clothing poll

[brooklyn1]

Yes, I know it's a bland question, but someone (with circulation-challenged limbs) has to poll skiers on tried and true method of dress that totally defies even the worst Québec, iceface, etc., arctic blasts. I have a dream that someone's suggestion will prevent
me from having to end my ski days early again this year.

Do you use: silks, old-fashioned duofolds, polartec, capilene, LL Bean, or some
secret and magical combination that you SWEAR BY? Or do you down an espresso and
put two sweaters under a down coat? & Is there really any advantage to the $350 marmot/patagonia et al "systems"?

 

[dmc]

Breathable underlayers... The better you move sweat away from your skin the warmer you'll stay..

Sometime it's about less not more..

 

[millerm277]

For me its:

Some cheap Duofold thermals both top and bottom.
Then usually a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt and an old pair of sweatpants.
Followed by a pair of the type of ski-pants that come half-way up your chest and have the straps over your shoulder, one of those two-piece columbia jackets. (You can take the fleece liner out). I got it for $99 at Modells last year.

In summary: decent thermals, another basic layer (shirt and sweatpants for me), ski pants, decent jacket.

So far, that's kept my body very warm (and dry), even on some very cold and windy days.

For hands, I haven't had much luck in the past with keeping them warm, but I got a new pair of gloves with liners this year, that seem to be working well. For feet, good boots, and pull the ski pants over the outside of the boot.

 

[prisnah]

Moisture wicking baselayer.

Cotton kills.

Less is more.

 

[OppositeGeorge]

The following has worked out okay for me in NE conditions from spring skiing down to -25F with blowing wind @ Jay Peak. If you're going to be in really, really cold stuff all the time or don't exert yourself too hard when you ski you may want to think heavier:

I'm a warm guy (with lots of natural padding, IYKWIM) so I usually don't wear too much up top -- technical fabric (EMS Tech-Wick) long-sleeved tee under a breathable (Columbia Titanium) nylon twill ski shell will do me just fine down to 20 degrees F, with pit zips open most of the time. Below that, I judiciously add layers (usu. fleece shell -> turtleneck -> thin wool sweater) because it's easier to warm up when you're too cold than deal with getting too warm too fast and then getting soaked with sweat and then really, REALLY cold.

I stay away from cotton and down for skiing because they're useless, even dangerous, if they get wet (and I fall down a lot and sweat a lot.) Synthetic fill has gotten pretty sophisticated and will do 80% or better as well as down, without losing all its insulation ability if it gets wet. Wool is the king of warm-when-wet fibers, but some people find it uncomfortable.

Even though I have huge legs (thanks to cycling and hiking) I have tricky knees and I find keeping my legs warm helps that. Try bicycle tights (the unpadded type) under your ski pants. It's lightly-insulated nylon ski pants (mine are from Wal-Mart) over tights most of the time for me. If it's warm, lose the tights or go to nylon shell pants (I use my backpacking rain pants.) Colder? Add Long Johns under the tights (remember, cotton bad, synthetic good,) or go to heavier insulated pants (also from Wal-Mart for me.) If you are going to be skiing difficult conditions you might want to consider more-expensive ski-specific pants of a heavier nylon twill as my Wally-World cheapies like to slide on ice (not good if you fall on a slick steep.)

Some people like masks for wind and cold, but the first thing I go to for keeping my face and neck covered in bitter blows is my Turtle Fur Neck Gaiter -- it's warm and will cover your neck and everything up to your goggles but easy to push out of the way when you don't need it. When it really gets bad I put a combination balaclava/neoprene face mask (Seirus) on underneath it.

Keeping your head warm is a huge help. The easiest, no-brainer windproof hat is a helmet (get one with vents.) It never gets wet and makes it easy to keep your noggin warm. When it's warm, ski with vents open. Next step -- close the vents. When it's really, really cold you can put a winter bicycling beanie on underneath but under those conditions I'd usually have my balaclava/mask on anyway and that adds quite a bit of warmth.

Keep extra gloves and socks in your bag so you can swap 'em if they get wet. Gore-Tex or similar breathable gloves are a huge help. Try mittens if your hands get really cold. Also consider a glove system with removable liners so you can fine-tune the warmth (I just have lots of different gloves with varying insulation -- same idea.) Smartwool and Fox River make great ski socks -- don't wear cotton or gym socks unless they're synthetic (remember -- cotton, well, you know...)

