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When it comes to snowboarding, having the right gear can make or break your experience. One of the most crucial parts of your gear is your outerwear. Your jacket and pants protect you from the cold and keep you dry in the snow. However, not all outerwear is created equal, and you need to know what to look for to ensure that you can survive a blizzard.
What to Look For in Snowboard Outerwear
When shopping for snowboard outerwear, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- Waterproofness
- Breathability
- Insulation
- Style
While style is a personal preference, the other three factors are vital for your comfort and safety on the mountain. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Waterproofness
One of the most important factors in snowboard outerwear is waterproofness. Your jacket and pants need to keep you dry in the snow and sleet. However, not all outerwear is waterproof, and some may only be water-resistant.
When shopping for snowboard outerwear, look for the waterproof rating. This rating measures how well the fabric can resist water. The rating is usually in millimeters (mm) and indicates how much water pressure the fabric can withstand before it starts to leak. The higher the rating, the more waterproof the outerwear is.
Generally, a waterproof rating of 10,000mm or higher is best for snowboarding. However, if you’re planning to ride in heavy snow or rain, you may want to consider outerwear with a higher waterproof rating, such as 20,000mm or more.
Breathability
While it’s essential to keep the snow out, you also need to let the moisture from your body escape. Sweating underneath your jacket and pants can make you feel damp and uncomfortable, and over time, it can cause your inner layers to get damp as well.
Breathability is the ability of the fabric to allow moisture to escape while still keeping you warm. Look for snowboard outerwear with a breathable rating to ensure that you stay dry and comfortable. The rating measures how well the fabric can let moisture escape. The rating is usually in grams per square meter (g/m²), and the higher the rating, the more breathable the outerwear is.
A breathable rating of 10,000g/m² or higher is generally best for snowboarding. However, if you tend to sweat a lot or are planning to engage in particularly intense activities, you may want to look for outerwear with a higher rating, such as 20,000g/m² or more.
Insulation
Your outerwear needs to keep you warm in the cold, but not too warm that you’ll sweat too much. Snowboard outerwear has different types of insulation, such as down, synthetic, and hybrid.
Down insulation is usually the warmest and most lightweight, but it’s also expensive and can lose its insulation when wet. Synthetic insulation is less expensive and holds up better when wet. Hybrid insulation combines down and synthetic for optimal warmth and long-lasting insulation.
Additionally, it’s also important to make sure that your snowboard pants’ insulation is equal for all parts. Some snow pants have more insulation in the upper part of the legs and less in the lower part, but this might not be ideal for snowboarding, which requires constant movement and various positions.
Does Your Snowboard Jacket Have Waterproof Zippers?
While waterproofness is a significant factor in your outerwear, it’s also essential to make sure that the small details, such as your jacket’s zippers, are also waterproof. Water can seep into your jacket through the zippers, and this can cause discomfort and dampness.
Look for snowboard jackets with waterproof zippers. These zippers have a rubber coating that makes them waterproof and prevents water from seeping through. Using waterproof zippers may mean a slightly higher cost, but it’s worth it for the extra protection and comfort.
The Importance of Layering
Even with the right outerwear, it’s still essential to layer up for your snowboarding excursion. Layering helps regulate your body temperature by trapping warm air close to your body.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that can keep your skin dry. You can add an insulating layer on top of the base layer to provide warmth. Fleece or down jackets are common choices for insulating layers. The final layer is your outerwear, and this protects you from the snow and wind.
Layering also enables you to adjust your clothing as needed throughout the day. You can remove a layer if you start to feel too hot or add another layer if you feel too cold.
Conclusion
Your snowboard outerwear can make all the difference in your snowboarding experience. Make sure to look for outerwear with a high waterproof rating, breathability rating, and appropriate insulation. Don’t forget the little details such as waterproof zippers. Layering can also help regulate your body temperature and make it easier to adjust throughout the day.
Remember, comfort and safety come first when snowboarding, and the appropriate gear can provide that. With the right gear, you can focus on enjoying the slopes and not worrying about staying warm and dry.
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