Choosing ski clothing and accessories. How to choose a ski suit Types of ski suits

Must combine excellent functionality and unique, “refined” appearance. Today there are both and . Moreover, they have significant differences between themselves. Women's models are distinguished by brighter and more saturated colors and a unique, “softer” cut. Men's jackets, as a rule, are significantly heavier and more complex in configuration.

If you decide to purchase a specialized one designed for skiing, then it is better to give preference to leading manufacturers. After all, if you use 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 resistance test. Take the time to do this. During the test, you wear a test version of the selected jacket model. Next, you enter a special chamber where jets of water are delivered from sprayers of varying power, hitting the surface of the product being tested. Now this kind of demonstration is increasingly gaining popularity.

Make sure that the jacket you choose has a special reinforced lining that will soften the impact of a fall. Give preference to POLY MESH HEAT insulation, which guarantees excellent 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 silicone-based “skirt”. An excellent option would be to have a ventilated zipper with a special coating against moisture.

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

If you are a gadget lover, then when purchasing a jacket, make sure it has special pockets for a cell phone, player, or even a netbook (there are those too).

Video on the topic

The comfort and safety of your holiday will depend on how well you choose your ski equipment. You need to consider several important parameters while purchasing equipment.

Instructions

Buy sunglasses. They will come in handy for several reasons. Glare reflected from the snow will make visibility difficult. Glasses will prevent you from going blind bright sun, will help protect your eyes from the wind that blows in your face as you rush downhill at high speed. Goggles protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays as they are very intense in mountainous areas.

Choose comfortable ski poles. They will be your support on the slope. So, in order to buy suitable quality poles, you need to lower your arms along your body and bend them at the elbows at an angle of 90 degrees. That is, the hand and forearm should be parallel to the ground. It is at this level that the handle of the ski pole should be located. Check several models in this way and purchase the one that suits you best.

Be very responsible when choosing a suit. It is important that it is not only of high quality and convenient, but also functional. All ski equipment should consist of three layers. Layer #1 absorbs sweat. Special thermal underwear copes well with this task. The second layer insulates. It can be a regular pullover or sweater. For the third layer, purchase a lightweight jacket with a hood. It plays the role of protection from snow, water and wind.

Winter is a wonderful time of year... Especially when you are at a ski resort enjoying the snow, sun and adrenaline rush. But so that your vacation is not overshadowed by various minor troubles, you need to prepare for it in advance. And today we’ll talk about what you should pay attention to when choosing clothes.

Ski jacket

Let's start with choosing a ski jacket. There are a lot of manufacturers of ski clothing on the modern market, but there are several basic criteria, based on which you can choose a ski jacket of good quality and at an affordable price for you. Of course, these are not quilted Mex jackets, so the main thing here is not beauty, but comfort and warmth.

Waterproof. This is one of the most important criteria that determines how long the jacket will not get wet, the dimensional unit is “mm”. The minimum value should be at least 5000, but in this case it is worth remembering that the jacket will get wet in a couple of hours in heavy snow. It is better to choose a ski jacket with a water resistance of 10,000 mm or higher.

Vapor permeability. This indicator characterizes how effectively the ski jacket membrane will remove moisture from the body, dimensional unit “g/m2/24h”. The minimum value should be at least 5000, but it is better to choose a model with a vapor permeability level of 1000 or higher.

Insulation. Dimensional unit “g/m2”. Here it is worth clarifying that when choosing a ski jacket, you also need to choose whether it will be a down jacket (the insulation material is down), or a ski jacket with synthetic insulation (they usually have waterproof/vapor permeability indicators higher than their down counterparts, thanks to high technology of these materials). Here you need to choose based on your activity, the lower the density, the less warm jacket. For down jackets, only the insulation material is usually indicated, without density. For jackets with synthetic lining, the minimum insulation density is 40 g/m2, the maximum is 100 g/m2.

