Choosing a ski jacket

Modern companies offer the consumer a wide range of jackets for winter sports. Buying a ski jacket is an important process in which many parameters must be taken into account so that the purchase is not only stylish, but also comfortable for the athlete. The best models should suit all the skier's needs.

Choosing a ski jacket should be accompanied by a basic knowledge of its design and true purpose. If professional athletes, due to their experience, know which models are worth paying attention to, then beginners will hardly be able to deal with this without help. First, you need to pay attention to what the ski jacket should include for comfortable sports.

• Membrane fabric. It is she who will provide heat to its owner due to its water resistance and the ability to remove excess moisture to the outside, without violating the high-quality thermal insulation. It also has windproof properties, which is important for spending time on the slope of the mountains.

• Sealed seams. In order for the important properties of the membrane fabric to be preserved, the manufacturer must take care of high-quality sealing of the seams after sewing the product. Holes from the needle that are not glued can cause moisture to enter the product, thereby compromising the protective properties of the ski jacket.

• Snow protection skirt. The ski jacket must exclude the ingress of snow under it, therefore, it must be equipped with additional protection in the form of a special skirt, which will eliminate discomfort during falls.

• The presence of a hood... The neck and head must be protected from wind and flying snow.It is also necessary that the edges of the hood be securely adjusted using special fasteners or lacing on the skier's head. This is necessary so that the hood does not fly off during maneuvering on the track and gives the athlete the necessary view.

• Additional reinforcement... An active sports jacket should provide additional protection against falls, namely reinforcement of durable fabric in the shoulder and chest area. In a fall, the dense fabric will take up most of the pressure and reduce stress on the body, so that the skier will be able to avoid injury.

• Pockets... Free pockets with secure zippers allow you to keep essential things with you, for example, keys, and not be afraid that they will remain on the slope after skiing. The presence of internal pockets for valuable fragile things is also important.

• Axillary ventilation. The fabric in this area should be lightweight and with good moisture management for a comfortable time on the trail.

• Adjustable cuffs. To prevent snow from accidentally getting under your clothes during active sports, the jacket should have well-adjustable cuffs that will fit snugly on the arm and fit well. This is especially important for cross-country skiing.

• Light reflector. Modern models are necessarily equipped with decorative reflective stripes, which are also of practical use - they will allow rescue services in the event of an accident to quickly find the missing lover of snow slopes.

The structure of the ski jacket can be composed of up to 6 layers in order to provide maximum comfort and warmth during active winter holidays. The classic jacket includes the following layers:

• external material;
• membrane layer;
• insulated layer;
• climate control;
• antistatic agent;
• lining layer.

The outer layer, as a rule, is made of fabric, which must have such qualities as wear resistance and resistance to low temperatures. In its manufacture, nylon, lycra or polyester are often used.

The membrane layer acts as a two-sided barrier. It does not allow water to pass through, it is resistant to strong winds, but at the same time it must remove moisture released on thermal underwear. Most often, to provide such properties, fabrics with impregnations are used, which form a microporous breathable structure based on polyester or polyamide.

The following insulation materials can be used in the manufacture of winter sports jackets:

• Fluff... The classic version that creates the effect of a "heat-retaining cushion" and provides protection from the cold.
• Thinsulate. Artificial down that is durable and wet-resistant. Thin enough to be considered the most popular choice for layered sports jackets.
• Sintepon... Traditional insulation with poor breathability. It is more often used as a local additional means of insulation.
• Fleece... Able to keep warm and remove moisture well, does not hinder movement.
• Polartec... Lighter in weight analog of wool, providing additional protection from the wind.

The antiseptic layer is designed to eliminate the conditions in which bacteria develop during active physical activity. Manufacturers often combine these functions with the lining material.

Classic sport ski jackets are devoid of detail and are more focused on practicality and versatility. They are devoid of additional decorative details and are designed for long-term use. Often made in one or two colors.

Fashionable ski suits in the premium segment are distinguished by bright and interesting designs. They fit the figure as much as possible, but at the same time do not constrain movement. Fur on the hood or fur lining is often used as decorative elements. The outer layer of the canvas is decorated with a print.

The following manufacturers are the best in this segment:

• Colmar. An Italian brand focused on the versatility of its products.
• Bogner. Differs in high quality and durability.
• Salomon. Universal models for active and extreme winter sports.
• High Experience. Manufacturer of stylish women's ski jackets. Differs in lightweight material and in-house development of high-quality fiber.

Before you buy a sports jacket, you need to decide which direction of sports is most relevant for you.

• Piste skiing. A classic downhill skiing downhill requires additional protection from precipitation and a short product length.
• Recreation... For outdoor enthusiasts who are not professionals, lightweight jackets with stylish designs for skiing will do the trick.
• Freeride... For extremists, it is better to choose a jacket with additional fall protection and moisture resistance.

Children's options shouldn't be too long. The child should be comfortable, this will prevent falls. It is best to do a warm-up session before skiing to test how comfortable the young skier will be with the equipment in the new jacket.

Women's options are very diverse. Among the range, it is best to pay attention to the fitted long jackets to provide warmth and comfort on the track.