Proper Sportswear for Ski Touring is Light, Durable, Breathable and Waterproof

Ski touring is an activity at which our body is in constant movement. Walking/skiing in the mountains in winter is demanding, so you need to carry everything you might need in changeable winter conditions with you. Remember, every gram counts, so the things you don’t need on a tour represent only an excess weight that will hinder your movement and wear you down. When you are deciding what to wear on a tour, consider light weight and sturdy clothing. Trust us, sturdiness counts, because mending a piece of equipment at sub-zero temperatures at the altitude of 2500 m is really not a pleasant task.

Correctly chosen ski touring sportswear is essential. It is of utmost importance that clothing doesn’t hinder you movement, is durable and adjustable, keeps you warm and dry in the coolest conditions, breathes well and wicks moisture away from your body so that you don’t overheat during strenuous climbs. In our shops you can find top quality clothing by Dynafit, Arcteryx, Devold, …

We recommend that you always carry an additional set of clothing on a tour: undershirt, pullover, and gloves that you change when you reach the desired hill top.

Don’t forget about the layers. You always need to dress in such a way that you can add or remove layers, depending on how cold or warm it is in a certain moment.

Check the list of sportswear we think every touring skier should have:

1. 1. Long underwear (men’s underwear, women’s underwear)
   2. Men’s turtle neck or women’s turtle neck
   3. Midlayer, thermal insulation layer (women’s pullover / men’s pullover, thinner men’s down jacket or women’s down jacket for the coldest days)
   4. Ski socks, check: men’s ski socks or women’s ski socks
   5. Ski touring jacket (made of 2 or 3 layered material that breathes well and is waterproof) -> men’s touring jackets or women’s touring jackets
   6. Ski touring pants (made of 2 or 3 layered material that breathes well and is waterproof) -> men’s tour pants or women’s tour pants
   7. Men’s gloves / women’s gloves and spare gloves
   8. Helmet
   9. Sunglasses and goggles
   10. Beanie, neck warmer or headband – for men and for women
   11. Never forget the avalanche rescue set!!

Our advice – wear three layers of clothing

1. The comfortable base layer underwear: wicks moisture from the body and prevents skin scratches. The comfortable base layer underwear: wicks moisture from the body and prevents skin scratches.
   
   
2. The next one is the thermal insulation layer – it will keep your body temperature at an optimal level. This group includes: turtle neck, pullover, jacket /down jacket made of warm fabric, fleece or thinner down layer, …
3. The outer layer that protects you from humidity, wind and at the same time wicks moisture from the body.

Active underwear

The main function of active underwear, which is in direct contact with the skin, is to wick moisture away from your body and to keep you dry. Since it doesn’t absorb moisture, it keeps your skin dry and prevents you to feel cold.

Active underwear is made of synthetic fibres or comfortable merino wool. It is wise to have at least one set of active underwear made of synthetic materials and one set made of wool. Before going on a tour check the weather forecast and pick the appropriate set for the conditions you’re venturing into.

Men’s ski socks and women’s ski socks are as well part of the base layer group of clothes. Socks also are made of synthetic materials or merino wool. Socks keep your feet warm, with reinforced materials on critical spots that prevent blisters to occur, enhance comfort and fitting to the ski shoes.

Mid Layer

Majority of tour skiers pay lots of attention to choosing the appropriate active underwear and top quality pants and jacket. But many forget about the quality mid layer. However, the mid layer is the layer that effectively keeps you warm and prevents you getting too cooled down. Also this layer must breathe well. The less moisture it holds, the less you need to worry about spare clothing.

Wisely chosen mid layer will keep you pleasantly warm and will effectively wick moisture from your body.

Examples of mid layer clothing:

• 1. Men’s turtle neck or women’s turtle neck
  2. Fleece
  3. Thicker merino or technical women’s pullover / men’s pullover
  4. Thinner men’s down jacket or women’s down jacket

Sleeves and lateral parts of mid layer clothing are often made of slightly thinner and stretchy fabrics that provide freedom of movement and perfect comfort during ascents and skiing. The torso part is slightly thicker, usually equipped with fleece or Primaloft fabric for quality thermal insulation, or with synthetic down for even more warmth.

How to Choose the Right Jacket and Pants for Ski Touring

The outer or protective layer is worn to protect us from the wind, snow and rain. Waterproofness of a material is measured by water column and is expressed in millimetres. Higher water column indicates that a material can endure higher water pressure thus providing better waterproofness.

By the rule, for ski touring you need to dress in such way that you (may) feel a bit cold at the beginning of the tour, because with constant movement you will quickly get warm. Getting warm brings sweat and that is why most quality ski touring sportswear breathes well. This means that materials are able to transport moisture and warmth from the inside to the outer layers. Thanks to this functionality we don't get all sweaty under the jacket and pants as if we were in a sauna. Check out men’s ski jackets and women’s ski jackets.

Top quality materials that manufacturers use nowadays to design the best ski touring clothes are light, stretchy and provide complete freedom of movement.

When you decide which ski jacket and pants to buy bear in mind that they should be equipped by watertight zippers and taped/welded seams.

For better temperature regulation men’s ski pants or women’s ski pants or jackets can be equipped with zip vents. Jackets with the so called pit zips, while pants have vents on the inner side of the thighs.

Don’t Forget About the Accessories

A beanie, a neck warmer or a headband should never stay at home. In warmer weather they prevent sweat dripping into your eyes, while in cold and windy weather they protect you from cold.

Quality gloves (2 pairs). If it is not too cold, the thinner pair for ascending, while thicker and warmer pair for skiing. If it’s really cold we recommend the thicker pair also for ascending.

Sun glasses that will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and sun screen.

Conclusion

To feel comfortable in your clothing and other gear is what matters the most. Clothing must fit you and shouldn’t hinder your movement. At the same time it should protect you from weather conditions and keep you warm. For more advice on ski touring and gear you might need, read the blog Advice for ski touring and what gear to buy.