When you first came into contact with skiing, were you also worried about the various equipment parameters? What exactly does “20k/20k” mean? What is the difference between three-layer lamination and ordinary processes? Don’t worry, this guide will help you clearly understand the doorway of ski equipment from professional technology to scene segmentation, whether you are a novice or an advanced player, you can find a suitable option for yourself.
1. Professional ski wear: technology is hard power
The core of ski wear is “protection” and “comfort”, which are all supported by science and technology. Last year, he took novice snowman Xiao Lin to ski, he wore an ordinary outdoor jacket, and after two hours, he was not only soaked, but also filled with a lot of snow on his cuffs, and he was shivering from the cold the whole time. And the professional ski suit I wear, even if I fell in the snow several times, it was still dry inside, which is the gap in technology.
When choosing ski clothing, first look at the waterproof and breathable index (20K/20K), which is a common standard in the industry, and the higher the performance, the stronger the number. 20k/20k means that each square centimeter of fabric can block 20,000 mm of water pressure for 24 hours, while revealing 20,000 grams of moisture, which can fully cope with moderate to heavy snowfall. Looking at the process, the three-layer laminating process is more durable than the single layer, and the seamless taping zipper and YKK AquaGuard zipper at the seams can completely prevent snow and water from seeping in.
The detailed design is more powerful: the RECCO avalanche reflector is a safety standard, which can greatly improve the efficiency of search and rescue in case of danger; DWR durable water-repellent treatment allows snowflakes to slide directly on clothes without frequent cleaning; The three-dimensional cut and four-way stretch fabric ensure that you are not constrained when turning, jumping, etc., while the ventilated zippers under the arms and laser-cut ventilation holes can quickly dissipate heat when you sweat. If you often fall in the snow, the Cordura wear-resistant reinforced elbows and knees will be particularly practical.
2. Layered dressing: warmer than wearing a thick coat alone
The “sandwich dressing method” is the consensus of the ski circle, and through the combination of underwear layers, middle layers, and outer layers, the effect of “keeping warm and not sweating” is achieved. I once tried to wear only thick ski suits, but I sweated after 10 minutes of skiing, and when I stopped, I almost caught a cold when the cold wind blew, and then I used a layered system, and my body temperature was stable throughout the whole process.
The functional division of each layer is clear, and this table will help you quickly sort it out:
Levels | Core features: | Recommended materials and processes | Key points of purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
Base Layer | Quick-drying and perspiratory | Merino wool, seamless one-piece weave | Choose a close-fitting and non-tight one, and the antibacterial and anti-odor treatment is more suitable for multi-day skiing |
Mid Layer | Static warmth | Fleece and down insulation | Pay attention to static warmth and weight, fleece should be breathable, and down should be compressible |
Outer Layer | Windproof and waterproof | Soft shell outer layer: Soft Shell, hard shell | Depending on the weather, the soft shell is suitable for sunny days, and the hard shell is suitable for rainy and snowy days |
When matching, pay attention to body temperature partition management, such as using a thicker middle layer for the torso and using breathable materials for the limbs. Keep a 1-2 cm air layer between the layers, the warmth effect will be better, and pay attention to the moisture vapor conduction rate to avoid the inner layer sweating and sticking to the body.
3. Protective accessories: small objects solve big problems
Many people only care about choosing ski clothes, but ignore accessories, but they don’t know that these small items can directly affect the skiing experience and even ensure safety. My friend once skied with ordinary sunglasses, and after the sunlight reflected, he couldn’t see the slopes clearly, and almost hit the guardrail.
Core accessories are classified according to function, selected according to needs:
- Eye protection: Double-layer anti-fog ski goggles are preferred, with an anti-fog coating on the inner lens and impact resistance on the outside. Myopia parties must choose OTG myopia compatible lenses, the magnetic quick-change lens system can cope with different light, change to bright lenses on cloudy days, and change dark lenses on sunny days.
- Hands and feet: Smart heated gloves are suitable for people who are afraid of cold, the touch screen conductive fingertips can play with mobile phones without taking off the gloves, and the wrist anti-loss lanyard avoids the loss of gloves. The socks are made with three layers of thickened ski socks, and the ankles and soles of the feet have anti-slip designs to reduce foot grinding.
- Head and face: MIPS multi-impact helmets reduce rotational impact and are safer than ordinary helmets, with removable lined ear cups for easy adjustment. Face protection balaclava and snowproof scarf can block cold wind and avoid frostbite on the face.
- Safety equipment: Snowboarders must wear snowboard wrist guards, and snowboarders can have a skid strap for the skid retainers. When skiing in wild snow areas, ABS airbag backpacks and breathable back guards are life-saving equipment, and reflective warning strips can improve night skiing safety.
