clothing help

[SuperMoe]

Hi I could use some help here. I'm trying to find some ski clothing. Right now, I'm skiing in my old Columbia system jacket (one of the first ones from like 1990 LOL) I put it away while I was PG for a few years then found it in the closet. It works well, but I want something more modern.

My problem is that I'm very cold quite a bit. I've started thyroid medication, so this might correct itself. You guys would probably laugh...If I ski in about 30 degree weather, I have on long johns, my XC pants underneath, then some insulated columbia pants. On top, I have on a light fleece lined wind shirt, a fleece top, then my jacket. My gloves are mitten/glove combos.

I've been trying on different ski pants...but then...do I choose the ones that fit a little bit nicer...or the ones that make my butt look good!:ROTF:

No, seriously, I tried on one pair that I liked, but they were more boarder-style pants. Just curious, they seemed to have such big bells at the bottom, I figured that would be a poor choice, that it would interfere with my skis. I feel like I need some of those big puffy pants with lots of insulation, but I know that with newer materials, I just want something that is warm, probably don't need puffy. UGH, and sizing is soo different depending on the brand.

What about jackets...any recommendations? I've been trolling a bunch of sites, but there's sooo much there and with the sales right now, I'd really like to pick something up.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Quick reply, dinner might burn otherwise Hey, you are in a COLD location, I will vouch for that!! However, keep in mind that the newer higher-tech types of insulation are way better with way less bulk. Found this out with my new ski pants, which seemed thin. As good as thicker ones. Ditto with jackets. Plus, with seam sealing, DWR finishes and a lot of new windproofing technology, all the marshmallow puffy stuff is no longer necessary (unless you like or want it, but why??).

Tons of brands, don't know where to begin. YOU begin - with fit. Comfort. Range of motion. Go through all of it. Make sure you can move around comfortably. All with your budget in mind, of course. Deals abound now. This is something just too important to do online. When and if you've got a brand and size, you can then duplicate online (my trick). Good hood on jacket a must. Fits over helmet okay? Chin zips up so you can tuck in? Bring your neck gaiter - disappointing to buy a jacket only to find it won't zip up over your gaiter.

Hope others chime in with their stellar picks/brands. Ultimately, it's fit/comfort/budget that should guide you. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

[vanhoskier]

If you want freedom of movement, try some freeskiing clothing, or "freestyle" clothing....it's ski clothes that are looser-cut, sort of like boarder clothes, but not as loose or sloppy-looking. I have a DNA jacket and pants that fit nicely and offer lots of room to move, and are WARM. All the features that MSL lists above, they have. They have styles ranging from a bit funky to feminine.

You can also try backcountry ski gear from manufacturers such as Patagonia, MountainHardwear, and Cloudveil. Very well made and designed for adverse weather conditions. Just make sure pants are insulated because these brands make a lot of shells.

Also, your base layers make a BIG difference - I am a BIG fan of Patagonia capilene base layers...I've found they keep me warmest and driest, and although I don't live in the cold clime you do, I frequently venture up to Lake Placid which can be just as frigid as N. Michigan. Craft also makes some excellent base layers that are cut long in the torso and therefore stay tucked in, and wick moisture well.

When skiing in bitter cold conditions at Whiteface NY, I wear a Patagonia capilene base layer over a Patagonia tank top, a Mountain Hardwear wool ski sweater, a thin insulated vest, and my DNA jacket. On my legs, my CW-X tights, another layer of thin Patagonia tights, and my DNA pants. I'm toasty warm.

Most good ski brands should serve you well, as long as you have the right clothing underneath. So, it comes down to fit and preference. There's a lot of sales out there...try to find a good ski or outdoor outfitter's shop, try on stuff, and then if you don't find a good deal you like, go trolling on the internet!

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Vanho, I'm a big DNA fan too! Just snared one here from bklyn, wow, what a deal. Patterned sort of like yours, a little "quieter" perhaps? But I've got two others, and they rock it. And anyone who can stay warm at Sugarloaf, ME, has the ticket! You're right about base layers, of course, that's about all I vary except when it's "beach" weather (40+). Then I go way lighter outerwear. Otherwise, mine is good from 0 to 40. (I wimp in below zero. Age entitles me )

Tons of good brands out there, though. Get what feels good and fits the budget.

