How to choose a ski suit?

Skiing or snowboarding is the most popular winter activity. If you are going to conquer the snowy slope for the first time, Freever will tell you how to choose ski suit. Let's say right away that despite the fact that this is specific clothing, it can be replaced with another. But we do not recommend this if you do not want to spoil your winter vacation. On the ski slope you will have to move a lot, squat, fall. But doing this in a regular down jacket and sweatpants is a dubious pleasure. No matter how high-quality these things are, they are not able to provide you with the necessary protection and comfort in the mountains.

WHAT IS A SKI SUIT AND WHAT ARE THERE CLOTHING OPTIONS?

A ski suit is special clothing for active winter sports. There are three types of ski equipment:

1. A ski jacket and pants are always a relevant set that can be combined, for example, using a shorter top for downhill skiing or a longer one for cross-country skiing.


2. A one-piece ski suit is an original, interesting and comfortable format of equipment for skiing, which provides 100% protection from snow penetration. However, going to the toilet in such clothes is quite a challenge.


3. Demi-overalls with straps plus a ski jacket - this tandem is interesting because the "demi-overalls" stay on the body perfectly and additionally protect the torso area from snow penetration.

The main requirements for ski suits are eco-friendliness, weight minimization and functionality. Made using a special technology, the clothes have water-repellent properties, keep you warm in cold weather, and perfectly remove steam and moisture. It is minimalistic in details and is characterized by an anatomically correct cut. The fabric has the necessary elasticity, so the ski suit does not restrict movement.

It can be different in purpose, and its choice depends on the type of activity. What is meant? There are 5 main types of skiing: alpine skiing, snowboarding, freeriding, cross-country skiing and ski touring (passing routes over rough terrain, including ascents and descents).

• For freeriding enthusiasts, a loose-fitting membrane ski suit that is not very insulated will do.


• If your hobby is skiing, then the equipment should be multi-layered (the "cabbage" rule). That is, the bottom layer is thermal underwear. The middle layer is insulation, for example, a sweatshirt. And the outer layer is protective: an uninsulated ski jacket and pants.


• Those who love alpine skiing or snowboarding need to buy ski clothes made of a membrane with a high waterproof rating. This will reliably protect against precipitation and snow. Moreover, if for snowboarding you need clothes of a looser cut, then for high-speed descents - a tight-fitting suit.


• For fans of cross-country skiing, we recommend Softshell clothing. Softshell fabric is a multilayer material that looks like nylon on the outside, but is fleece on the inside. A softshell ski suit has optimal performance characteristics: it warms, wicks away moisture, ventilates, and protects from precipitation and wind. For an aerobic sport like cross-country skiing, you won't find better clothing.

The cost of such equipment is higher than regular jackets and pants, but the special functionality, quality and durability more than justify the price. You can buy a ski suit at a bargain price at the end of the season, when prices for ski clothing are discounted.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SKI SUIT, AND WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

A ski suit should be comfortable and convenient. The clothes should have the necessary elasticity so as not to restrict movement. When choosing equipment, pay attention to the following:

1. Upper material.
2. Suit model.
3. Insulation lining.
4. Quality of seams and fittings.
5. Design features.

1. Upper material.

First of all, it is necessary to check that the suit fabric protects well from water and allows the skin to breathe. Only membranes have such characteristics. This is a special type of fabric with a special structure that provides the necessary level of water resistance and vapor permeability. As a rule, these indicators are indicated on the tags as an inscription, for example 5000 / 5000. The higher the first number, the more reliable the protection from water. The higher the second, the higher the breathability of the membrane (that is, moisture evaporates faster and you sweat less).

How to decide on waterproofness?

• The indicator up to 3,000 mm is the basic value. Such a membrane will withstand "sea dust": drizzling rain or light snow. A suit made of such fabric is suitable for beginners or not very active skiers.