When the density of the sleeve differs from the main part, this is indicated. Well, conditionally, the density of the insulation can be determined by touch: the denser and heavier the ski jacket, the warmer it is. - Mandatory additions. A ski jacket must have a snow-protective “skirt”; in critical places the seams must be taped; ventilation in the armpits (with a zipper) will be a plus. It is better to choose a jacket with a full hood.

Size. You can easily select the size according to size chart provided by the manufacturer (if you order through an online store), although it is better, of course, to measure. Please remember that skiing is INJURY-DANGEROUS, so do not neglect protective equipment. If you are going to use protection (back protection, elbow pads), then it is better to choose a ski jacket half a size or a size larger (ski clothing, unlike snowboard clothing, is quite fitted).

Price. The price range is quite wide, but you shouldn't buy a ski jacket for less than $200.

Ski pants

The selection criteria are the same as for the jacket, but with some amendments.

Waterproof. It should be quite high, especially if you are a beginner athlete. So it’s better to stop at an indicator no lower than 10,000 mm.

Vapor permeability from 5000 g/m2/24h.

The insulation is usually 40 g/m2, no more is required, because you will be wearing thermal underwear. - Among the additional options, it is nice to have ventilation on the outside or inside of the trousers (with a zipper), detachable suspenders, protection of the inside of the trousers from abrasion (it is made of a denser material), internal snow gaiters (with an elastic band made of non-wetting fabric). Almost all models of ski pants now have contoured knees.

A complete ski suit is a pair of jacket and pants, the choice of which is primarily based on the individual needs of the skier. As well as the size of the budget allocated for the acquisition. But, regardless of personal needs, there are general indicators - water resistance, layers, quality of materials, suit style. You need to understand them and be sure to pay attention when choosing a suit for driving on the ski slopes!

In the previous article with tips on, we presented a “road” map so that you understand the classification of sports ski equipment by price and characteristics. Let's add it to this article:

A clothing set may include: thermal underwear plus a jacket with trousers or thermal underwear with overalls. Overalls are most often not classified as costumes, but are considered a separate branch of ski clothing, loved by professional athletes, snowboarders, as well as children. Good overalls are a little more expensive than suits, and their style is more suitable for young people.

Before choosing a ski suit, you need to decide what indicators and characteristics are needed from it: functionality and comfort, brand and image, spectacular appearance or cheap price?

Having set your priorities, you can begin to select a suit that will be comfortable and highlight the individuality of the skier.

The three-layer rule for a suit

A conditional rule, however, many skiers adhere to it. After all, several thin layers retain heat better than one bulky one.

1. The first layer includes . High-quality underwear is made from modern synthetic materials with a special structure. Designed to keep you warm human body, protects from cold in severe frosts and removes moisture, supporting thermoregulation.

Thermal underwear should be hypoallergenic, seamless and fit snugly to the body.

Remember

Regular cotton clothes or woolen sweaters, tights cannot be a substitute for thermal underwear! Standout during physical activity sweat is quickly absorbed by cotton, but is not removed further. After which it cools down on the fabric, condensation forms and the suit begins to get cold.

2. The second layer is insulation: most often made of fleece, which intensively removes moisture from the surface of the body and retains heat; it could be simple knitted sweater, but we still recommend wearing modern fleece sweatshirts under your suit; they are lighter and less voluminous in size. In some models of jackets, fleece insulation can be stitched between the materials of the suit. Best option, when the second layer is separated from the third.

3. The third layer is the suit itself from a set of ski jacket and pants.

There are several main criteria by which a ski suit is chosen. The fundamental requirements are:

• Easy;
• Warm;
• Waterproof;
• Does not restrict movement - has an anatomical cut.

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Not many other characteristics on . In cross-country sports, the main thing is not to warm the skier, but rather to prevent him from overheating, removing excess heat and moisture from the body into the atmosphere.

How to choose the right water resistance for ski clothing (jackets and pants)?

