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How to choose a ski jacket: a complete guide. What NOT to wear as a skier Beautiful ski suits for this season

Every time we have to update our wardrobe, we experience the pangs of choice. And every time we try to spend our money with maximum benefit. With regard to ski clothing, we can say that when choosing it, we suffer much more than when looking for new jeans or a jumper. Yes, this is understandable: after all, if the jeans sit a little wrong, only the “worst” girlfriend can notice it, and uncomfortable trousers or a jacket can ruin all the fun of riding, and you can’t return the money back ...

Our wardrobe is ordinary life can include dozens of “clothings”, and we easily change one thing for another, combine, try, use different combinations, thereby complementing, warming or decorating our outfit. But in the city we exist in a fairly narrow temperature range, in addition, we almost always spend a quarter of an hour on the street at most. On the slope, we don’t have the opportunity to dress smarter before going to a restaurant, and when a strong wind blows with a snow charge, the maximum that we can do is put on a hood and fasten the collar more tightly. Ski clothing should be both functional and attractive at the same time.

Alpine ski clothing (depending on the funds spent on it) may differ from your urban clothing only in brighter colors, although in Lately On the streets of cities, you can increasingly see people in bright and stylish sportswear. But a real ski jacket or trousers is truly a fusion of design ideas and high technology.

If you want the ski jacket you choose to be as comfortable as possible, take the time to choose the manufacturer, fabric, model, size, check each design element. How does this thing suit you personally? After all, you will spend eight hours a day in these clothes, and the cold, wind and snow of discounts on cheap clothes do not do.

fakes

The main recommendation for purchasing functional clothing: beware of fakes. IN last years in our country you can find a completely insane amount of fakes with embroidered logos of the most famous companies. Of course, we are not talking about any observance of technology in the production of such clothes. After all, you don’t seriously believe that the “left” Atomic, Rossignol or Spyder, bought on the clothing market for modest money, will serve you in the same way as the originals that cost seven times more? If you don’t believe in miracles, then go shopping at one of the well-known sports supermarket systems, and if you are going to buy clothes in a little-known store, don’t take it easy - call the office of the company that represents the interests of the manufacturer of a particular brand in Russia. You will certainly be happy to be informed whether this "sales outlet" is worthy of your trust.

Brands and target groups

Very important point, which must be taken into account when choosing clothes - its target group. The words "ski clothing" do not mean at all that any of the things included in this group will have the same functional features. Athlete clothing has one set of requirements, freerider clothing has a completely different set of requirements, and smart jackets that are comfortable to lounge on a deck chair in the March sun may not suit an expert carver who rides six hours a day.

As a rule, a serious brand already means a certain target group clothes. So, Schneider or Anzi Besson do not produce freeride clothes, and vice versa - athletes do not use products with Arc "Teryx, Eider or Marmot brands. The jackets and trousers of many companies with famous names - Spyder, Killy and Marker, are very thoughtful and elegant, but they wide distribution is limited by a considerable price.

Since this article is about fairly mass-produced clothing, it must be said that all well-known companies produce quite comfortable and well-thought-out models. Many of the jackets of the “mass” brands such as Trespass, Baon, Iguana or Five Seasons, which are widespread in Russia, are very comfortable. And fabrics, and zippers, and accessories, as they say, on the level. If you look closely at the silhouette and details of the jackets of some models, you can see that they are almost complete copies of products from leading companies. This, unlike the Vietnamese-Chinese tailoring, is not a fake: neither the materials, nor the colors, nor the company logo are similar to the "big brothers". Such clothing differs primarily in the materials from which it is sewn, but in terms of its design features it can be an exact copy of the most comfortable models.

Design

The most difficult characteristic of clothing to evaluate is its reliability. But it is necessary to try to evaluate this property, at least by indirect signs: the quality of stitching and gluing of seams, external fabric, accessories, zippers - everything should be of the highest possible level. But hanging threads, crooked seams, poor sealing of difficult places will immediately say that you have clothes in front of you or low level or fake. Although ... only a really good specialist can distinguish a high-quality membrane and fabric from a low-quality one.

The anatomical cut of the sleeves and legs is the first thing that catches your eye when studying clothes. The skier is actively moving, so the cut in the area of ​​the knees and elbows must be anatomical (allowing bending of the arms and legs without restricting freedom of movement). In front, an active skiing jacket should be short enough or have a two-way “zipper” and unzip at the bottom so as not to interfere with skiing, although this is not very aesthetically pleasing, and in case of falling into deep snow it can bring several unpleasant minutes.

We sometimes fall. Reinforcements - additional overlays on the elbows and knees - provide wear resistance of these areas when falling on hard icy snow, which is an excellent abrasive. Protective pads made of durable fabric at the bottom of the legs are very useful, where we are no-no with edges, and we will touch the pants when turning.

Taped seams- a sign of quality clothing. Such a seam cannot be performed in an underground workshop. Gluing (or welding) is carried out on a special machine at a temperature of about 370 degrees (the technology is slightly different for each fabric). When gluing, the special coating of the tape impregnates the fabric under the influence of temperature, so the glued seam will always be airtight.

"Backtacks"- in places of the greatest tension of the fabric, the product is sewn on special machines with zigzag seams several millimeters long. "Tacks" can significantly increase the service life, reliability and strength of the product.

Shoulder cut without seams- a very useful item for those who walk with a heavy backpack or do the backcountry, and this applies not only to outdoor clothing. Three or four layers of clothing, and if each has seams on the shoulders, and on top of all this, the straps of the backpack, to which the skis are hung, are pressed ...