• An indicator from 3,000 to 5,000 mm indicates that ski clothing can easily withstand moderate rain and snow.


• An indicator from 5,000 to 10,000 mm is good protection against heavy rain and wet snow. In such a suit, you can easily fall without fear of getting wet.


• From 10,000 mm to 20,000 mm and above - this is an extreme level of protection: it can withstand any precipitation and falls. Clothes made from such fabric are suitable for very active skiers, freeriders and professional athletes.

How to determine vapor permeability?

• From 5,000 to 10,000 g/m² - low vapor permeability: ski suit for moderate skiing.


• From 10,000 to 15,000 g/m² - medium vapor permeability: clothing for mountain hiking, rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding.


• From 15,000 to 20,000 g/m² and higher - high vapor permeability: items of this class can withstand high-intensity loads, such as skiing at speed and long distances.

2. Suit model.

This can be a wide (loose) cut or a narrow (fitted) silhouette. Suits that are too wide increase air resistance - this is not the best option when you are skating at speed. And an overly tight option will be less warm. Therefore, we recommend taking a size that will allow you to put on a warm sweater (remember the "cabbage" rule!)

3. Lining insulation.

There are 3 possible options here:

1. A ski suit without insulation (or very little).


2. A single-layer ski suit (with a small amount of insulation).


3. A two-layer ski suit (double layer of insulation).

The first option involves using separate insulation (a sweatshirt, a hoodie, or something like that). This is convenient when skiing will only take up a small part of your vacation in the mountains. Having separate equipment, you can always put together comfortable clothes for walking.

The second option is for professionals. The ski suit should not be too insulated if you are going to cut through the mountain slopes from morning to evening. High-intensity riding is a huge amount of thermal energy. Therefore, one layer of thinsulate (an artificial analogue of down) is quite enough to maintain an optimal microclimate under clothing.

The third option is not so much for skiing as for leisurely walks (unless of course you are planning to lather your skis in Antarctica).

What should you focus on?

• Insulation with a density of 60-80 g/m2 - for light and medium frost.


• Insulation with a density of 80-100 g/m2 - for low temperatures.


• Above 100 g/m2 - for extreme conditions.

4. Quality of seams and fittings.

Here everything is simple: any buttons, Velcro and zippers should be easy to fasten and unfasten. Front zippers should be waterproof (laminated with a special film), and their "dogs" should have a large keychain. It's cool if your suit is made using seamless fabric joining technology. If this is not the case, then pay attention to the seams - they should be completely glued.

5. Design features.

These include:

• Ventilation zones in the form of ventilation valves or zippers in the armpit area and other parts of the trousers and jacket.


• Double adjustable cuffs - elastic inner, with holes for thumbs and adjustable outer cuffs.


• Snow protection skirt on the jacket with a fastening system on the trousers for additional thermal insulation and protection from moisture and snow in case of falls.


• Reinforcing pads are patches made of thick fabric on the knees, elbows, shoulders and in areas of greatest friction.


• Internal and external pockets for a phone, documents, insurance, slope map, ski pass and other useful little things.


• A deep detachable hood, adjustable in two planes and a high collar that protects from wind and cold.

That's probably all. We hope that our recommendations were useful to you, and choosing a ski suit will no longer be a problem for you.

If you want to have high-tech ski equipment for reasonable money and, at the same time, look great on the slope, visit our online store freever.ua. Ski suits Freever - "choose with your eyes"! They are appropriate on the slope, after skiing and in the city. Cool design, premium appearance, functionality, adequate cost.

The leading Ukrainian manufacturer of clothing and accessories for sports and active recreation offers a wide range of different styles and colors of ski clothing sets for men, women and children. Sports products are thought out to the smallest detail: they have a perfect cut, comfortable details and the best fabrics. The fabrics breathe, do not let moisture and cold through. And thanks to the high quality of the membrane, it provides maximum freedom of movement. Go to the store and choose your ski suit right now.