Monday, December 26, 2011

Hints for Selecting the Right Ski Pants

By Jeff Smith


Having the proper equipment is critical for skiers and snowboarders. As anyone who's fallen in the snow while wearing jeans or sweatpants can tell you, wet pants and winter don't go well together. If you want to stay warm and dry, then you'll want to invest in quality ski clothes. Here's a quick guide for deciding on the right type of ski pants for you:

Insulated: Insulated ski pants are designed to keep the wearer warm, combining a windproof and waterproof protective layer with an insulating layer of materials like synthetic fabric or fleece. Make sure the insulation is thick enough for the conditions you plan to be in, but don't go overboard-you can always add layers underneath if you're too cold, but if you're too hot then you'll have to get an entirely new pair of ski pants.

Shell: Shell pants consist of only a protective layer. Since they have no insulation, they're perfect for warm days, and the reduced bulk makes it easier for the wearer to perform flashy moves on the slopes. If you choose to use shell pants, make certain to wear high-quality base and mid layers of ski clothes on colder days.

Bib, Regular, or Stretch: If you want the warmest and most secure ski clothes possible, then bib pants are probably the right choice. Built like a pair of overalls, they complement your ski jacket by providing an extra layer of fabric over the chest and back to prevent snow from getting inside and to help keep warmth in, while the straps will prevent them from falling down. However, regular ski pants might be a better choice if that fashion doesn't appeal to you. As sportsauthority.com suggests, choosing regular ski pants with elastic waists and removable suspenders can help you keep the snow out and your pants on. Stretch pants are similar to regular pants, but their fabric stretches to match the wearer's body and leave as little space as possible between the wearer and the insulating layer. As a result, there's no extra material flapping around to get in the user's way, and they warm up quickly, but they are generally not designed for men.

In the end, it all comes down to what you want. Pick ski clothes that meet your needs for warmth, ease of movement, simplicity and style, and you'll be able to spend more time hitting the slopes and less time drying off.




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