Waterproof zippers- a mandatory element of clothing for skiing in non-greenhouse conditions. It is better if absolutely all the zippers on the clothes are waterproof - after all, it is also unpleasant to pick up wet money, documents or a ski pass. And in wet pockets, it will not be possible to warm the hands.

Now let's go from top to bottom.

Hood. Large volume, adjustable over a wide range - belonging to clothing for extreme conditions, it can, on occasion, be worn over a helmet. Anatomically shaped, with front hem adjustment and a slight slack in the back - an option for ski clothing designed for skiing without a helmet. The visor on the hood is a useful detail. When it snows, glasses without a visor get clogged and frosted over the upper ventilation, they quickly fog up. In addition, with such a hood, less snow gets on the goggles. In strong winds or those who ride at high speed, tightening the hood along the leading edge is very important. Wings on the sides, transparent windows are elements that can play a role when skiing in regions with strong winds, especially if you ski without a wind mask or balaclava (an elastic balaclava built into some models of functional clothing). A balaclava is a very useful thing, because the view in it is always better than in a hood, in addition, you have protection and the transition to the neck.

The inside of the collar- from polartec, fleece, and even better - from Driclime, one of the modern materials that quickly transports moisture from the skin to the outside, and the contact point between this material and the skin remains dry. In passing, about fleece - unlike polartec, fleece can withstand a shorter period of wear without losing its appearance, after which spools appear on it, it rolls down and begins to lose its heat-insulating properties. A special anti-peeling treatment helps to resist this. From English. peeling - rolling. By the way - if you get into a Turkish bath, I strongly advise you to give yourself up to a bathhouse attendant, an expert on this procedure. Peeling is an amazingly pleasant procedure, after which your skin is so clean that it becomes silky to the touch, like an apricot skin ... Pay attention to the top of the zipper - in well-designed clothing, your skin in this place is protected from damage or discomfort with special fabric overlays . But the second, inner collar - belonging more smart clothes, it does not carry a special functional load.

Ventilation holes under the sleeves, closing with a zipper, as we have already said - waterproof. Sometimes protected by a mesh lining. Sometimes there is ventilation in the front. It's just a design feature, whatever you like. For some, it's just uncomfortable when something gets in the way in the armpit, in this case, the zippered vents placed forward will save the situation and provide comfort. But in children's clothing, ventilation zippers are an unnecessary detail. Poking around in snowdrifts or wallowing in fresh snow is better in clothes that are devoid of additional holes, even with waterproof zippers - because sooner or later they will be unbuttoned at the most inopportune moment.

Sleeve cuffs double ones are better - inside there is an elastic cuff made of fleece, polartec or lycra, on the outside - on an elastic band, with a valve on a button or Velcro fastener ("Velcro") - whoever likes it and seems comfortable.

Waist adjustment- a useful element in the case of a long jacket. It is also very useful to adjust the volume of the jacket at the bottom, but make sure that this adjustment is made using an elastic cord, and not a strong rope, in which case you will sooner or later risk damaging the zipper, for example by crouching sharply. Recently, almost obligatory element ski jacket is a snow skirt. Please note that if you purchase a 3 in 1 jacket, that is, with a detachable fleece lining, using such a skirt may be difficult. And in general, complex jackets like "3 in 1", "5 in 1" and so on - with detachable sleeves, double-sided - clothes for everyone. Although in the spring, if you unfasten the sleeves, in the hot sun, the vest may be more comfortable.

Lining- a very important thing, but today it is no longer always present. That is, if we are talking about a three-layer membrane, then in such clothes there is no longer a lining as such - there is simply an inner layer of membrane tissue. With a two-layer membrane, in the most difficult conditions, a mesh-type lining works better than the usual thin fabric. The point is that in the case of dense fabric lining when riding in cold northern regions or in the Urals and Siberia, the same fur coat may form between the lining and the outer fabric as in the refrigerator. That is, the steam simply does not have time to go outside ... Well, if you ride in more or less comfortable conditions, you can also choose clothes with a warm lining made of modern synthetic materials.

Pockets- the taste and color, but there is a certain minimum. Bulky pocket(sometimes from a grid) for glasses, two side ones for hands, an external one for a walkie-talkie or a mobile phone, on a sleeve - for a ski pass, inside - for documents, if you are a music lover - for a CD player. For trousers - two pockets on the sides, plus one on the side for small things.

Trousers. What is called "must" - must be present - snow protection gaiters, zippers at the bottom on the sides for ease of putting them on over ski boots, an anatomical cut of the knee, reinforcements - protection from edges.

In addition to those listed, there are a huge number of elements that every serious manufacturer tries to integrate into their clothes. Detachable fur, elastic inserts, contrasting piping, reflective elements, detachable sleeves, detachable or stowable hood, zippers closed with one or two counter plackets, ergonomic fit of the back, fleece lining above the waist, elastic cuffs with a hole for a finger, key chain for skiing -pass, key clip in pocket, inside water bottle pocket, zipper for fastening a fleece jacket or vest, trousers fastening system, back ventilation with zipper, lightweight polyester mesh in the back area, cloth for wiping glasses... But for these small distinctive features Let everyone choose for himself. What is the minimum is already listed. And the main thing in clothes, nevertheless, is the fabric.

membranes

Now everyone already knows that outerwear is made from membrane fabrics. What exactly is a membrane and why are their characteristics so different? There are two fundamentally different approaches to the construction of membranes. These are the weaving of the fabric (single-layer membrane) and the microporous coating applied to the fabric from the inside (two-layer membrane fabric). Such a coating can be polyurethane, ceramic, Teflon, etc. The membrane works due to the fact that the micropore size of the membrane is approximately 20,000 times smaller than a water drop, but 700 times larger than a vapor molecule - water drops do not penetrate clothing, and bodily moisture vapor is easily removed. There are also the most technologically advanced - three-layer membranes. In this case, another layer is applied to the membrane from the inside - a fleecy material, which allows the use of such a fabric for the manufacture of single-layer clothing with the highest characteristics, including comfort.