4. Children’s equipment: safety first, taking into account growth
When choosing ski equipment for children, you can’t just look at the appearance, safety and practicality are the key. My neighbor bought ordinary ski clothes for his 5-year-old child, but the sleeves were too short, and the snow was always poured into his clothes, and later he changed to growth equipment, and he wore it for two years without wasting it.
The core design highlights of children’s equipment: the growth adjustable sleeve length and elastic waist quick-adjustment system can adapt to the child’s growth rate, and a piece of clothing can be worn for 2-3 years; Extended hem snow lining and thickened buttock pads reduce fall injuries, while fluorescent safety color prints and high-brightness reflective strips make children more visible on the slopes.
In terms of details, the food-grade silicone zipper pull avoids accidental bites and injuries from children, the easy-to-put on and take off magic buckle is convenient for children to put on and take off by themselves, and the name label area can prevent equipment from being lost. In terms of materials, the environmentally friendly fluorine-free waterproof coating and skin-friendly boneless seam process are more suitable for children’s delicate skin, while the integrated glove anti-clip and parent traction bracelet D ring can reduce potential safety hazards.
5. Sustainable trend: Skiing can also love the earth
Nowadays, more and more brands are beginning to pay attention to environmental protection, and ski equipment is no exception. As a skier, choosing sustainable gear not only reduces the environmental burden but also performs well. The recycled polyester ski suit I bought last year has better warmth than ordinary materials.
The core highlights of sustainable equipment: In terms of fabrics, recycled polyester rPET fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, and ocean-recycled nylon is derived from marine debris, and bio-based TPU film is more degradable than traditional materials. Process-wise, waterless dyeing Dope Dye technology reduces water consumption by 90%, and plant-based DWR replaces chemical water repellents.
In terms of certification, Bluesign certification represents an environmentally friendly production process, and the GRS global recycling standard ensures that the fabric is traceable. In addition, used clothing recycling programs, rental recycling models and second-hand ski wear trading platforms can extend the life cycle of equipment, while carbon footprint labeling and carbon-neutral logistics and transportation allow environmental protection throughout the entire process.
6. Scene subdivision: different gameplay with different equipment
There are many ways to play skiing, and the equipment needs for competition, freestyle, mountaineering and skiing are very different, and only by choosing the right equipment can you play at a better level. I know a freestyle ski coach who usually wears a loose Park Look, and when he participates in competitions, he changes into a tight downhill suit, and his performance perfectly matches the scene.
Equipment selection guide for mainstream scenarios:
- Competitive competition: Choose competitive competition-level tight skiing downhill suits to reduce wind resistance, good fabric elasticity, and facilitate difficult movements.
- Freestyle Park: The freestyle loose Park Look is more suitable, the wear-resistant material can cope with frequent falls, and the multi-pocket design is convenient for snow goggles and tools.
- Mountaineering and skiing: Focus on lightweight, mountaineering and skiing Alpine Touring lightweight equipment can reduce physical exertion and have good breathability.
- Daily leisure: Ski resort casual down coats or city commuter down ski jackets are good, taking into account both warmth and fashion, suitable for ski resorts and urban wear.
- Special scenes: Night skiing should choose equipment with night skiing LED light guide fiber, polar expeditions require -40°C extreme warmth, and helicopter skiing should choose high-strength and wear-resistant hard shells.
7. Procurement perspective: Yigu’s product selection suggestions
As a senior purchasing agent, I balance performance, price and user needs when choosing ski equipment. Personally, I recommend giving priority to brands with Bluesign certification or GRS global recycling standards, which are more secure in terms of safety and environmental protection. When purchasing in bulk, children’s equipment can focus on growth design and reduce replacement costs; Adult equipment should be subdivided according to the scene, such as choosing a uniform with reflective logos for the ski resort coach. In addition, the market demand for equipment in the leasing cycle mode is growing, and you can focus on it when purchasing.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the appropriate waterproof and breathable index? A: For beginners, 10k/10k is enough to cope with ordinary snow resorts, and advanced players or go to areas with a lot of rain and snow, it is recommended to choose 20k/20k and above.
- Q: Should children’s ski clothing be one size larger or fitted? A: Choose a fitted model with a long adjustable design, clothes that are too big will fill with snow, and too small will affect the activity.
- Q: Is sustainable ski clothing much more expensive? A: It is 10%-20% more expensive than the ordinary model, but it has a longer service life, is more cost-effective in the long run, and the environmental protection attributes are in line with the future trend.
- Q: How do ski goggles avoid fogging? A: Choose double-layer anti-fog lenses, do not take them off frequently when skiing, and use the breathable function to dissipate heat in time after sweating to avoid excessive temperature difference between the inside and outside of the lenses.