For snowboarding, one board, bindings and boots are not enough. You need good clothes, suitable for active movements in the cold, falling into the snow and good sweat absorption. Unsuitable clothing can quickly get wet, both inside and out, and cause illness.
Three layers of clothing
One of the main secrets of equipment is the principle of layering: clothing should consist of three layers, each of which performs its own functions.
The first layer is thermal underwear, which prevents hypothermia of the body. With active movements, the athlete sweats, the sweat released cools the skin surface. High-quality thermal underwear not only absorbs moisture, but also actively evaporates it, preventing the body from overcooling. When choosing thermal underwear, pay attention that it is 100% synthetic, preferably polyester. Lingerie with spandex or lycra is a better fit to the body. Synthetic materials with the addition of cotton are pleasant to the touch, but less breathable and less efficient at wicking moisture away from the body. Combinations with the addition of wool are also quite convenient in the absence of hypersensitivity to this type of fabric.
The first layer of clothing should cover the maximum area of the body: T-shirts should have a collar and long sleeves with cuffs, pants - long legs. It is better to choose special snowboard socks or just thin synthetic socks. The height of the socks should reach the middle of the lower leg.
The second layer is insulation. It must not only retain heat, but also take away its excess, as well as let through those vapors that are taken away from the body by thermal underwear. Cotton hoodies and wool sweaters do a poor job of this role. The best option is a fleece sweatshirt or jacket.
The third layer is a membrane that allows moisture to pass to the outside and prevents moisture from getting inside. The snow jacket and pants contain a membrane layer and insulation, but there are models without insulation. The manufacturer writes the membrane indicators on branded items. The higher the Waterproof (Waterresist) parameter, the better the waterproofing properties of the membrane, the higher the Breathable parameter, the better the membrane evaporates moisture and worse protection from wind.
Secrets of choice
When choosing thermal underwear, it is very important that it strictly matches the size. Thus, it will simultaneously adhere to the body and not restrain movement.
When choosing a sweatshirt or jacket, consider the material: it is better to choose fleece things by size, cotton and wool - one or two sizes larger. The snow jacket should be free of movement, ventilation and an inner skirt to keep out snow. It is very convenient when the skirt is fastened to the pants, and the sleeves of the jacket have cuffs for tucking them into gloves.
When choosing snowboard pants, choose models with reinforced fabric inserts on the buttocks and knees - you can sit in them for a long time in the snow.