Everyone knows the word Goretex - this is a very, very well-known membrane fabric, a kind of benchmark among the fabrics used as the top layer of sportswear. After the original Goretex patent expired, a large number of similar materials appeared. Here is just a small list - Pertex, Dermizax, Bibler ToddTex, MemBrain, PreClip ... Of particular interest is the Goretex XCR material and its "brothers", which are just as waterproof as regular Goretex, but "breathe" better by 25% (at least , according to the manufacturer). Materials such as Paclite are also produced - very thin, light, but nevertheless quite durable. Some companies use stretchy versions of Gore-Tex, but their elasticity is still inferior to other fabrics on the market. However, "soft shell materials" have become more and more widespread in recent years.

There are two different approaches to outdoor clothing. traditional method consists in the fact that the outer fabric is a thin membrane (two-layer or three-layer), and clothing made from such a fabric is worn over the underwear and intermediate layers of clothing, which by themselves do not provide protection from rain and wind. This method is usually contrasted with the new, "soft shell" approach, where the intermediate layers of clothing not only provide thermal insulation, but also protect against rain and wind to some extent (in addition, they are significantly protected from wear and dirt, compared to older types of fleece) .

This type of material is relatively new, in our market they are still not widely used. For the first time they were used by the Swiss company Shoeller. Their structure is as follows: durable nylon on the outside and warm, fluffy, absorbent CoolMax on the inside. Clothing made from such materials gives very moderate protection from the wind, but "breathes" perfectly. Even people with intense sweating do not experience discomfort with buttoned ventilation (unlike almost any traditional membrane fabric).

But remember that even the best membrane fabric, covered with a continuous layer of water on top, still does not breathe. When riding, many complain that water flows from the inside through clothes made of membrane fabric, especially in warm, humid weather. This can happen when the membrane simply does not have time to drain water. So, if the outer fabric is soaked with water, it stops breathing, and all the vapors remain from the inside, giving the impression that the membrane is not working. This problem occurs in both inexpensive products and expensive brands. The main means of combating this problem is a fabric with the highest possible breathability, plus the treatment of the outer fabric with a waterproof composition. But in variable weather, when sleet or rain periodically stops and is accompanied by wind (and you can ride the cable car for twenty minutes!), Such jackets or trousers behave much better than clothes made from ordinary, non-membrane materials.

The membrane itself is just a special weaving of threads or, more often, an internal coating of the fabric, and the strength of clothing primarily depends on the material from which it is “built”.

Nylon and polyester

The oldest of the artificial fibers is nylon, this fabric entered our everyday life forty years ago and has enjoyed well-deserved popularity ever since. But nylon is not free from flaws: when wet, it stretches more. To improve the functional qualities of nylon clothing, various methods of weaving threads are used, which differ from those used traditionally. This weave makes the nylon fabric stronger. But nylon, in addition, is not very resistant to ultraviolet radiation, so polyester is becoming more and more popular. Under various names, polyester fabrics are now used as base fabrics in a very large number of membrane materials, often in combination with rip-stop treatments. Rip-stop (from the English. Rip - cut, stop - stop), this is the processing of fabric with a special press when high temperature, during this processing, a small cellular pattern appears on the fabric - rhombuses, small squares, and any cut, for example, that appeared from the edges of skis, does not extend beyond this cell. But even a synthetic fabric with a modern membrane and rip-stop treatment can lose its properties very quickly - in half a season. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to perform some “ritual gestures”.

Membrane clothing care

First of all, clothes made from modern fabrics must be washed properly. Never use Ariel, Tide, or other detergents or washing powders that contain chlorine. The fact is that chlorine molecules perforate the membrane, and although it begins to breathe better as a result, in parallel with this, by-effect this "performance improvement" - gets wet. It's flowing... You can hear advice like washing it with "Weasel" - but this is also a kind of lottery. After all, companies do not declare the content of chlorine. Maybe lucky - if in a particular detergent does not contain chlorine, and may not be lucky. And it's not just chlorine. There are a large number of "weak" laundry detergents that do not contain chlorine. But... With improper washing, even with weak powders, the membrane simply clogs up - the dirt foams, but is not completely removed, and safely clogs the pores. The membrane in this case resists water very well, but stops breathing altogether.

Working a budget option– washing with liquid soap or a good old laundry soap that does not contain chlorine. But the problem of blockage of pores with dirt in this case remains, although the membrane remains intact. True, in this case, the properties of the membrane can be restored: the faster the owner begins to wash the membrane fabric with a special agent, the faster the membrane will be “washed off” from the accumulated dirt and the properties will return to it (unless, of course, it is perforated with chlorine-containing detergents).

So, wash clothes made of membrane fabrics only with special means, and in case of their absence or very severe contamination, with laundry soap, but after that you still have to wash as soon as possible with a special composition to restore breathable properties.

After washing, clothes do not need to be wrung out, it is better to dry them in a warm place in a draft, in no case on straight lines. sunshine. The fact is that during washing, special substances are washed out, which impregnate the outer - base - fabric so that it does not absorb water and ... resists ultraviolet radiation. And a wet fabric can at least lose its bright colors under the influence of the sun, and at a maximum - its shape. So after the clothes are dry, they must be impregnated with a special fluoride compound. Fluorine compounds create a film that protects against water, but does not interfere with the movement of air. Such a composition performs three functions at once: it will not only create a film that prevents penetrating pollution, will not only protect against water, but also increase the resistance of the fabric to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Attention! In no case do not use silicone impregnations, they are good for camping equipment - tents, awnings, that is, in cases where breathability is not paramount.

