How to Properly Layer Your Gear

How to properly layer your gear
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How to Properly Layer Your Gear

From our ancestors’ furs to modern-day fabric technology, the evolution of snow gear is a testament to human ingenuity and a passion for adventure. Despite the incredible leaps and bounds we’ve made in modern snow gear, serious risks like hypothermia and frostbite remain a threat to every skier and rider who hits the slopes without the right gear setup. 

 

The key to preventing the majority of cold-related risks? Properly layering your ski and snowboarding outfits for dry, comfortable, and safe cruising all season long. Quality over quantity is another crucial consideration; choosing advanced fabrics that properly insulate and moisture-wick makes it easy to remain cozy with fewer layers. The result is enhanced comfort and mobility for better control, tighter carving, and slopestyle freedom. 

 

Ready to hit the slopes with style, breathable warmth, and a versatile gear setup that adapts to the ever-changing mountain conditions? Here are some pro skier and rider tips for more time on your favorite runs and less time spent in the lodge. 

 

Build a Better Foundation


Optimizing your gear setup starts with a superior inner layer foundation. For the coldest of days, we recommend starting with moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and merino wool, not cotton (cotton traps moisture, which can accelerate the many risks associated with prolonged cold exposure). After choosing a breathable and mobility-enhancing base layer, you can double down on your cozy setup with a secondary inner layer if necessary. For the secondary inner layer, we recommend a breathable fleece or wool blend, especially if your first layer is a thinner polyester/nylon blend.  

 

Whether you go with polyester or merino wool foundational layers, these high-end fabric types are extremely lightweight, breathable, and can easily be stashed in your bag if it warms up. They also dry rapidly, making these fabrics the perfect option for a quick wash and a fresh setup before the first tracks tomorrow. 

 

Customize Your Jacket for Any Condition


Whether you’re expecting an entire week of blue-bird days, or below zero, cold, and cloudy, our adaptable lineup of snowboard outfits for men and women simplifies gearing up for the specific conditions ahead. 

 

For the warmest spring skiing and riding days, you may find that the polyester/wool/fleece layers may be more than you need to stay cozy. For the next step up in winter protection, add to your layering with one of our shells. Our advanced jacket shells are engineered to reduce wind chill significantly, which pairs perfectly with any of the fleece and wool base layers we have to offer at the Ski Bum. 

 

If the forecast calls for colder temperatures, our insulated collection offers coverage for a greater range of weatherproofing needs. Many of our best-insulated jackets feature the following:

 

  • Adjustable hoods and wrist cuffs for customizable comfort
  • Ventilation ports for optimal breathability and temperature regulation
  • Wind and water-resistant shells that feature impressive cold-weather ratings
  • Multi-tiered thermal layers that preserve body heat while promoting air transfer
  • Ultra-rugged woven fabric technologies that resist tearing and weather-barrier degradation
  • Innovative stitching and seam designs that flow with your movements 

While comparing our best jackets, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our ski and board experts for side-by-side product information.

 

Complete Your Layering With Neck Gaiters, Gloves, & Socks Too


No setup is complete without the right accessories to match. We are your all-in-one source for the warmest selection of mittens, hats, socks, and everything else you might need to stay warmer this frosty season. 


While building your better gear setup, we are more than happy to help you narrow down the right styles and features for your specific travel plans. In addition to all of the cozy essentials, our shop features a huge selection of other gear upgrades. Ask our ski and board experts about boot fitting, top-tier skis/boards, and other must-have accessories like goggles and bags for your upcoming ski trip.

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