Ski/Snowboard Jackets and Pants (Notes)
When it comes to ski/snowboard jackets, the only difference between them is how they wear. Ski jackets tend to be a bit shorter and tighter around the torso whereas snowboard jackets tend to be looser fitting, baggier, and longer. That being said, the two most important factors of ski/snowboard outerwear are the breathability of the fabric and the waterproofing. In addition to these factors, you should always research a product before you buy it by looking up user, product reviews on retail web sites. If you buy in-store at Troy's, be sure to talk to an floor salesperson about what conditions you'll be using the equipment in so they can help you make the best decision.
Waterproofing is rated on a scale between 2,000 mm - 20,0000+ mm. What does this rating mean? "In the case of a 10k or 10,000 mm fabric, if you put a square tube with inner dimensions of 1" x 1" over a piece of said fabric, you could fill it with water to a height of 10,000 mm (32.8 ft) before water would begin to leak through. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric." (evo) In addition, the higher the waterproof rating, the more wash cycles the jacket will be able to go through while retaining its waterproofing ability. Below is a chart from evo.com that gives recommendations for waterproofing in different weather conditions and applications. In general we don't need to look for ratings higher than the 6,000 - 10,000 mm range. In addition, make sure your pants/jacket have taped seams. Most outerwear includes a heat-sealed piece of tape on the underside of jacket/pant seams. This tape keeps moisture from entering the the outerwear at its most vulnerable place; the sewing holes along the seam. You can tell if a jacket/pant has taped seams by lightly pinching the seam and looking for rounded bulges on either side of the seam that are the approximate width of a piece of electrical tape.
When it comes to ski/snowboard jackets, the only difference between them is how they wear. Ski jackets tend to be a bit shorter and tighter around the torso whereas snowboard jackets tend to be looser fitting, baggier, and longer. That being said, the two most important factors of ski/snowboard outerwear are the breathability of the fabric and the waterproofing. In addition to these factors, you should always research a product before you buy it by looking up user, product reviews on retail web sites. If you buy in-store at Troy's, be sure to talk to an floor salesperson about what conditions you'll be using the equipment in so they can help you make the best decision.
Waterproofing is rated on a scale between 2,000 mm - 20,0000+ mm. What does this rating mean? "In the case of a 10k or 10,000 mm fabric, if you put a square tube with inner dimensions of 1" x 1" over a piece of said fabric, you could fill it with water to a height of 10,000 mm (32.8 ft) before water would begin to leak through. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric." (evo) In addition, the higher the waterproof rating, the more wash cycles the jacket will be able to go through while retaining its waterproofing ability. Below is a chart from evo.com that gives recommendations for waterproofing in different weather conditions and applications. In general we don't need to look for ratings higher than the 6,000 - 10,000 mm range. In addition, make sure your pants/jacket have taped seams. Most outerwear includes a heat-sealed piece of tape on the underside of jacket/pant seams. This tape keeps moisture from entering the the outerwear at its most vulnerable place; the sewing holes along the seam. You can tell if a jacket/pant has taped seams by lightly pinching the seam and looking for rounded bulges on either side of the seam that are the approximate width of a piece of electrical tape.
Breathability is rated in terms of how many grams of water vapor can pass through a square meter of the fabric from the inside to the outside in a 24 hour period. Essentially, this feature is similar to moisture wicking material and lets water vapor from inside the jacket produced by sweat to diffuse out into the air. In the case of a 20k (20,000 g) fabric, this would be 20,000 grams. The larger the number the more breathable the fabric is. "If all of your riding is left-served, you don't hike to out-of-the-way lines, and you take regular breaks in the lodge where you remove your coast, a breathability rating of 5,000 to 8,000 grams will probably be fine. If you do a lot of "high energy" riding or active sidecountry where you often break a sweat getting to your destination or returning to the ski area, look for breathability in the 10,000 to 15,000 gram range."
Other important features to look for on jackets are:
Additional information not included in this article can be found in some of evo's buying guides. In addition, anything quoted in the above articles and the waterproofing chart were found in evo buying guides.
Waterproofing and Breathability Guide
Fit Guide and Jacket Length
Suggested Clothing by Region - for conditions similar to New Mexico, see 'Sierras' section
Types of Jacket Insulation
Other important features to look for on jackets are:
- Detachable Linings: Detachable linings are separate from the outside, waterproof shell of the jacket. Most higher-priced Columbia jackets tend to have this feature. This is great if the day gets too warm for wearing a full jacket, but you still need to have the waterproofing effect of the jacket's outer shell.
- Armpit Vents: Armpit vents are great for days that are to warm for a full jacket, but are still too cool for just the shell. In addition, this is an excellent feature for keeping you cool on the trek up to hike-to terrain.
- Pockets: Pockets are more of a personal preference. Look for pants/jackets that have zipper pockets; these are the most reliable when it comes to keeping your belongs on your person and dry in the event of a crash. Other than that, pocket layouts, sizes, and number are personal decisions of the wearer.
- Adjustable Cuffs: Adjustable cuffs are where the end of the jacket sleeve can be tightened around your glove or wrist to make a more water-tight fit and keep snow from going inside of the jacket.
- Powder Skirts: Powder Skirts are a separate, elastic piece of material that are attached inside of the jacket that button in the front. The skirt creates a tight fit around the wearer's body to make up for the loose, bottom opening of ski/snowboarding jackets to keep snow out of your jacket/pants in the event of deep-powder skiing or falls.
Additional information not included in this article can be found in some of evo's buying guides. In addition, anything quoted in the above articles and the waterproofing chart were found in evo buying guides.
Waterproofing and Breathability Guide
Fit Guide and Jacket Length
Suggested Clothing by Region - for conditions similar to New Mexico, see 'Sierras' section
Types of Jacket Insulation