In outdoor clothing, there are two terms that can be considered synonymous - waterproof(from English waterproof) and water resistance(from English water-resistance). Both of these parameters indicate the water pressure that the fabric can withstand without getting wet. With a material water resistance of 2000 mm. a skier is unlikely to survive a whole day in the mountains, especially in heavy snow or sleet.

A good ski suit that will allow you to ski all day should have a water resistance of 10,000 mm or more.

from 10,000 mm

Ideal water resistance for all mountain weather

Suit models with DWR processing technology are not suitable for skiing. They protect well from snow and rain, but do a poor job of removing sweat and excess moisture from the body. For active sports, your wardrobe should have membrane clothing, which we will talk about later in the article.

Working principle of DWR polymer processing

Summary table on the water resistance parameters of membrane suits for alpine skiing:

The data in the table is given for membrane suits. The optimal water resistance indicator for a membrane in the mountains is from 10 thousand. For beginners who ride 2-3 hours a day at a relaxed pace, up to 5000 mm is enough.

An important characteristic of alpine ski suits is vapor permeability.

Another important indicator for skiing is vapor permeability. It characterizes how effectively the membrane of a jacket or pants wicks moisture away from the body. Vapor permeability takes on maximum importance in cross-country skiing disciplines, when the skier sweats profusely and gets hot.

With an increase in this indicator in a suit, the body will “breathe” better. For heavy loads, the vapor permeability of a ski suit should approach 20,000 g/m²/day; for beginners, 5,000 g/m² is enough.

Sufficient vapor permeability of the material for beginners

Membrane clothing

Ski equipment with a material containing a membrane (HyVent, Gore-Tex technologies, etc.) has high levels of waterproofness and vapor permeability. The inner layer with a membrane removes body moisture out through micropores and at the same time, on the contrary, does not allow water from the outer layer to pass into the inside. In materials for ski clothing, 3 types of membranes are used: hydrophilic, porous and combined.

The most popular are combined membranes. They have the highest values ​​of vapor permeability and water resistance, and are well suited for extreme mountain conditions.

All membrane fabrics require special care, so do not wash them in washing machine with regular powder! Find out how to properly care for your suit from the consultants in the store or on the manufacturer’s website.

Let's sum it up

When choosing a ski jacket and pants, pay attention to the following things:

• The suit's bright color and reflective stripes make it highly visible on the slopes;
• The fleece inner collar will protect your face from chapping. The built-in hood will help during snow and rain. A special chin bar at the top of the collar will prevent it from sliding down;
• Locks and zippers should be easy to unfasten and fasten and have large, comfortable sliders so that you can grab them without taking off your ski gloves;
• Zippers at the bottom of the trousers make dressing easier;
• The central zipper on the jacket should be closed with a flap to protect against wind;
• The cuffs on the sleeves should close easily and tightly to prevent snow from getting underneath them. Seams covered with tape will prevent moisture from getting inside;
• A special fastener or pocket on the sleeve for a ski pass will allow you not to search for it in your pockets for a long time. Often the pass pocket is located on the sleeve in the cuff, sometimes it is made secret for the sake of a stylish design;
• External pockets of equipment must be zipped;
• It’s good when the suit model includes the ability to fasten the jacket to the trousers with a zipper - this method protects the lower back from cooling;
• The presence of a snow skirt on the jacket will protect against wind blowing and reduce the risk of snow getting under your clothes;
• On the shoulders, elbows and knees, thicker fabric is used to increase the strength of the suit.

Beautiful ski suits for this season

The assortment of modern stores is so wide that it is difficult to decide on the right choice clothes for skiing. Always pay attention to brands and prices. There are a number of time-tested brands, which we will describe below, you can take them with confidence!

Ski jackets and suits from bogner

Bogner is one of the companies producing budget clothing and suits for skiers. They provide an acceptable quality for beginner skiers - water resistance of 5-10 thousand mm, the presence of a membrane, many pockets, hermetically sealed zippers.