Really, I'm at my most comfortable when I'm feeling the chill just the tiniest, tiniest bit. Any warmer and I start to sweat and it all goes bad really fast. My general rule is to go out wearing less than I think I'm going to need (but with plenty of extra layers back in the bag at the lodge) and try to get through two runs before I decide whether I'm really too cold. If you're too warm, deal with it right away.

 

[darent]

moisture wicking baselayer with a fleece over that, any wind and waterproof parka or jacket with pit zips. I find that when i'm riding the lift and i'm a bit chilly I have dressed just fine, on really cold days I might add a fleece vest and wear my bib ski pants, no cotton and don,t overdress or you will sweat and freeze

 

[Greg]

Spend the money on your outerwear. Gore-tex or other membranes do work and are worth the money. Base and mid-layers are not as critical as long as they are made of synthetic fabrics. I've found a lot of cheap base and mid-layers at places like Old Navy and more recently Target. Target has been carrying Champion brand clothing that is great as outdoor wear. Just looks for anything synthetic and you're fine. Also, invest in quality gloves. I swear by Marmot.

 

[o3jeff]

For the bottoms I wear a pair of Hot Chillys, a pair of sweat pants and a pair of insulated ski pants. I am looking to replace the ski pants but haven't decided if I should get another pair of insulated ones or just get a pair of shells.

For the top I wear one of those polyester sports tops, Hot Chilly thermals, sweatshirt and then a Marker Gore Tex jacket. The coat isn't doesn't have the most insulation so if it is really cold(below 10-15) I will also wear a fleece under the coat.

On my feet I wear Smartwool ski socks. On my hands I find that mittens keep my hands warmer and on my head I wear a Giro G10 helmet.

 

[riverc0il]

Base layer investment is a good idea. There is a difference between entry level synthetics and top of the line stuff like Capilene. I never would have believed that until I found some on a discount and made a purchase. Is the difference worth top dollar? Probably not. But I find myself both warmer and dryer with upper end base layers. The fanciest and most expensive outwear in the world won't keep you warm if you are damp because your under layers are not performing well enough.

 

[billski]

I will most certainly agree with what everyone says about wicking away moisture, but I will add another couple of perspectives, based on three decades of struggling with this.

I used to have a lot of problems with being cold and going in a lot, but conquered it after about 5 years of skiing. Yes, I'm slow Here are my tips.

First, never, never, ever, ever, get into wet gear. That includes gloves that got soaked from brushing the car or shoveling. It includes socks that touched the lodge floor and stepped in the smallest puddle of water. It includes a wet helmet, wet boots. I absolutely ensure that all my gear is completely dried out when I get home, before I re-pack it. That includes airing out the boot linings.

Second. Do you perspire a lot, a little or not at all? Why do I ask? 1) because all the wicking in the world doesn't help if you don't perspire (or ski hard enough to break a sweat.). My littlest one is so thin that we have to use every trick imaginable.

Me? I perspire like a sauna. partly because I ski quite hard and partly because I simply sweat more than most. I have learned to: 1) use thin, wicking layers. 2) Use vents appropriately - vents on your helmet and on your jacket, to keep perspiration down to a minimum, 3) check my gear, especially my socks and my gloves for moisture. I used to even routinely change my socks midday. Change other clothes if necessary. 4) Open up on the lift if you're getting hot. All of these things helped me.

Another trick, it might just be me, I've found that I am substantially chilled when I go outside after having lunch. One trick, if it's possible is to eat lunch on top. After lunch, click in and down we go. No sitting on the lift shaking.

Gloves - I just bought a new pair of gloves, replacing a 20-year old set of leather gloves. I used to go with Mitts, but I can do well with fingered gloves. My new gloves are polartec, they've been fine, but I haven't had below zero temps to really test them out.

Pre-heat - I always put my clothes and boots in the heated cabin of my car.

Never over-dress in the car - you don't want to be sweating before you get there. I drive without my coat on, I try to wear lightweight, breathable sneakers for driving. I NEVER use the same socks for driving that I do for skiing.

Me? I have an $80 Columbia jacket and an overalls-style pant.

Base layer pant thermal - never goes inside the boot -only my socks go inside the boot. I stopped scrunching up the base layer pants at my knees. I cut the base layer even with the top of my boots. Works great. Why did it take me 30 year to figure that out? Cause I'm too afraid to cut up something brand new.