In preparing the material, the advice of specialists from Mountaintech, Sportland Plus and Bask was used.

Buying a ski suit is puzzled, as a rule, even before buying skis. And this is understandable - equipment can be rented, but it is better to have your own suit. It’s good if you are able to spend an arbitrarily large amount and there are specialists nearby who are ready to offer really suitable option. Then it’s enough just to decide on the style of your future costume. In any case, it is important to understand what you are paying money for and what is really important for you.

Maria Veremyeva, editor of the Sport-Marathon blog, tells how to choose a ski suit

    Classic. Strict sports uniforms without unnecessary details and time-tested colors. Oriented to a wide range of skiers who prefer to ride on well-prepared slopes. The cut of classic ski suits does not hinder the movements characteristic of technical skiing. Most models are insulated so that the rider does not freeze on the lift, and at the same time are equipped with good membranes to provide effective wind protection and moisture removal during physical exertion during the descent. Serious vagaries of the weather and its constant changes are not afraid of skiers skiing within the resort - indoor heated lifts, the presence of cafes and chalets where you can warm up and dry reduce the requirements for the technical components of a classic ski suit.

Descente suit

    fashion. Ski suits for those riders who want to look chic on the slopes. Technical properties in them sometimes fade into the background. Such costumes are “chosen with the eyes”. The main thing is the premium appearance and decorative elements - stripes, fur, rhinestones and even hand embroidery. The cut of trousers and jackets is less similar to sportswear. IN female models it is made as fitted as possible to emphasize the figure. This cut is not always comfortable to ride, but you will look chic and respectable. Suits in this category are equally appropriate on the slopes and apres-ski and can become part of the urban wardrobe.

Sportalm suits

    Fashion premium sport. Suits in this category combine the most advanced technology and intricate cut with decorative elements and attractive appearance. The tight-fitting cut does not hinder movement due to the use of particularly elastic materials, and excellent membranes and insulation provide excellent thermoregulation.


Mountain Force suits

    Freeride. The most simple forms and bright colors, a minimum of pathos, a maximum of functionality, are aimed at connoisseurs of off-piste skiing. They are characterized by the use of advanced, maximum vapor-permeable membranes, because. the freerider is very active on the descent and often walks, trying to find unrolled slopes. Off-piste enthusiasts need the ability to effectively mix and match layers of clothing, adjusting the kit to changing levels of physical activity and weather conditions. Therefore, in their ski suits, as a rule, there is no insulation at all - it is replaced by a separate down jacket and fleece, which are constantly in the rider's backpack and help to "adjust" the necessary thermal insulation depending on the conditions. Therefore, the cut of the freeride jacket and trousers is baggy, in order to allow you to fit all layers of clothing under you and provide the necessary freedom of movement. Every detail of a freeride suit is created to be extremely functional and does not “idle” when using it. For example, pockets allow you to conveniently arrange all the equipment that should be at hand, while not overlapping with the straps and belt of the backpack.


Suits Norrona

Before buying, you need to clearly understand where and how actively you will ski?

    If you are purchasing your first suit and have not yet decided whether you will actively ski in the future, and the budget is tight, then it makes sense to opt for a relatively simple models jackets and trousers. They will be quite enough to understand whether you like skating or not. An insulated jacket and trousers that do not differ in a pronounced sports cut and overly catchy colors are perfect for this role. Then, along with the ski slope, they can be safely used in the city - even if you stop skiing, the money in clothes will not be invested in vain. If you plan to ride a lot, actively, and the proposed suit should last more than one season, then you should approach the issue of choosing as responsibly as possible. Get a jacket and trousers immediately made of advanced and high-quality materials, as well as with a cut that best suits your figure, so that the selected items will last for many years. Plan a budget - good ski suits not cheap. It may be worth saving on buying cool fleece and thermal underwear, but at the same time investing in outerwear as much as possible, because. the comfort of the skier on the slope depends on it. At the same time, do not forget about sales - at the end of the season, you can almost always buy good things with big discounts. If you plan to ride off-piste, especially with a foot approach to the descent point, feel free to choose non-insulated freeride suits. Of course, their unusually bright colors and loose fit will be out of place in an urban environment. But a freeride jacket and trousers will allow you to create the perfect microclimate for you in any riding conditions, due to the right combination with other layers of clothing. So you will be comfortable skiing anywhere - from the warm and sunny slopes of Gudauri to the cold Siberian Sheregesh.

What makes up a ski suit and its cost?

Membrane

Perhaps the key "technical" element. A thin film of the membrane hides right behind the outer fabric of the jacket and trousers and provides its owner with dryness and protection from the wind. It does not allow you to get wet from external precipitation and at the same time releases fumes coming from the body, preventing you from getting wet from sweat.

The characteristics of the membrane are indicated by two numbers, for example, 20K / 20K or 15,000/10,000. The first indicates water resistance, and the second - vapor permeable properties. The higher these numerical values, the better the membrane "works".

When skiing "from cafe to cafe" on good slopes and in sunny weather, its performance is not of fundamental importance when choosing a ski suit. But they become important if you regularly encounter the vagaries of nature and do not want them to interfere with the process of riding and spoil the pleasure of it. So, in Krasnaya Polyana it is very humid throughout the season and, making the descent from the top, you can immediately get under wet snow and rain. In this case, a membrane with poor water resistance can lead to damp clothing, which will ruin the whole day of skiing, and in the worst case, lead to a cold.

A high-quality membrane with high water resistance is important not only for a jacket, but also for ski pants. By kneeling or sitting down, we create additional pressure, which can lead to leakage of a fabric with poor water resistance. Therefore, so that the trousers do not get damp on a cold and damp lift chair, pay attention to the membrane used in them and its indicators.