Men's ski jacket BOGNER Polar, worth 7,500 rubles

Great option men's suit from the Icepeak Narvel jacket (22 thousand rubles) with a water resistance of 15 thousand mm. and Icepeak Nox pants (8,000 rubles):

Jacket Icepeak Narvel

Icepeak Nox trousers

Girls have no problem choosing beautiful mountain clothes ski suits, take a look at the models from headquarter, they will definitely help you stand out:

Ski suits Roxy

A pair of jackets and pants from ROXY is no less popular among the female audience. First of all, due to the presence of a variety of patterns, paintings, a large selection of colors and, of course, an affordable price. Nice jacket can be found for 12 - 20 thousand rubles, and pants for 10-15.

With ROXY, any girl can stand out from the gray masses of skiers and highlight herself on the mountain slope. This brand is also popular in snowboard culture.

Screenshot of the assortment from the official store. Prices are current!

How to choose the size of a ski suit?

Traditionally, the European and Russian systems for calculating clothing sizes are used. Below in the table we have combined all the values ​​so that you can easily navigate when selecting suitable size. Especially useful if you want to order clothes online.

Women's size chart

Men's Size Chart

Be sure to watch this educational video on how to choose the right women's ski suit:

Now all that’s left is to choose the right color and you can head out to the ski slopes.

Famous manufacturers and brands

Cost of the most expensive ski suits can reach up to 60,000 rubles. Expensive models are designed for extreme descents in any weather. Phoenix, Killy, Marmot, and Descent companies specialize in expensive ski equipment. They use expensive and high-quality membrane fabrics (SympaTex or Gore-Tex). All seams are taped, and the shoulders, elbows and knees are reinforced with Cordura from DuPont or Kevlar. This suit can last for several seasons.

Many ski clothing manufacturers use their own membrane fabrics, with different names technologies, but essentially everything is the same!

The cheapest ski suits with good quality and well-known manufacturers, cost from 10 - 15 thousand rubles. Companies Forward, Columbia, Trespass, No Where, Sorry, Elan and others specialize in such clothing. We don’t recommend taking anything cheaper than 10 thousand. Most likely, such an outfit will be without a membrane with conventional polymer treatment. They will provide the necessary water resistance, but I doubt breathability.

With the arrival of winter, people new year holidays They not only go 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 they may need, but for beginners it is easy to forget something or not take it 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 availability of trails of varying difficulty. Of course, a beginner needs to choose the easiest route. In European countries it is designated green

This route has a smooth descent, intended for normal skiing or sledding. On such routes the speed does not increase.

Trails of medium difficulty are marked in red. They have a steep descent and uneven terrain. These routes are for those skiers who are already quite good at skiing and can turn off when necessary, slow down, and so on.

The most difficult trails are black. Only professionals are allowed to attend.

So, having chosen a country, a resort and a route, you need to choose clothes for skiing. Regular warm winter clothes It won’t work because it’s heavy, you’ll quickly sweat in it, then the wind will blow over you and that’s it - your vacation is over because you’ll definitely get sick.

To prevent this, you need to choose a women's ski suit and clothes to go with it according to 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 a set consisting of overalls and a jacket, or select items separately. Ski jackets come in a huge range 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 downhill skiing.

So, the suit should allow moisture to escape, but under no circumstances allow it to get inside. This is its main purpose. It must also be resistant to wind, that is, it must not allow cold to pass through, but rather repel it. A women's ski suit may have a hood (which is preferable), or it may not have one. 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 set is. These coefficients are measured in millimeters per square meter over 24 hours of fabric use. When going to a ski suit store, it is 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 the seams are neat and have all the stitching. It also doesn’t hurt to check all the “runners” for serviceability, since you are unlikely to want to change them later, and if at the most crucial moment on the highway your “zip” breaks, it will be extremely disappointing and annoying. It is also important that there are pockets with clasps so that you can put things there without losing them while moving.

There is no need to skimp on ski suits, as they keep you warm and make you feel light and comfortable.

There is no need to buy equipment on your first trip - you can rent it upon arrival. You may not want to ride anymore, 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 appropriate option for yourself.