Having the right on-mountain apparel is critical to staying comfortable (and stylish) in the mountains. Manufacturers pack a ton of technology into modern ski clothing and knowing what to look for and how to layer the pieces will ensure you stay warm (but not too warm!) all day long.
The Importance of Layering
Layering your apparel means wearing multiple different pieces to achieve the ideal body temperature. At its most basic level, it would refer to wearing a thin base layer, insulating midlayer and shell jacket. This may vary, however, depending on the general climate where you’re skiing, the current weather and your personal preference. Using a layering system instead of just throwing on a thick, insulated jacket when it’s cold out, allows you to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the course of the day or the duration of the winter and will ultimately result in a higher level of comfort during your ski day.
Base Layer
A base layer sits directly next to your skin. It’s typically made of wool, bamboo or synthetic materials and helps regulate body temperature by wicking sweat away from your skin.
Mid Layer
The mid layer provides insulation between your shell and base layer and comes in a variety of styles that include pullovers, button down shirts and zippered/insulated jackets. Quality base layers are made from a variety of materials including polyester, wool, fleece, down or synthetics. You should never use cotton garments as they absorb moisture and do not insulate well.
Outer Layer
The outer layer of ski apparel, often referred to as the shell layer, serves as your primary line of defense against harsh weather elements. Its primary function is to provide waterproof protection from wind, moisture and cold temperatures, while also allowing moisture and perspiration from the body to escape. This layer typically consists of either hard or soft shell materials, with a technical membrane, and its performance is measured by factors like waterproofing, breathability, and durability.
What is a membrane?
The membrane is a thin piece of technical fabric with pores that are small enough to keep water out (waterproof) but large enough to allow vapor to escape from the inside (breathable). It’s positioned between the outer layer and inner layers of fabric on a jacket. There are several prominent brands of membranes, such as Gore-Tex, Pertex and eVent, and a lot of brands have begun producing proprietary membranes for their outerwear.
Two-layer (2L) vs. Three-layer (3L) Construction
These are the two most common types of outerwear construction and refer to the layers of fabric that protect the membrane. A 2L jacket has an outer face fabric which is laminated to the membrane, along with a liner that’s sewn to protect the inside. A 3L jacket has an outer face fabric which is laminated to the membrane, as well as an inner layer that’s laminated to the membrane, making it more durable, breathable and waterproof than a 2L piece. Three-layer shells work best for skiers who find themselves regularly battling harsh winter weather while two-layer pieces work great for more casual resort skiers.
How to interpret waterproof and breathability ratings
Waterproof ratings indicate how well a shell can keep moisture out and is typically derived from a water column test or similar variation. In this practice, a one-inch square tube is positioned on top of the piece of fabric and filled with water until it penetrates the membrane. The amount, in millimeters (mm) the fabric can take before soaking is its rating: 10,000 mm would be a 10K rating.
Breathability ratings indicate how well the fabric allows water vapor (your sweat) to escape as you put in hard work on the hill, or temperatures increase over the course of a ski day. This is critical to keeping you dry, warm and comfortable. There are a few ways that manufacturers go about testing this but they all essentially test how much water vapor permeates a square meter of fabric over the course of 24 hours. This is then shown in grams per meter squared per day (10,000 g/m2/d, or 10K). So, in short, the higher the number, the more waterproof or breathable the jacket or pant will be.
Casual resort skiers should look for waterproof and breathability ratings of 10K or higher in their outerwear, while skiers who regularly battle harsh weather all-day long, or regularly venture into the backcountry, should look for 20K-30K ratings.
What is Durable Water Repellent (DWR)?
Durable Water Repellent is a clear coating that’s applied to the face fabric of most outerwear to supplement the membrane. It helps keep the face fabric dry so the membrane can do its job. The DWR sometimes needs to be reactivated by putting your garment in the dryer or by treating it with a DWR revival product like Nikwax, Grangers or Gear Aid Revivex. This is something that should be considered once a year, depending on how often you use your gear and in what conditions.
Seam Taping and Welding
Seam taping and welding prevents water from seeping through the stitching in seams of a jacket or pant. Taped seams utilize fabric tape to cover stitching on the inside of a garment, while welded seams are fused together when heat and pressure are applied offering the best protection against the elements.
Critical vs. Full Seam-Sealing
Critical or strategic seam-sealing is when only the most exposed seams of an shell—such as the shoulders, chest and hood—are taped or welded. This method is typically found on mid-level outerwear and is sufficient for casual skiers and moderate weather conditions.
Full seam-sealing is when all the seams of a shell are taped or welded. This method is typically found in high-end outerwear and is useful for skiers who find themselves on the hill in all types of weather, all season long.
Fleece vs. Down vs. Synthetic
Fleece is lightweight and breathable, providing good insulation. Down offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio but can lose its insulating properties when wet. Synthetic insulation maintains its warmth when wet and also dries quickly.
Synthetic vs. Natural Materials
Synthetic base layers, like polyester, are excellent at wicking moisture and drying quickly. Natural materials, such as merino wool, offer good moisture management and are naturally odor-resistant.