W. L. Gore's Gore-Tex membranes guarantee top-notch performance, and the garments they're used on are sure to keep the wearer dry no matter what. weather conditions whether it be rain or sleet. The top versions of Dermizax membranes from the Japanese company Toray, which are used today in many first-class ski suits, do not lag behind them. Both companies independently determine the best combination membranes and fabrics for specific operating conditions, allowing the buyer not to delve into the technical properties and characteristics. A little bit more close attention should pay attention to membranes that are produced under their own trademarks ski clothing brands

Outer fabric

You can divide all the fabrics used in ski clothing into two categories:

    elastic; inelastic.

Usually, elastic fabrics are used in suits that are distinguished by a tight-fitting and fitted cut so that they do not restrict movement during skiing. In some ski jackets and trousers, such as those from Kjus and Mountain Force, not only the outer fabric stretches, but also the lining and even the insulation. This provides incomparable freedom of movement while maintaining a stylish look. So, the narrower the cut of your future suit, the more elastic the fabrics should be, this is the only way you will not only look good, but also ride comfortably.

Inelastic materials are used in a wide variety of ski suits of any price category. In some cases, their use is not necessary due to the use of loose baggy cuts in clothes, in some it is a way to reduce the final price of a jacket or trousers. In ski suits for freeride and ski touring, the elasticity of the fabric is sacrificed in favor of the greater strength of the materials used.

insulation

Natural fluff is rarely used to insulate ski suits, because. with high physical activity in such clothes it is simply hot, and the fluff itself quickly becomes damp from body fumes. Therefore, synthetic heaters are most often used, the choice of which on the modern market is huge. We will not go into the technical details of each of them, but we will note an important pattern - the price of a suit will be the higher, the lighter and warmer the insulation used in it.

Well-insulated ski jackets are necessary for riders who ride in regions where extreme cold is not uncommon - for example, in Sheregesh or Khibiny. In most cases, a small amount of insulation is enough for a suit - the relatively warm weather in European ski resorts, the Georgian Gudauri, as well as the popular Krasnaya Polyana, often allows you not to even use a fleece, but to ride, throwing a jacket directly on thermal underwear.

When buying a ski suit without insulation, which is in demand among freeriders and ski touring enthusiasts, it is important to take care of purchasing medium layers of insulation for the torso and legs, for example, a set of fleece jacket and pants. A bonus when buying an insulated ski jacket will be its versatility. It will serve perfectly in any season, even in the summer for a hike, even in the fall for mushrooms.

Croy

Naturally, the final price of a ski suit is influenced not only by the materials and methods of tailoring, but also by its pattern, on which the comfort and appearance of the rider depend. The complex articulated cut of a jacket or trousers, providing maximum freedom of movement, offers a large number of details and exact calculation from the side of the developers. Which in turn complicates manufacturing process and leads to an increase in the final cost. So, the manufacturing process of the Arc'teryx Alpha SV jacket requires 197 work operations and 13 people manage to work on it! In ski suits from the Fashion category, the pattern also occupies a special place. Sometimes several fashion designers work on it at once, trying to create a recognizable, memorable and bright appearance.

Important details of a ski suit

Ventilation holes

The presence of ventilation holes on the jacket and trousers is essential for freeriders and ski touring fans. Even membranes with high vapor permeability are not always able to cope with the amount of heat and moisture that is released during hiking uphill and dynamic descents along an unprepared slope. Also, additional ventilation will appeal to all actively skiing skiers, because. will help improve thermoregulation in hot weather and with increased physical activity.

Not all ski suits have ventilation zippers sewn in, and least of all - in women's ones. The reason for this is the greater "freezing" and less sweating during exercise in the fair sex. So if you know that you will ride actively and are not particularly cold, choose models with ventilation.

Hood

Despite the fact that hoods are used in all ski jackets, their design can vary widely:

    For decorative purposes, the hood may be trimmed with fur. This is especially true for jackets from the Fashion category. It is worth noting that the fur looks very sad after a snowfall or rain, typical for the resorts of Krasnaya Polyana. In some models of jackets, the hood is removable. This expands the scope of jackets, making them part of the urban wardrobe. The voluminous and widely adjustable hood makes it equally comfortable to put on both over a ski helmet and over a small hat. The ability to pull the hood over the helmet can be very useful when using an open lift in bad weather, protecting your head as much as possible from gusts of cold wind.

Snow skirt

Almost all ski jackets have a snow skirt. This is an additional strip of fabric with a fastener, which is located just below the waist level, its task is to protect against wind blowing and reduce the risk of snow filling under the jacket. The skirt should tightly wrap around the belt, if it is too high when trying on, then most likely, during active skating, it will ride up higher and expose the stomach and lower back. Many snow skirts are additionally equipped with silicone dots or strips to increase grip on the fabric of the trousers and reduce the risk of slipping.


A very useful option is the ability to stitch a snow skirt with trousers, which allows you to get a one-piece suit that reliably protects against snow. Some brands, such as Norrona and Bergans, also have an additional snow skirt on trousers. When fastened with a jacket, it turns the suit into a real jumpsuit, which is not afraid of “bathing” in freshly fallen powder. For those who want to wear ski jacket in the city, we recommend paying attention to models with a detachable snow skirt.

Protecting trousers from cuts with piping

Very important element, which significantly reduces the wear of ski trousers. Inserts made of extra-strong fabric are located on the inside of the legs in the area of ​​the bootleg and protect them from being cut by the ski piping when falling or at the time of strong edging.

