacket with protective cuffs - outer and inner

It is better to give preference to models of jackets, which have double cuffs: inside it is elastic, tightly wrapping around the arm, and outside it is longer, with Velcro coverage adjustment.

When paired with the right gloves, these cuffs really do keep you dry and comfortable. It is clear that with a sufficient length of the sleeve - otherwise the wind will blow between the cuff and the glove.

#Adjusting the jacket from below

This adjustment on the bottom of the jacket (usually a drawstring or elastic band) allows you to choose a comfortable degree of fit for your hips - so as not to blow out.

#Other features of ski jackets

Some manufacturers equip their products with RECCO technology. It helps to find missing people (lost, caught in an avalanche) with the help of search equipment, which is equipped with rescuers of ski resorts. If there is no such equipment, then the technology is useless.

There is a beacon on the sleeve, which is taken by the rescuers.

Ski jacket with RECCO detection system (Glamour category)

In Russia, according to my sources, only two resorts are equipped with RECCO equipment - Gorki Gorod and Rosa Khutor. In the world it is used in more than 600 units of rescue services, including ski resorts.

Let's float!

And finally, I will list what, in my opinion, does not apply to the mandatory elements of a ski jacket - a fur trim on the hood and cuffs, a belt over the jacket, a pocket for an mp3 player.

Must combine excellent functionality and unique, "refined" appearance. Today, there are both and. Moreover, they have significant differences from each other. Female models are brighter and more saturated colors and a peculiar, more “soft” cover. Men's jackets tend to be significantly heavier and more complex to fit.

If you decide to purchase a specialized one designed for skiing, then it is better to give preference to leading manufacturers. After all, when using equipment of inadequate quality, you risk your health.

When trying on a ski jacket, pay special attention to the freedom of movement in it. Some stores offer a moisture test. Don't waste your time on this. During the test, you are put on a test version of the selected jacket model. Next, you enter a special chamber, where jets of water are delivered from sprayers of different power, falling on the surface of the product under test. Now such demonstrations are gaining more and more popularity.

Make sure the jacket you choose has a special, reinforced lining that will absorb the impact of a fall. Opt for POLY MESH HEAT insulation for superior protection against cold and wind.

Pay attention to the smallest details in the tailoring of the jacket. Give preference to products with reinforced seams and a "skirt" based on silicone. An excellent option would be the presence of a ventilated zipper with a special coating against moisture.

A real ski jacket should have many pockets that close with zippers, not buttons.

If you are a lover of gadgets, then when purchasing a jacket, make sure that it has special pockets for a cell phone, player or even a netbook (there are also such).

How to choose the right ski suit?

Major manufacturers sportswear mainly specialize in the production of men's ski suits of three types: extreme-professional (skiing outside the ski resort), semi-professional (skiing on equipped slopes), semi-walking (skiing at a slow pace on walking trails).

Regardless of what level of sports training you have, be sure to pay attention to the following details when buying a men's ski suit:

Production material

Manufacturers of sportswear annually develop new types of fabrics with modern technological characteristics. Lining, insulation, top layer of fabric - mandatory components quality clothing for active sports. Lining fabric should be made of a material that allows accumulated moisture to be forced out to the outer layers of the fabric, and body heat is reflected inward. The lining can be fleece or mesh, which will provide better moisture wicking.

It is recommended to clarify with the sales assistant the type of insulation used when sewing the product. The ideal option is Thinsulate, which is synthetically similar to down, which is optimally distributed between the lining and the top layer of the suit. At the same time, the sleeves are insulated in a ratio of 70 grams per square meter, back and stomach - 100 grams, legs - 35 grams. Unique properties insulation consist in the ability to retain the maximum amount of heat under clothing.

Membrane characteristics

The main function of membrane tissue is to retain and evaporate moisture. When choosing a men's ski suit, the quality of the membrane plays an important role, since the male body sweats more actively than the female.

If you are a beginner skier, then the water resistance of the membrane should be at least 4000 mm, and the vapor permeability - 5000 g/sq.m/24h. For more extreme skiing, you will need a suit made of fabric, the water permeability of which will be about 25,000 mm, and the steam throughput increases to 28,000 g / sq. m/24h (e.g. Evolution, eVENT, Carving). should stretch well and not form wrinkles, and also have dirt-repellent properties. The most expensive ski suits are coated with Teflon from DuPont.

See photos of men's ski suits:

Additional clothing details

Designers designing ski clothing strive to follow the basic rules of ergonomics so that the skier is as comfortable as possible. The presence of glued seams indicates the tightness of the suit. The hood on the jacket should be adjustable in two planes and not interfere with the view, as well as protect against windy and snowy weather. Some manufacturers supplement the hood with a Lycra mask, which, if desired, can be stored in a side pocket. The inside of the collar should be made of soft material.

If the cut of the sleeve of the twist corresponds to the anatomical features of the figure, then this will allow you to move comfortably when skating. Elastic, adjustable cuffs will help prevent snow from getting under the sleeve, which is also important. A good men's ski suit must have elastic cords, equipped with length regulators. Integral additional details of the suit are also considered to be internal and external pockets with zippers, a cloth for wiping glasses, made of waterproof fabric.