 

[riverc0il]

Wow, great remarks from billski!! I will echo never get into wet gear. I forgot to take my boot liner out last night to try. Sure enough, first run my feet are absolutely freezing. After the second run I go back into the lodge and pull a wet foot out of my boot due to the liner still being damp from the day before. That makes for an uncomfortable day of skiing, so be sure to pull boot liners out to dry.

Regarding excessive perspiration, don't be afraid to go with a light weight layer or sock if you perspire a lot. It seems counter intuitive. Most people think they are cold so they need to get thicker clothes and thicker socks. Often times, they are perspiring due to being too hot or cutting off circulation in the feet because of wearing a heavier than needed sock. My socks and shirts are the thinnest available. And I always put on my ski socks in the lodge, not at home. I have been bringing a second pair of ski socks lately and find an afternoon change sometimes helps. Alway strip down in the car en route.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

If it's really cold, I'm a four layer player on top...Underarmour..a turtleneck..fleece..and a non-insulated shell..on the bottom it's underarmous and insulated ski-pants...my hands stay warm in my Swany gloves. My head is usually plenty warm in my Giro Fuse with the ear flaps but if it's like 10 below or colder..I sometimes wear a little thin beanie underneath..for socks..just thin EMS ski socks. I'm more likely to be a sweaty mess than too cold..

Oh yeah..I never go in the lodge to start my dad..I always boot up by the car..so I'm acclimated..I'm the coldest after I eat a meal in the lodge..I also never drive with my jacket or fleece on..I sometimes fully boot up before putting them on and even drive the last few miles with the windows down to acclimate..

I'm also 20 pounds overweight which helps..

 

[njskier]

Moisture wicking base layer, poly pro long underwear, a good fleece top and bottom and a water proof jacket and ski pants and you should be good to go. Keeps me warm even on the coldest of days. Check out http://sierratradingpost.com for some good deals.

 

[thinnmann]

Wicking base layer is a constant in all these posts and on my body.

On long drive up mornings, I drive barefoot. Changing socks at mountain after putting boots on is important, as is proper boot fit so circulation is maintained. (For the drive home, wear flip flops for the stops on the road - they feel great and you get funny looks from people because of the contrast with your ski clothes!)

Fleece layers has been repeated and always worn by me on days under 25 or so. I can't remember the last time I wore a bulky sweater.

Ski pants with insulation for the under 25 days too. If I am doing a long drive up in ski pants, I wear the thinner ones without insulation that have vents, though.

Head stuff: Turtle Fur Neck warmer has been mentioned and is always in my bag or in my pocket for the colder, windier, or snowier days. Goggles keep me warmer than sun glasses, but I like full peripheral vision, so I only use them if it is snowing hard or if the temps go below 20 or so.

Here is something that may not have been mentioned - Helmets are much warmer than hats (or less - goggle straps, you hatless wonders with great hair out there?). I have two helmets. One is a first generation Boeri, with no vents and hard ear covers. It is very warm and I usually use it late December - early March, especially east. I have a vented Giro with soft ear covers that I use west and for spring skiing.

Hand stuff: Gloves are an imperfect science. Gotta find something that works and gotta work with them on coldest days. My favorite have duct tape on six of the fingers, and the duct tape may be keeping my fingers warmer than when the gloves were new! Too tight cuts circulation. Looser gloves allow for a heat pack (use one and swap it around). Pull fingers out of the glove fingers and into your palm on lifts. On straight-line shots to the lifts, tuck with your hands behind your back.

 

[severine]

Spend the money on your outerwear. Gore-tex or other membranes do work and are worth the money. Base and mid-layers are not as critical as long as they are made of synthetic fabrics. I've found a lot of cheap base and mid-layers at places like Old Navy and more recently Target. Target has been carrying Champion brand clothing that is great as outdoor wear. Just looks for anything synthetic and you're fine. Also, invest in quality gloves. I swear by Marmot.

Agreed. And you don't have to pay top dollar for outer layers if you buy last season's leftovers. I've never paid more than $100 for any outerwear, including my 3-in-1 North Face jacket that is my primary ski jacket (though I usually use just the outer shell over a midweight base layer - I don't think I've ever skied it with the insulation layer that it came with).

Never over-dress in the car - you don't want to be sweating before you get there. I drive without my coat on, I try to wear lightweight, breathable sneakers for driving. I NEVER use the same socks for driving that I do for skiing.

This is a biggie. I drive in as little as possible so as not to overheat, perspire, and end up cold later.

