When shopping for ski jackets, there are two extremely important points to keep in mind: The right jacket will allow you to enjoy a fabulous day on the slopes, regardless of the weather. The wrong jacket will cause you to consider going to the beach for your next vacation. As the outermost layer of your ski clothing, your ski jacket serves as your armor against the elements.
It’s interesting to note that the evolution of the modern ski jacket almost parallels the evolution of modern ski design. As ski equipment manufacturers have become more efficient in designing skis that will facilitate and enhance ski technique, ski jacket designers have become more sophisticated in their ability to design garments that offer maximum protection against extreme cold, wind and wet conditions. In fact, some manufacturers even accomplish the difficult task of designing ski jackets that are both fashionable and functional. The obvious question becomes, “What makes a jacket functional?”
Let’s start with the obvious. Your ski jacket needs to be waterproof. In recent years, stricter rules have been created to define what fabrics can bear the honor of being designated waterproof. Your ski jacket will not be entitled to that distinction unless it can bear a water column of 120 to 150 centimeters. For example, high-end ski jackets are capable of withstanding a water column of tens of meters. An interesting test is performed to test a given fabric’s waterproof qualities. A tube that is filled with water is placed on the ski jacket fabric. Water droplets are allowed to form on the other side of this fabric. Then the tester calculates the number of centimeters of water left in the tube.
While the ability to withstand large amounts of water is obviously a factor in determining a jacket’s waterproof capacity, this quality would be rendered useless if the seams of the jacket are improperly sealed. In most cases, this means that the seams are covered with tape. Furthermore, the jacket’s zippers must be covered to prevent water penetration, and waterproof fabrics should be used on all of the ski jacket, not just part of it.
If you look at the labels of many ski jackets at your local ski area, you will probably see the name The North Face. This renowned outdoor clothing company began in San Francisco in 1968. Today, The North Face ranks high amongst the top outerwear manufacturers in the world.
The company takes its name from the north face of the mountain, which is usually the coldest and steepest section. Its ski jackets do justice to this reputation. Serious skiers who are not discouraged by sub zero temperatures are often found wearing North Face ski jackets, which come with fully-taped seams that block out moisture.
Many, such as The North Face Trinity Triclimate Jacket available on Skis.com, come with a removable fleece vest. This means that the jacket can be worn in all seasons. Most North Face ski jackets are made with waterproof or breathable fabrics such as HyVent or Gore-Tex. In fact, the use of these fabrics is a good way to distinguish between a true North Face ski jacket and a counterfeit.
The counterfeit situation is a primary reason why you should buy your ski apparel on reputable online dealers such as Skis.com, as opposed to looking for a bargain on eBay. In recent years, there have been a number of instances of counterfeit North Face jackets and other types of apparel being sold on eBay, as well as a number of disreputable online stores. The situation was so bad that someone started a website called TheNorthFaceGuru.com, which blacklists illegal North Face replicas. These counterfeit jackets are not composed of the waterproof and breathable fabrics that are used by authentic North Face manufacturers. Those looking for quality North Face ski jackets at affordable prices would be better served by looking at the extensive collection on Skis.com
Now that we’ve established the importance of choosing a waterproof ski jacket, we need to add another important factor for selecting skiwear. We’re talking about breathability. Simply put, a fabric’s breathability is determined by its ability to allow water vapor to pass through. Consider this. Suppose your ski jacket’s waterproof capacity prevents the rain or wet snow from permeating its layers. So far, so good. But then you begin to sweat. Your perspiration tries in vain to escape from the pores of jacket. What do you think will happen? You’ll be wet. What happens when you’re wet? Oh come on! You know! You get cold.
A ski jacket that is composed of a waterproof and breathable fabric will allow perspiration to pass through your jacket’s membranes, thereby keeping you dry and warm. Throughout the years, ski clothing manufacturers have come up with clever ways to conquer the formidable task of designing waterproof and breathable garments. Some devise breathable membranes that are attached to the supporting waterproof fabric of the jacket. Others design jackets that have zippers strategically located under the armpits. These can be unzipped to create extra ventilation.