 

[mtnbikegirl]

I concur with the freestyle clothing...not quite as baggy as the snowboard stuff. I got some Orage pants and really like them. I did get them off the kids rack so I got a screaming deal on them but the women's rack is looking pretty good too.

 

[Jilly]

I have Rossi freeride pants. They fit great. Have 5 pockets, one is at the knee. The back has fleece lining and a high waist. I need a belt with it though. This first time I wore them I was on a CSIA course. I got the comment - "You've gone to the dark side". No they are free ride pants, not snowboard! I have a Rossi jacket as well. See avitar. It's warm, I ski Tremblant at -20. So look at ski names too. Salomon, Bonfire (a salomon company) Rossi, Oakley, Sierra design and North face are carried in our local store. Avalanche is a great brand, but only available in Canada.

 

[jaydog]

I, too, get cold very easily, and I can't say enough good things about SmartWool base layers. In addition to the brands already mentioned, I'd recommend looking at The North Face. They have some good insulated ski pants. I have an old beater pair of TNF ski pants I bought at Play it Again Sports a few years ago and they still rock.

I've found that my OR mitts, with no liner gloves inside, keep my hands much warmer than my old REI mitts with liner gloves. And I'm one of those folks with perpetually cold fingers and toes.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Agree with mbg about Orage. Some of the best-fitting and durable pants I've owned are Orage. Lower rise but not stupid low. My son convinced me to try snowboard-style pants years ago, before there was a convergence of styling. I basically never looked back, they were SOOO much better than the ski pants of 8+- years ago.

 

[Chic pea]

You should check out Canterbury products. I swear by them! I believe the company is from New Zealand and they make compression undergarments. They fit very tight to the body and improve circulation and enhance performance, reduce lactic acid and lessen muscle fatigue. They can also do your weekly grocery shopping, finish that last load of ironing and write your xmas cards for you.... Okay, well maybe not quite but they are a miraculous product. I've tried different brands like Nike and UnderArmour but these by Canterbury are the best I've found. I wear them for sport, work (I work outside in the elements), and everyday use under sweaters or t-shirts. They can be a bit spendy but for someone who suffers from a bit of circulation trouble like myself, they are definitely worth a try. I buy them on line as they are tough to find unless you are on an International Rugby Team! Anyway, check out the website, the product info is definitely worth a read. The guy modeling is not too bad either;)

www.canterburynz.com

Another tip that may work for you is thin socks in your boots. I've switched to thin socks and it helps keep my little piggies much warmer and the blood flowing.

Lastly, keep in mind that with all synthetic and technical clothing, it only has a certain lifespan. Your Columbia pants have probably become porous over the years and lost some of their wind-proofness, and water resistance. "They" say you can put some Gore-tex in the dryer to shrink the size of pores, or you can respray with some form of Scotch guard, but I'd say when it comes to this it's game over. Stick a fork in them - they're done!

 

[django]

Well, I'm sure we don't get as cold here in Oregon as you do, but I can't say enough about my North Face insulated pants - I bought them from Moosejaw on sale (I think they were called the Freedom - a very cool shade of green - I went to great lengths to avoid black ski pants!) . I wear them with one or two layers of Patagonia midweight Capilene (from sierra trading post for $15 a pair) and I'm usually comfortable. The pants have a flared leg and I don't find it gets in the way of skiing.
I picked up a Columbia jacket called Ursula's edge at the Columbia outlet here in Portland - again, it wasn't black and it has all the features I want - I really like the Columbia fleece-inside-the-jacket system, and the jacket has light insulation, too. I wear a silk thermal base layer, then a mid weight layer, and if it's really cold (like when I was in Whistler a couple months ago) I'll put an old shetland wool sweater over that, then the Columbia fleece and jacket.
Head covering is very important in holding in your body's heat, so wear warm stuff on your head. I wear a helmet, which really helps keep warm (my ski patroler husband insisted, and I'm glad I have a helmet - I fell last week and smacked my head on hard snow - it saved me a serious injury). If it's really cold I wear a balaclava under my helmet.
Hope this helps!