How to Select Ski and Snowboard Clothing

Outerwear – Finding the right jacket and pants

There are a few things everyone needs to consider when picking out the right ski or snowboard jacket. Think about where and how you ride. Is it cold and dry like many resorts on the East Coast or is it warmer and often damp like the Pacific Northwest? Do you do lots of hiking or stick to the groomed runs?

Shell Jackets and Pants

Shell include an outer shell to protect you from the elements and do not include any insulation. These jackets and pants are great for people who ride in traditionally wetter climates like the West Coast, do a lot of hiking or just tend to be warm while they ski.


Advantages:
  • More layering options
  • Can adjust layering for that day
  • Increased breathability

Insulated

For colder dry climates, or people who just tend to be cold when they ski an insulated jacket is a great option.

Advantages:
  • Warmer
  • Less layers required

Waterproofing and Materials

Waterproof ratings measured in mm/24hrs can help you decide on which materials are waterproof enough for where you play. While this rating system appears to be a great way pick out a jacket, the subjective nature of the testing has caused many companies like Gore-Tex and The North Face to stop using it. So be sure to include those brands in your search even if they do not use that system.


With so many companies are now producing their own proprietary fabrics this can become a bit tricky. While we all know Gore-Tex and its “Guaranteed to keep you dry” abilities many companies are making great competitive fabrics which Sturtevant’s and its employees trust and uses in our own gear. Along with Gore-Tex some of these fabrics include; The North Face HyVent, Mammut’s DryTech, Defender, Pertex, Dermizax, Spyders XT.L and 360 Stretch, Marmot MemBrain, and many more. If you are curious about a certain brands fabric give us a call 425-454-6465 or email us at customerservice@sturtevants.com

Layering Techniques

Fabric technology and design has made playing in the mountains more comfortable than ever before. Here are a few basic laying tips to help you make the most of your time in the snow.

  • First Layer / Base Layer – (Upper and lower body) As with all performance fabrics, always avoid cotton. First/Base layers are usually thin, form fitting, wick away moisture and allow for maximum comfort. Some of our favorites here at Sturtevant’s are the Spyder Compression Series and Hot Chillys.
  • Second Layer – (Upper body only) Your second layer is there to keep you warm. This layer may consist of a fleece or wool sweater. Thickness may be dictated by whether you are using it in conjunction with an insulated shell.
  • 3rd Insulator – (Upper body only) A third layer is often added in extreme cold and is often a lite down jacket or vest.
  • Outer Layer – Your final layer is your protection from the elements. There to keep wind and moisture out this can be a Shell or Insulated jacket or pants.
 
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