Here are a few examples of waterproof breathable fabrics that are used in many of the ski jackets found on Skis.com. Gore-Tex, which is used in a variety outdoor sportswear, is waterproof, breathable and windproof. It is one of the components of the North Face Mountain Light Parka. North Face also uses HyVent, which is another waterproof breathable fabric. It can be found in the North Face Varius Guide Jacket.
In addition to a ski jacket’s waterproof qualities and breathability, there are other factors that should be considered. For example, your ski jacket should have an adequate number of pockets for holding money, keys, credit cards, hand warmers, etc. Some ski jackets are equipped with a hidden internal pocket, which serves as excellent protection for your valuables. Those of you who ski in extremely cold areas might prefer a jacket whose hood is large enough to cover your ski helmet.
New-comers to the sport of skiing who arrive at the slopes in a pair of jeans are often hit with a distasteful surprise. Jeans absorb moisture and become wet and cold. Face up to the facts that you do need ski-specific pants that are designed to keep you warm, comfortable and dry.
Although there are many types of ski pants on the market, it behooves you to look for pants that are composed with a two-layer construction. The best ski pants have a complex design. Their inner layer, which is responsible for insulation, is composed of a soft and breathable fabric. The outer layer of your ski pants must tackle the often harsh elements. As such, it should be made from a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric. Some ski pants come with suspenders that help your pants stay up. This prevents that annoying gap between your pants and your fleece turtleneck. However, for the ladies, this involves taking off your jacket. In a cold restroom, that is not a pleasant experience. You should also make sure that your ski pants have a sufficient amount of pockets. Distributing your contents between your ski jacket pockets and your ski pant pockets provides better weight distribution. Some ski pants are actually made with a convenient extra pocket located in the leg of the pant.
Keep in mind that new — okay, even advanced skiers — may be subject to a few tumbles, also known as wipeouts. While in most cases the worst damage that comes from these falls is to the ego, one can also end up a bit black and blue. A well-padded pair of ski pants can prevent this.
Last but not least, you get what you pay for, especially with ski pants. In recent years, even stores like Wal-Mart are selling ski pants. Be afraid, be very afraid. Online ski stores such as Skis.com sell quality ski pants at affordable prices. Do the right thing!
If you were to visit any of the history museums in Breckenridge Colorado, you might see a photo of a group of female skiers that was taken in the 1800s. This photo often leads visitors to ask the proverbial question: What’s wrong with this picture? The answer: They are wearing dresses. Fortunately, while dresses on the slope were the norm during the Victorian era, women’s ski clothes have come a long way, baby.
The first “liberation” of women’s ski apparel happened in the 1920s, when female ski racers complained that they were losing ski races because of the drag created by their ridiculous skirts. Thus, they were given the “freedom” to wear ski trousers. Baggy wool gabardine pants became the style of the 1930s, along with wool sweaters decorated with reindeer. In the '40s, the baggy look became passé, and female skiers began to show off their figures with form-fitting ski clothes. In the 1950s, Wily and Maria Bogner created sexy, form-fitting stretch pants, which added a touch of glamour to the sport. The Day-Glo colored ski clothes of the '60s and '70s matched the psychedelic culture of the time.
Gradually, as ski and boot technology and design became more sophisticated, ski apparel followed the trend. Ski pants and jackets focused on technical and functional design. For a while, color patterns were more or less generic. Green or orange were the standard. Styles were more or less unisex and androgynous.
Today, women’s ski apparel represents a fusion of fashion and functionality. This mimics the current trends in women’s ski design, which combines advanced technology with attractive graphics. As women become more secure in their identities as serious athletes, some no longer feel the need to choose unisex ski wear. Others are no longer ashamed to admit that they actually like the pretty graphics on the new women’s skis. However, when choosing between function and fashion for ski apparel, women should lean towards function. Warren Miller might say that stretch pants will revive the ski industry —but i n all due respect to Mr. Miller, he is getting on in his years and perhaps needs a bit of “revival” himself. Simply put, stretch pants do not keep the snow out of your ski boots. Likewise, those cute and short little ski jackets offer little protection when you sit on a wet chair lift seat. However, we cannot deny they’re great for après ski!
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