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Ski Jackets and Snowboard Jackets
Look at a modern ski jacket. Apart from the colours, they all look similar. Ski
clothing outerwear is summed up in one word - 'functionality'. Today it's all
about the great outdoors, and the muted colours and high tech specs of the
materials reflect that.
If you wear Spyder or Helly Hansen, then it means you are a conqueror of the
elements, an explorer of the wide white yonder. When a snowboarder walks into a
restaurant wearing the Helly Hansen jacket left., and he's covered in melting
snow and whips his goggles off. He's saying 'I've been places, man.....' and
it's all because of the snowboard jacket!
Science and Modern Ski Jacket Design
I've been looking at the make up of ski jackets and snowboard jackets and the
materials are definitely not just wool or cotton or nylon any longer. The
constituents read like science fiction. This is what space suits are made of,
not ski jackets.
It's all very descriptive too: 'A smart fabric that consists of an innovative
ultrathin monolithic membrane capable of efficiently controlling moisture
permeability depending on the microclimate temperature.' I like it!!
The Purpose of Modern Ski Jackets
In simple terms the the fabric of a modern ski jackets has to do three things.
The first is to make sure that the wind and the snow or rain does not get in.
The second is to allow moisture to escape, and that includes sweat or any snow
that has inadvertently found its way through the almost impregnable defences.
Lastly, it must be thin enough to allow freedom of movement as you flail your
way to the North Pole. 'Moisture management' is what one manufacturer calls it. I
like it!!
What to Look for in
a Ski Jacket
When you're going for the best in ski jackets you should also consider those
little extras that combine to make skiing and snowboarding wear that much more
exclusive. Here are just a few - water resistant zip secure pocket, snap away
stretch powder skirts, wedge lock hood adjustment, pit-zip venting, goggle
pocket, music pocket, magnet catches rather than velcro for the neck fastenings,
and if that isn't enough, don't forget the pocket for the rocket launcher........