In freeride pants, this reinforcement can be located around the entire perimeter, because. it is assumed that the rider will move on foot not only on snow, but also on stone screes, where there may be cutting edges, and will also sometimes wear crampons.

Pants waist design

Assessing the fit of trousers, pay attention to their belt. It is very important that it be high and cover the lower back. So it will be much more comfortable on the slope - the wind will not cool the back and lower abdomen, and when falling, there will be less chance of snow getting inside the suit. An oversized trouser belt is especially important for girls, because. the cut of women's jackets is usually shorter than that of men's models.


It is convenient when the belt of ski pants is adjustable over a wide range. Most often, Velcro is used for this. For better thermal insulation, it is better to tuck a fleece and a thermal T-shirt into trousers, and this requires additional volume. During the fitting, pay attention to the lining of the trousers. Sometimes manufacturers use soft and pleasant to the touch fabrics for it, which allows you to refuse to use thermal underwear in warm weather.

Recently, more and more people are paying attention to sports, including skiing. In order for such leisure to evoke only positive emotions, athletes need matching clothes in which it will not work to freeze or get wet. Modern women's ski suits meet these requirements and, moreover, look stylish.

How to choose a ski suit?

Choosing the right ski gear is essential. Such clothing should reliably protect its owner from cold wind, precipitation and low temperatures therefore, in all weather conditions, it should be warm and comfortable. Convenience and lack of discomfort provides high speeds, good mood and an incredible amount from riding.

If the equipment is chosen incorrectly, and its manufacturer does not comply with elementary technologies for the production of clothing of this type, playing sports will not only not bring pleasure, but can also cause hypothermia and serious illnesses. To purchase a really good women's winter ski suit, you need to contact only trusted manufacturers and, in addition, take into account the following recommendations from experts:

  • before buying please pay attention Special attention for seams and joints. As a rule, adhesive technologies are used for the production of winter protective equipment, so it is necessary to check how well the seams are sealed and whether there are adhesive spots on the joints;
  • women's ski suits should have a hood, and ideally it should be removable. Do not ignore this detail - in this situation it is crucial;
  • for greater comfort, such equipment almost always has ventilation sections in the armpits, and in some models on the back. If you ride infrequently, you can do without it, but for those who spend a lot of time on the burrow slopes, ventilation is a must;
  • at the bottom of the jacket, trousers and sleeves, there must be special elastic cuffs that can protect the corresponding parts of the body from snow getting under clothing;
  • on the sleeve of such a kit there should be a pocket for a ski pass. This simple but important element can be used for other purposes. It is desirable to have other pockets, both external and internal - you can put keys, phone, documents and much more in them;
  • finally, good women's ski suits have reflective inserts, thanks to which their owner can be seen even in dark time days.

Ski suits for women

Today, there is a huge variety of protective equipment for skiing and other winter sports in stores and markets. The best ski suits are produced by German, Norwegian and Canadian brands, however, this does not mean that manufacturers from other countries cannot be trusted. On the contrary, some little-known brands produce high-quality and reliable models that are much cheaper than well-known brands.


Bogner ski suits

The German company Bogner was founded back in 1932. Today, this brand is rightfully considered one of the most the best manufacturers protective equipment, and its products are extremely popular not only among ordinary people, but also among representatives of show business and professional athletes. Bogner ski suits and jackets have the following characteristics that distinguish them from products of other brands:

  • unsurpassed style. Each model produced by this well-known company looks bright, elegant and luxurious;
  • durability and wear resistance;
  • incredible reliable protection from moisture. The materials used for the production of this equipment not only do not allow moisture to pass through from the outside, but also successfully remove excess liquid from the inside;
  • use of polyester materials and the Eco Storm system. Through the use of these technologies, Bogner specialists achieve the highest properties of thermal insulation, water tightness and abrasion resistance;
  • "breathable" properties of fabrics. Due to the fact that the skin breathes perfectly in them, Bogner women's winter ski suits are suitable for both professional sports and everyday wear;
  • the products of this company use exclusively thin and high-quality heaters that provide excellent thermal performance.

Columbia ski suit

Columbia women's ski suits have been manufactured in the USA for over 70 years. They perfectly warm, reliably protect from moisture and precipitation, do not allow to freeze even in severe frost, and in relatively warm weather, on the contrary, they cool. A feature of this brand is that it creates high-quality clothes of classic shapes and contrasting colors, which differ affordable price. So, a standard Columbia ski suit costs about 200-250 USD, so any fashionista can afford to buy it.


Ski suit Lamost

The Lamost women's ski suit is one of the most budget-friendly solutions on the market. The products of this Chinese brand are of quite good quality, however, for long ski trips she doesn't fit. Although the outer surface of the equipment of this company is protected by an additional waterproof layer, it does not save during long skiing and very bad weather. However, for those girls who go to the slopes only occasionally and want to save money, Lamost women's ski suits are an excellent choice.


Snow Headquarter Ski Suits

Incredibly beautiful women's ski suits from the Snow Headquarter brand attract many of the fair sex. They look very stylish, elegant and original, so they allow women to remain unusually sexy even on the slopes. In addition, the products of this brand have other positive characteristics, for example:

  • effective protection against precipitation, extremely low temperatures and gusty winds;
  • soft and elastic materials, special pads that reduce the negative impact of falls and bumps;
  • free comfortable cut that does not constrain movements and allows you to perform any tricks;
  • proper location of high-quality insulation.

Volkl ski suits

Volkl is another German firm that was founded ten years earlier than Bogner. The products of this brand are also not cheap, however, its price is fully compensated by the quality. Every Volkl women's ski suit is made from 100 percent polyamide for maximum durability in all temperatures.


