Most people, if not everyone, loves sports. The excitement of running up and down is unmatchable. Skiers will tell you that the fun that comes along with skiing is even better. It is on another level, phenomenal to be specific. We couldn’t agree more. One unique thing about skiing is that it makes winter fun. You no longer have to remain indoors waiting for the snow to level down.
Just as football and crickets have their attires, similarly is skiing. There is a specific set of clothing designed for the sport. Once in a while, you will come across people skiing in jeans. Is that right? Well, this is what this article is all about. What attires are you supposed to wear when skiing? How useful are they and how what makes them special?
Before even digging deeper into the topic, let us make one thing clear; wearing jeans when skiing is a big No-No! Yes, we are aware that you won’t have to change after that, but there is a reason why there are special sets of clothing; and jeans aren’t one of those. Read on!
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The disadvantages of Skiing in Jeans
Excuse our language, but wearing jeans when skating makes you look like a retard. This is for starters. They just don’t add up. It steals away your confidence. Where there are lots of people, we bet that you will be the center of attraction; and obviously not for the right reasons. In fact, it is an embarrassment as you’ll appear old fashioned.
Secondly, and more important, jeans don’t provide you with adequate warmth. Winter is cold, and during this time, precipitation is at its peak. Aside from clear visibility, keeping warm is the second most important thing to keep in mind. It is impossible to remain warm in jeans. The fabric made for jeans isn’t the right one for storing warmth. In no time, you will be all wet and drizzling. You don’t want this, and the best option is to stay away from jeans as much as you can.
Winter temperatures are known to fluctuate throughout the day or even drastically change within minutes, and jeans won’t do for the harsh weather. Since you pay vast amounts of money to shred snow all day or even night, you don’t want to waste even a single minute in some uncomfortable jeans. The list of the adverse effects of skiing in jeans is endless. The mentioned ones are just a tip of the iceberg.
Every problem has its solution. If not for jeans, then what? Skiing Pants are your answer. These are not your ordinary pants. They are pants designed specifically for cold conditions. The fabric is thick with little insulation. The secret is to withhold as much heat as you can, and that is exactly what they do.
How to Choose the Right Skiing Pants
If you thought choosing the jeans for skiing was as easy as ABC, then you’re in for a rude shock. There is much more in store for you than just going and selecting any pair. That is what we’ll look at now; how to buy the right skiing pants. A lot of considerations have to be factored in. For instance, do you run cold or hot while skiing? You will also have to consider the climate of the resort that you will be skiing at. The level of snow and temperatures also play a major role in the decision to be made. Read on for more detailed explanations.
The Warmth Factor
Keeping warm when skiing is very important, second to ensure that you get a clear vision. Different pants come with different functions in the context of warmth. They are as outlined below:
Insulated Pants
These types of pants are suited for a slight cold. They are fitted with a wicking layer base which manages moisture from passing through, hence, keeps you much warmer. If you are the type that tends to get cold easily, add more layers for extra warmth. Otherwise, the jeans will take you through the normal winter cold.
Warmer Pants
These usually have synthetic insulation, and a bit of technology has been added to help trap the heat inside. With this, you are provided with consistent warmth because heat is trapped inside the pants.
Pants with no Insulation
These provide you with minimal warmth. The reason for this being their shell that combats precipitation. The shell pants offer an excessive amount of mobility but this comes with sacrificing warmth; high mobility for less warmth. In case you are out there on the slopes and have the shell pants on, it is advisable that you wear a thicker base layer.
Warmest Pants
These pants come with heat and insulation properties. The heating property traps heat inside providing you with solid warmth even in extremely cold conditions. The pants are for those riders who will still head up to the mountains even in frigid conditions and temperatures.
Waterproof Property
Mountain tops are highly prone to moisture from different sources; mountain lakes, snow, and ice, as well as condensed air. The market has different pants with different levels of waterproof capabilities. The difference in the waterproof capabilities is attributed to the materials used in their construction.
Waterproofing rating is measured in millimeters. The measurement procedure involves placing the pair of pants in a cylinder full of water and looking for the point at which water begins to penetrate through. This point is what is referred to as the waterproof rating; now you know!
A Very High Waterproofing (20,001mm)
By combining the best waterproof fabrics and the appropriate water repellent, these pants will automatically remain dry all day long. They don’t allow any amounts of moisture to pass through them. In terms of waterproofing capabilities, they are the best.
Pants with High Waterproofing (15,001mm-20,000mm)
Second in line are the pants with high waterproofing. These pair of pants can be a good selection for avid riders who need a pair that can counter any condition. The pants will provide dryness in heavy rain and wet snow.
Pants with Moderate Waterproofing (10,000mm-15,000mm)
Lastly, are the pants with moderate waterproofing. These types are made with waterproof fabric or advanced water repellant that is coated with DWR. The material tends to keep you in a dry state in light rain and average snowfall. As mentioned, they are moderate ad hence not suitable for areas of very high altitude.
Breathability Rating
Breathability rating is usually calculated by finding the moisture vapor transmission rate, then determining the number of grams of sweat per one square meter. In layman’s language, the higher the amount of moisture that escapes, the more breathable the pants are. The breathability rating is measured in grams.
In the context of breathability, we have different types of skiing pants;
Very High Breathability Pants (above 20,001 grams)
This type tops the list. The pants will keep you comfortable and dry in any weather condition. They have the highest level of breathability. You will still remain dry even under very heavy activities.
High Breathability Pants (15,001- 20,000 grams)
Next in line are the high breathability pants. If you’re the kind of skier who will sweat from time to time, these are the best for you. They will help you in maintain dry and comfortable throughout the day.
Moderate Breathability Pants (10,001- 15,000 grams)
Another type is moderate breathability pants. Of all the types, these are the most common. A good reason for this is that they provide a blend of functionality and low cost. They will see you through a day of both moderate and high activities.
Mild Breathability Pants (5,001- 10,000 grams)
These pants offer users breathability amounts enough to keep you comfortable throughout a day of moderate and low activities. They aren’t suited for high activities, as you will begin to sweat.
Low Breathability Pants
Last, on the list are the low breathability pants. These pants will offer you breathability although you will become cold as soon as you become dormant and stop moving.
The fabrics used to design softshell pants are the most breathable ones. They are air permeable and stretchy and allow much air to escape. This makes them great for use in mild weather conditions. If you are planning to ski in deep, vertical lifts, then breathability will not be an option to consider. The breathable pants come with a base-layer which is used to draw moisture off the skin. These pants are normally more affordable than the rest, and you won’t have to dig deep into your pocket to own them.
Conclusion
You know the list is just endless. The market isn’t short of the pants to go for. Some unmentioned ones are inclusive of elastic waist pants, Pants with belt loops, extended thigh zips, Full Zip Legs, and so on. We will have to agree that skiing in jeans is precarious in many ways. Amidst this, however, the remedy of the condition has been provided. Therefore, there are no more reasons as to why you should make the wrong choice. The right information has been provided for you. Go for the pants meant for skiing!
You can check out more of our skiing articles here.
