EXPLANATIONS - WHAT
TO WEAR
Generally, the Ideal Way of Clothing for any Winter Activity
is to dress in layers. This is because dressing in layers allows
you to adapt to sudden changes in temperature by shedding a layer,
and prepares you for the times you will find yourself overheating
from pushing your endurance to limits. The keys to a successful
layering system, in order of importance, are warmth, weight,
moisture management and packing the right number of layers. For
most winter sports, the three-layer system is applicable: the
base or inner layer, the middle or second layer, and the outer
layer.
The first layer is the base layer which consists of underwear
and socks. Also known as inner layer, these Snowboard Gears traps
warmth against your body while 'wicking' moisture away from your
skin. The middle layer consists of general clothing or a fleece
jacket. This layer provides extra insulation and transfers moisture
towards the outer layer. On the other hand, the outer layer protects
your body against wind and rain and expels excess moisture.
What follows are Basic Guidelines on What Snowboard Gear to
Wear and Why You Should Wear It.
Snowboarding Gear - First Layer
This is the first layer of clothing that comes
next to the skin. The Snowboard Gears for the base layer are
designed to conserve body heat and keep you warm and dry. The
best materials for the base layer are space age wicking materials
that draw moisture away from the body as well as keep you warm.
Synthetic materials like polypropylene are the most suitable
for this purpose.
Although wool combinations also work well, they
aren't comfortable unless you have a high itch tolerance. Keep
in mind that the base layer should cover you from head to toe
(i.e. comprising of a long-sleeved top, socks and full-length
leggings or long johns). Also, stay away from cotton. Once cotton
gets wet, its insulation capacities are lost, and thus it stays
wet.
Thermal Body Shirt
Depending on the temperature (be sure to check this) you will
want to use thermal or polypropylene underwear as a first level
of clothing. This Snowboarding Apparel will keep you warm and
dry by wicking moisture away from the skin and transferring
it to the next layer. When buying a thermal body shirt, be
sure that it has long sleeves.
Thermal Underwear
Thermal underwear is the best apparel to use as a first level
of clothing. Polypropylene thermal underwear is readily available
and does not scratch. Find
in our Store.
Snowboarding Socks
The most important inner layer and the key to a good boot
fit are socks. This Snowboard Gear is essential to keep your
feet warm, dry, comfortable, and padded against hard impacts.
Choose thinner snowboard socks over thicker ones. Thin, synthetic
socks are a good choice since soft boots already incorporate
some insulation, and very thick socks encourage feet to sweat
and lose warmth more quickly. Preferably, buy special snowboarding
socks that will give you more specialized features. Keep in
mind that socks need to come at least halfway up the calf.
Find in our Store.
Second Layer
Also known as the second layer, the middle layer serves as
the insulation layer. Snowboard Gears for this layer are made
of materials designed to trap warm air next to your body as
you ride, and transfer moisture towards the outer layer. Wool
and fleece are the best materials to use here. Fleece is a
great choice since it is lightweight and is able to 'breathe'.
Consequently, it acts as an effective channel for drawing moisture
towards the outer layer of clothing.
You can put the middle layer
on or off depending on the temperature and the amount of activity
you perform. On warmer days the Snowboard Gears for this layer
can serve as your outer layer of protection as well.
Fleece Lined Hoodies
As a second layer you will want a
Hoodie lined with fleece. The fleece is the key component to
remaining warm since it is lightweight and is able to 'breathe'.
Generally though, it does not offer protection from the wind
or rain. However, this Snowboard Gear has thermal properties
that enable the body to breathe by allowing perspiration to evaporate
through. Find
one in our Shop.
Thermal Pants
On top of your base layer put on your Snowboarding Pants.
Snowboard pants are usually roomy. Still, make sure you don't
feel any pinching in the crotch area. Otherwise, look for another
pair. Moreover, a good pair of Snowboard Pants should keep you
warm and dry and should have basic padding on the knees and the
rear that will prevent melting snow from seeping through. Find
some in our Shop.
Snowboard Boots
These are special boots that will Work Together with your Snowboard
Bindings to keep your body connected to your board. Snowboard
Boots come in all regular shoe sizes. However, different boots
of the same size usually vary in the way they hold your feet
and ankle. Quality snowboard boots can last for a long time so
take time to consider this when buying one. Find a pair in our
Shop.
Finishing the Basics
The outer layer serves as the barrier between you and the
winter mountain environment. With all of your heat inside the
inner two layers, the Snowboard Gears for the outer layer should
allow moisture vapor out, and still maintain an effective barrier
in keeping snow and water out. It is also important that this
layer has the ability to 'breathe' as it should allow heat
from perspiration to escape from the inner layers of clothing.
Thus, for your outer layer, wear windproof and waterproof apparel
that is also breathable.
Beanie, Hat or Helmet
Do not expose your head and ears to extremely low temperatures,
protect them with a comfortable hat or beanie. If you prefer
to wear a hat, choose one with the little earflaps. Remember,
you can lose up to 90% of your body's total heat through the
top of your head. For head protection put on a Snowboard Helmet.
Goggles
Protect your eyes from UV rays, snow, wind, ice, and tree
branches with snowsport goggles. This Snowboard Gear is designed
for functionality (i.e. UV and full eye wind protection) and
won't fly off when you fall. Also, goggles can be placed over
you hat and fastened onto your head. Find
one in our Shop.
Snowboarding Jacket
Finish off your upper body layering with a water repellant
and windproof jacket or top shell. Make sure that the fabric
for this Snowboard Gear is also breathable. Its ability to 'breathe'
would allow heat from perspiration to escape from the inner layers
of clothing. Find one
in our Shop.
Gloves
Protect your hands from snow, ice and impacts with padded gloves
- preferably those that are designed for snowboarding. Choose
gloves that are durable, waterproof, and have fleece or other
synthetic-based insulated glove liners. Also, make sure this
Snowboard Gear have built-in reinforcements for the palm and
the undersides of the fingers as they keep these areas from wearing
through. Find a pair in our Shop. |