Chunmai women's ski suits

To buy a stylish women's ski suit, it is not necessary to spend a lot Money. So, the products of the Chinese brand Chunmai are not at all expensive, however, their characteristics are quite enough to ride comfortably. In addition, the products of this company look very nice and are often decorated with floral and geometric patterns.


Women's ski suit Adidas

Fashionable women's ski suits from the brand Adidas - the leader in the sportswear market. Although the products of this company belong to the premium class, the price for it is very affordable and affordable for most of the fair sex. Women's winter ski suits from Adidas are distinguished by high-quality materials, strict forms and restraint of colors, however, the range of this brand also includes bright and flashy models in which it is impossible to go unnoticed.


Ski suit Baon

Baon women's ski suits look sophisticated and elegant. In them, every representative of the fair sex can feel like a real snow queen, as they provide maximum comfort in all weathers and, in addition, are characterized by a bright and sophisticated appearance. Baon clothes are made in various color scheme, but in most cases decorative design There are white, blue, blue and silver colors.


Ski suit shoes

Each representative of the fair sex understands that skiing will require special boots for a ski suit with bindings. Such shoes are sold in all sports stores, however, they are specific and suitable only for sports.

Since most girls wear their favorite suit not only on the slopes, but also on ordinary walks with children or friends, many fashionistas think about what shoes they can combine with in everyday life. In such situations, comfortable Salomon winter boots or warm and cozy dutik from Adidas, the well-known Timberlands and much more are suitable.


How much does a ski suit cost?

The price of a winter ski suit can be in a very wide range. Mostly it depends on the brand name, since the products of famous brands are much more expensive than the products of the average Chinese manufacturers. In addition, this characteristic is influenced by the materials and technologies used in the production, and the insulation is of decisive importance.

Average, chinese costume of good quality, intended for rare walks and one-time skating, can be purchased for 130-150 USD, products of the Adidas or Baon brand - for 300-400 USD, and the price of a high-quality product manufactured by the Bogner brand can reach 2000 USD .e.


Professional skiers and winter sports enthusiasts need specialized equipment - ski clothing for comfortable skiing and snowboarding. Experienced athletes know that the performance of downhill slopes depends on the skill, comfort and quality of equipment, including biathletes' uniforms.

Skiers recommend when choosing ammunition to make a choice in favor of well-known manufacturers engaged in the manufacture of sports equipment. Firms of this level regularly improve their products. The technological possibility of sports equipment of specialized manufacturers is better with ample opportunities, unlike non-specialized companies.

  1. A sports jacket for 12,000 rubles does not have necessary protection from water and wind (impregnation can withstand 2000 ml of moisture), which means that skiing is possible for no longer than 1.5 hours. This economical set includes simple ski pants with 2 pockets and minimal functionality. Quality clothing costs more than 10,000 rubles. If the rest in the ski resorts is permanent or professional, then you need to buy a good set of clothes.
  2. A protective uniform with a cost of over 12,000 rubles meets the functional requirements of skiers. A high-quality snowboard suit withstands mountain weather throughout the day: it does not get wet, it warms, it drains water when skiing. Often, skiing beginners choose equipment according to external data and colors, however, this is wrong - the emphasis is on professional requirements:

  • premium clothing for alpine skiing should be light, compact;
  • without constraining movements and feeling of tightness;
  • sports kit stays dry and warm in any weather.

Three-layer equipment protection

Three-layer equipment is a natural condition for experienced professional athletes. The designation of the three layers of uniforms:

  • thermal underwear layer (soft);
  • fleece clothing from a sweatshirt that conducts moisture to the membrane with a further conclusion;
  • jumpsuit or ski suit.
Important: you can’t put a cotton set under thermal underwear or a jacket, as it is saturated with moisture and cools.

Any jacket should have a collar (protected neck), a hood, adjustable according to the size of the head. High-quality uniform with taped seams, snow skirt, membrane tissue. Taped seam keeps water out. Ski jacket:

  • reinforcement with special fabrics on the shoulders;
  • underarm ventilation;
  • double flap with zippers with large key chains;
  • adjustable cuffs;
  • reflectors (for quick search by rescuers during blockages and snow avalanches);
  • many pockets with sealed zippers.

Membrane definition, its functions

Main criterion quality products, is a membrane responsible for the removal of moisture, protecting from rain, snow and dampness with wind protection. Membrane clothes are divided according to the effectiveness of the functions. A high-quality membrane is reflected in the price of the product (more expensive).

Functionality of lining layers of ski clothing

Ski clothing for women, men and children (vest, jacket, trousers, overalls or down jacket) is produced with or without a lining layer. Professional skiers choose equipment without an inner lining. Biathletes regulate the heat themselves with several layers of clothing, but this solution is only relevant for active athletes (who are in constant motion).

A leisurely race or learning the basics of skiing should be done in lined clothing (warmer and cheaper).

Ventilation

Ventilation is placed zippers on the sides of jackets and trousers.

Numerical value on ski equipment

Ski clothing is sold with imprinted numbers unknown to the beginner. The number indicates the ability to transmit moisture (characteristic of resisting rain, snow, fog, steam). A normal score is from 7000 for athletes, from 5000 for amateurs. The inscription looks like this: 7.000mm/7.000g.

  • 10000 - rain, downpour;
  • 7000 - being under snow and short rain during the day;
  • from 4000 to 7000 - prolonged rains, 7 hours in the mountains;
  • from 2000 to 4000 - 3 hours in wet snow or rain;
  • from 1000 to 2000 - humidity, fog;
  • less than 1000.

Snow skirt

You can’t be on mountain slopes without a snow skirt. The detail is needed to protect against winds, the penetration of snow when falling skating to the body. An elite suit consists of a detachable skirt-shorts, on some models a windproof detail is attached to trousers and a jacket.

