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A Guide to the Three Layers of Snowboard Clothing

One of the main draws of snowboarding is the fact that you are participating in an activity in some of the most dramatically beautiful landscapes in the world, but spending time in mountainous regions also exposes you to changeable and potentially damaging climates. As a result, it is vitally important that you have the right clothing and equipment before heading out to the slopes to keep you warm, protected and ultimately to be able to enjoy snowboarding for longer. Ideally, your snowboard clothing should keep you warm, be lightweight, and keep you dry by wicking sweat away from your skin. The best way to achieve this is by using the layering method which allows you to react to sudden drops in temperature by adding layers or increases in temperature by removing a layer. The three-layer system is applicable for most winter sports with the base layer that traps heat and absorbs moisture from the skin, the middle layer, which is usually a clothing or fleece jacket that provides additional insulation, and the outer shell protects against wind and rain. Below is a short guide to what each layer consists of and why it is important in your overall snowboard gear.

Base coat

The foundation is the layer that is in contact with your skin and is there to trap a layer of air and remove moisture from your skin to keep you warm and dry. The base layer should cover you from head to toe and as such should consist of a long-sleeved shirt, long socks, and socks made from a moisture-wicking material, such as polypropylene. Avoid combination materials of wool if you have a low tolerance for itching and cotton altogether, as it loses all its thermal properties if it gets wet.

Base coat checklist:

Thermal body shirt – should have long sleeves and ideally will be made of polypropylene to ensure moisture is transferred away from the skin.

Thermal underwear: Go back to polypropylene as it is not itchy and provides excellent thermal and anti-humidity properties.

Snowboard socks: there is nothing worse than having cold feet and protecting your extremities in cold conditions is vitally important. Good quality snowboard socks will not only keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable, but will also improve the fit of your snowboard boots and protect against impacts. Socks should reach mid-calf and should not be too thick, as this will promote sweating.

Second layer or middle layer

The job of the second layer is to trap hot air while driving and transfer moisture further away from your body while driving; It can also be used as an outer protective layer on warmer days. Commonly used materials include wool and fleece, with fleece being particularly popular due to its lightweight, breathable properties that draw moisture to the outer layer of clothing.

Second layer checklist:

Jacket or sweater: made of wool or preferably fleece, it should be lightweight and breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate through the material. However, it will not protect against wind or rain.

Snowboard Pants – Laid over the top of the base layer, snowboard pants should have a nice roomy fit and provide additional protection against moisture and heat with padded areas at the knees and rear for impact protection and to prevent melted snow from seeping to the base. cap.

Snowboard Boots – Available in regular shoe sizes, snowboard boots are the link between your snowboard and your feet. As such, the fit around the feet and ankles is very important. Take the time to try on several pairs to make sure you get a comfortable and secure fit, as a decent pair will last you for a while.

Outer layer

The outer layer of your snowboard gear is there to protect you from wind, rain and impacts, keep moisture out, and allow moisture to escape from the inner layers.

Outer layer checklist:

Cap, hat or helmet: Whatever you wear, make sure it covers your ears and, to protect against impacts, opt for a specialized snowboard helmet.

Snowboard Goggles – Snowboard goggles should protect your eyes from wind, snow, rain, and UV rays. Lenses vary in terms of their light transmission capabilities with different lenses available for different light conditions.

Snowboard goggle lenses should also have a scratch-resistant coating, an anti-fog coating, and 100% UV protection. The frame of the glasses should fit snugly to your face with a padded foam edge that also wicks moisture away from your face, improving comfort and reducing fogging. Snowboard goggles have a wide head strap that should fit comfortably by holding the goggles firmly to your face.

Snowboard Jacket – Your jacket is your final protective layer against the elements and as such should be windproof and water repellent. As with the rest of your snowboard clothing, your jacket should be breathable allowing moisture to escape.

Snowboarding – Snowboarding is pretty tough without one, but make sure you get a snowboard that suits your dimensions, riding style, experience, and budget. Snowboards vary in terms of construction materials, camber, flex, dimensions, effective edge, and side cut, so again be sure to try a number and discuss your requirements with a snowboard supplier before taking the plunge.

Snowboard Bindings – Good quality sturdy snowboard bindings are important to ensure your boots are firmly attached to your board. Available in small, medium and large sizes, their bindings must be purchased in combination with their boots to ensure the most secure fit.

Snowboard Gloves – Wear specifically designed snowboard gloves with fleece-insulated glove liners to protect your hands from snow, ice, and impacts. They should be waterproof and have padded and reinforced palms and fingers, which are high-impact areas.

When buying any snowboard garment, make sure it fits well to avoid chafing and to maintain the breathable nature of the fabrics. Your snowboard clothing is there to keep you warm, safe, and comfortable for long periods in winter weather, and as a result, it’s worth spending time and money to ensure you get the best gear possible.