Here is something that may not have been mentioned - Helmets are much warmer than hats

Helmets make a huge difference. And they are very useful in falls anyway. I haven't skied without a helmet since maybe my first couple of days on the slopes.

I always wear mittens over glove liners. I just don't feel as warm in gloves, even with liners.

 

[crank]

I have a pair of thick fleece pants that I only wear in single digits or below. Otherwise it's just a pair of Pearl Isumi tights or sweatt pants under my ski pants. On top I have a wicking short sleve, then a wicking long sleeve, then a fleece jacket, or vest, or both depending on how cold it is. Finally I have an 11-year old North Face Shell as my outer layer.

Helmet, gator, and a balaclava for really cold rides on the Freezer. The only problem with my old shell is that the hood is too small to fit over my helmet.

On my hands, I have some spyder, gore-tex gloves. If it's under 25 or so I wear liners. If it's single digits or below I use hand warmers. I also use toe warmers in anything under 20.

 

[Mildcat]

If it's a circulation problem is it safe to assume it's your extremities that are getting too cold? I had a problem with cold feet with my old boots. I fixed that by buying Hotronix boot heaters. Those worked very well. When I bought my new boots I put the heaters in but I only need them on really cold days because the new boots are so much warmer than the old ones.

For my hands I use gloves with Goretex and on really cold days I use liners with pockets for hand warmer packs.

If sweat is a problem there is a really good prescription strength antiperspirant called Drysol. It keeps my pits and feet bone dry.

 

[ctenidae]

Under Armor works great as a base layer, fabric-wise, but I find that they don't fit me all that well. I guess I'm not built like a pro footballer, so I'm not the right shape. They bind in the shoulders and ride up my 6-pack (okay, maybe a 12-pack).

I'll concur with the less-is-more ethos. If only I could convince my wife of this, it'd probably double our free closet space.

 

[catskills]

I use Patagonia Capilene Base layers . Using both a lightweight and expedition weight Capilene base layers will keep you warm when getting off western TRAMs at zero degrees and 30+ MPH winds. I also use a thin (not insulated) outer shell pants and jacket that are breathable and water resistant. Depending on the weather I can adjust the number base layers and thickness of the base layers under the outer shell. Head warm (helmet) and no air gaps in the back above near the waist is very important.

Helmets are great for keeping your feet and hands warm.

You may want to think about spending more on your base layers than you do on your outer shells.

 

[drjeff]

Under Armor works great as a base layer, fabric-wise, but I find that they don't fit me all that well. I guess I'm not built like a pro footballer, so I'm not the right shape. They bind in the shoulders and ride up my 6-pack (okay, maybe a 12-pack).

I'll concur with the less-is-more ethos. If only I could convince my wife of this, it'd probably double our free closet space.

I LOVE the underarmour as a base layer. The tights, the mock t-necks, and even a 1/4 zip-neck(I just try and not look in the mirror before I put the next loose fitting insulating layer on )

Mid layer(if needed, and I generally unless its REALLY cold and windy omit the mid layer on my legs) of a polartec type loose fitting fleece(I have a fleece jacket that I use over my upper body). Outer layer depending on the temp/weather will definately be Gore-tex based. Somedays it's just a shell(hard or soft), other, colder days it's an insulated gore-tex jacket.

Hands: Just about always start with a polartec type liner, then once again the outer layer is a gore-tex shell with depending on the temps varying amounts of insulation. I too often, even when I keep my hands/gloves totally dry experience the "cold hand syndrome" post coffee/lunch breaks and will often slip one of the air activated hand warmers into my gloves when I head back out. Also, after skiing now for almost 30 years, and having relatives that out of desperation often give me ski accessories for gifts, I've accumulated a few pairs of gloves. So if a pair get wet, either liners or outer glove, I always keep a spare set in my pack that is in the lodge so I can switch to a dry pair if need be.

Head: Unless it's a warm day I'll always wear a thin polartec "hoody" under my helmet. If it's REALLY cold and windy I put one of the neoprene masks under my hoody, and in situations like this, I now will have every last millimeter of exposed skin covered Once again, I have multiple pairs of "head insulation gear" so if something gets wet, it's into the pack and fresh, dry ones come out.

Feet: I'm lucky that between my circulation and the fit of my boots, that 98% of the time I have warm feet from booting up to debooting. I just make sure that my feet/ski socks(smartwool racer thin socks) are warm and DRY when they go in my warm and DRY boots. I tend to think of the my feet/boots like a thermos, where if they go in warm they'll stay warm and vise versa.