The Sportmaster and Decathlon stores sell amateur, semi-professional and professional sports equipment.

Which firms and manufacturers can be trusted?

An overview of the top biathlete sports equipment manufacturers:

Besson is an Italian professional clothing for skiers.

Lunta is a Finnish brand of practical, soft, high-quality equipment for skiing (snowboarding, biathlon).

Poivre Blanc is a French manufacturer of men's, women's and children's ski equipment. Products with water-repellent and breathable properties.

Eider is a French manufacturer of equipment for skiers and mountain hikers (technical and comfortable equipment). Membrane heating (formation of heat balance).

Mountain forse - membrane impregnation, lining, sintepon insulation. The equipment has many pockets, a protective skirt, a fastened hood, adjustable cuffs, ventilation on the armpits.

Fusalp - French-made uniforms. Exclusive equipment for extreme skiers. The list of equipment is regularly updated with new developments.

Halti is high-tech equipment for climbers, snowboarders, cyclists and other athletes. The equipment withstands any bad weather without loss of functionality.

iguana- youth brand premium class, made in Germany.

Karbon is a high-quality equipment for extreme athletes.

Killi is a German quality that meets the requirements of athletes.

Kjus is a Norwegian brand of sports equipment.

Nevica is a British company. Nevik manufactures high quality ski equipment, shoes, and sportswear.

Noname - clothes for cross-country skiing, sports equipment, sleeveless jackets, overalls and more. Products meet the requirements of professional athletes.

Guicsilver - Vietnamese quality.

SHELL Soft - tactical equipment.

SUN Vally is an Austrian company.

Vist - Romanian equipment.

Vitzhen - equipment for cross-country skiing.

Vuarnet is French equipment.

Zeiner is an Italian company.

Zerorh is a highly functional apparel with thermal insulation.

Schoffel is an Austrian ski clothing brand.

Skiing enthusiasts and professionals also like Kraft and Solomon clothing.

What to buy on a ski trip besides a jacket?

For skiing, you should wear not only special jacket, but also trousers (better set). On sale there are narrowed, high, straight equipment. Professional athletes recommend that beginners wear trousers with high waist on the straps.

It is right to choose products with a membrane and leggings that protect against snow. Pants should have suspenders with hooks for attaching to boots. It is necessary to start the selection of trousers with a fitting. The product must correspond to growth, not hamper movement.

For winter holidays you need special shoes. Boots are bought by size with fitting in relation to the ski stand (bent at the knees). Quality shoes sits tightly, without binding the fingers. Beginners also need to buy a helmet, hat, gloves, ski goggles, sports equipment case.

Popular ski suits (men's, women's)

Since the market for sportswear is large, it is difficult to choose. You just need to try on the model you like that meets the style criteria and the requirements of the skier.

Equipment for men Chambers (jacket + trousers), Spyder brand. Waterproof with a vapor permeability of 20,000 mm (water column). Price from 18500 rubles.

Jacket for women Schoeffel, water resistance 10,000, price from 16,000 rubles.

Tips for avoiding mistakes when buying sports equipment for mountain walks

Ski equipment is an important attribute for amateurs and professionals of active winter recreation. The selection of clothes is carried out taking into account important criteria and individual features anatomical structure. For example, if a skier sweats profusely during exercise, then there should be no lining on the clothes.

If the pants are high-waisted with straps, then the length of the jacket does not matter, otherwise the jacket should be on the coccyx (not lower). Ski jackets have a special pattern of sleeves (bent). This is due to the fact that when descending and skiing, the arms are bent to hold the poles. If the sleeves are straight, then the process becomes more complicated.

Protective clothing should not have thick, uncomfortable folds - this interferes with maneuverability. The convenience of equipment is checked by fitting in the store. To do this, the jacket is put on fleece clothing, the consumer must wave his hands, twist, squat. It happens that tailoring of uniforms is cool, but not according to complexion. If the fitting showed that there are no interference and constraint during movements, then this is what you need. The effectiveness of rest in such equipment will be high.

Winter - beautiful time year… Especially when you are in a ski resort enjoying the snow, the sun and the 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 will talk about what you should pay attention to when choosing clothes.

Ski jacket

Let's start with the selection of a ski jacket. There are a lot of manufacturers of clothing for skiing on the modern market, but there are several main criteria, focusing on which, you can choose a ski jacket of good quality and at an affordable price for you. Of course, these are not Mex quilted 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 heavy snow in a couple of hours. It is better to choose a ski jacket with a water resistance of 10,000 mm or more.

Vapor permeability. This indicator characterizes how effectively the membrane of a ski jacket will remove moisture from the body, the dimensional unit is "g / m2 / 24h". The minimum indicator should be at least 5000, but it is better to choose a model that has a vapor permeability 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 the ski jacket will be with synthetic insulation (they usually have higher water resistance / vapor permeability than downy counterparts, thanks to high manufacturability 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 glued, ventilation in the armpits (with a zipper) will be a plus. It is better to choose a jacket with a full hood.

Size. The size can be easily selected according to the size grid provided by the manufacturer (if you order through an online store), although it is better, of course, to measure. Please remember that skiing is HAZARDOUS, 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 clothes, unlike snowboard clothes, are quite fitted).

Price. The price range is quite wide, but don'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. Should be quite high, especially if you are a beginner athlete. So it is better to stop at an indicator not lower than 10,000 mm.

Vapor permeability from 5000 g/m2/24h.

Insulation is usually 40 g / m2, no longer required, because you will be wearing thermal underwear. - Of the additional options, it is good to have ventilation on the outer or inner side 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 (on an elastic band made of non-weeping fabric). Contour knees are now available in almost all models of ski pants.