Snowboard Layering

Proper layering techniques to keep the cold out and the warmth in:

As temperatures fluctuate throughout any given day there’s no reason to be caught out in the cold. Whether you’re hiking the backcountry, a rail park or pipe, you can stay warm and dry by layering properly to adjust to the forever changing conditions. Comfort is the key to enjoying your day on hill. With some simple techniques and attention to detail, you will spend more time snowboarding than warming your hands under the dryer in the bathroom.

What is the key to proper layering? The answer is within the dynamics of heat and moisture against your skin. Many people assume that a heavy parka and wool undergarments are ideal for combating the cold. While this combination might work for someone standing still, they are impractical for the active snowboarder. Parkas are heavy, wool is itchy, and, most importantly, both garments trap moisture, which leads to damp discomfort when someone wearing them works up a sweat and then cools down. Layering, on the other hand, allows for a variety of conditions using lightweight and comfortable fabrics.

The trick to layering is to combine the right clothing in the proper order, trapping the air warmed by your body heat while letting moisture vapor from your body’s perspiration be conducted away from your skin. The choice of garments must be versatile enough to adapt to your activity level and variations in weather conditions-maintaining the balance of staying cool when active and warm when at rest.

Moisture Wicking:

The first layer for cold-weather exposure should keep you warm and dry on the inside. Because it’s in direct contact with your skin, you’ll want to wear something soft, lightweight and pliable. This base layer will work with your outer layer to keep you dry. The best materials for long underwear are those that “wick” moisture away from your skin efficiently.

Wool or cotton are not a good idea because the fabrics dry slowly, holding heat-draining moisture against your skin. You’ve probably worn cotton socks on a cold, damp day and lived to regret it. There are a wide range of superior fabrics available now which can accommodate our past mistakes.

Engineered synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, work much better. Silk is nice too, but difficult to care for. They are comfortable against the skin, they dry quickly and actually pull perspiration vapor away from the body towards the next layer of clothing, the insulation layer, where it can evaporate.

Insulation:

The secret to staying warm and dry when temperatures drop is to make sure you’re well insulated from the cold. The moisture that’s moving away from your skin has to keep moving. The best insulators will trap warm air, and at the same time offer necessary ventilation when you start too overheat. Clothing that gives you the best insulation should be comfortable and lightweight, moderately windproof and breathable. GORE Wind Stopper fleece is an ideal fabric used by many leading manufacturers. Use as many layers as necessary to stay comfortably warm, and control your heat retention by adding or removing layers as needed. Versatility of layering can be key. When riding, you can expect to be active for extended periods of time in cold weather. Start your day wearing a wicking layer and an outer shell. It may be a little cold to begin with, but your body will warm rapidly and begin to perspire. When you stop riding, add an insulation layer to remain warm and comfortable.

Outerwear Layer (Shell):

The third or outside layer is your last line of defense, so outerwear should be appropriate for your activity. Jackets and pants must allow perspiration vapor to vent while blocking wind and rain. The material must reduce heat loss and assist the rest of your layers in keeping you dry and comfortable.

Over twenty years ago, an outer layer that was capable of protecting you from wind, rain, and snow while letting perspiration escape wasn’t available. As an example: Rubber suits worn for rain protection, trapped sweat, made the insulation layer wet, and kept the wearer chilled. Because they weren’t breathable, your options were to get wet from the elements or get wet from your own sweat.

Gore-Tex and multi layered fabrics revolutionized cold-weather outerwear. Able to withstand the most severe rain and snow while allowing perspiration vapor to escape, Gore-Tex fabric has proven to be durable and windproof for a wide range of physical activities.

Today there are several effective performance fabrics available. When making your decision, consider your activity and the level of protection you expect. Here in the NW, it’s ideal to have garments with a 10k waterproof rating or greater to withstand the moisture content contained in our snow. Make sure the shell is large enough to fit easily over the other layers and that it is easy to care for so that you can maintain its performance over a long period of time. Use it in conjunction with the other elements of layering so you’ll never endure another uncomfortable day on the mountain.

Layering works, but you’re only safe from the elements if you make sure your extremities are protected from the damp and cold as well. Other heat retaining options are listed below.

Use a hat: Body heat escapes through your head more readily than hands or feet. That’s because it has a large, exposed surface area and a rich, warm blood supply that is not diminished when exposed to cold. A hat can therefore be one of the most effective dampers for quick adjustments in temperature. Put it on when you feel cold, and take it off when you’re hot and sweaty.

Purchase good mittens/gloves: Your body will limit the amount of blood pumped to extremities to preserve heat within the vital organs when exposed to the cold. Your hands and feet are the first things to get cold because the body is adapting to keep more important body parts warm. Because body heat escapes easily through your hands, it’s hard to keep them warm. If they get wet, you can forget about it. Always wear a good pair of mittens/gloves that are breathable and waterproof.

Protect your feet: Like your hands, your feet can quickly get cold and allow heat to escape. The best defense for the cold is to keep them dry and warm. Waterproof, breathable footwear will provide you with the insurance you need to enjoy your outdoor activity. (Most all snowboards today will handle this.) Add to that a medium to heavy pair of synthetic-fiber (such as polypropylene or polyester) socks and/or a thin pair of wicking socks, and your days of cold feet should well be over. Try to avoid wearing too thick of socks that create pressure points or hot spots. At times, they can also make your feet even colder than a thin sock because they allow for less blood circulation around the foot.

Shop snowboard layering here==> Men’s Layering, Women’s Layering, Youth Layering

Check out the rest of TruSnow for more info or give us a call at 1.866.986.SNOW with any questions.