If you and your friends are preparing for a ski trip, Arcteryx ski jackets for men and women are among the essentials. Aside from the good looks, how can you tell if a ski or snowboard jacket meets your needs? If you’re not sure of what you’re looking for, consider the following information to make it easy to shop for the right wear.
Waterproof vs.Water-resistant
If you’re one of those people, you think that waterproof and water-resistant are the same, and you use them interchangeably. Actually, there’s a difference. It’s vital to understand the distinction between them so that you won’t be disappointed with your new jacket.
- Water-resistant: This feature has a lower level of moisture protection. In other words, you can still get wet with water-resistant wear, but the fabric can prevent some water from reaching your skin.
- Waterproof: The waterproof fabric has the highest level of moisture protection. There are plenty of technologies that go into making a jacket waterproof. Typically, the structure has high-tech laminates or coatings in layered constructions.
How to Measure the Level of Waterproofing
The level of waterproofing is often conveyed in numbers by a water test. Here are the details:
- 5,000 mm: low waterproofing,
- 10,000 mm: average waterproofing
- 20,000 mm: high waterproofing
- 28,000 mm: extremely high waterproofing
Breathability
Waterproof is a great feature to protect you from getting wet. A raincoat is excellent waterproof wear for a storm. But if you skied in it, you’ll be soaked in sweat and feel discomfort in your activity. That’s why balanced protection is necessary — staying dry but retaining the comfort for your body.
The moisture on your jacket is from the outside and the moisture on the inside is from the inside — not moisture soaking through from outside.
Both athletes and industry professionals prefer a jacket that keeps snow out while dissipating the heat and moisture generated by the body as they ski, snowboard, or hike. It’s worth bearing in mind to choose the jacket that has both waterproof and breathable technologies. The right wear will keep you dry when you’re headed outdoors. Buy ski jackets from a reliable vendor to have an amazing adventure.
How is Breathability Rated
In grams, breathability can be rated as follows:
- 5,000 g: low breathability
- 10,000 g: moderate breathability
- 20,000 g: high breathability
Other products also show Ret value. The Comfort Rating System includes the following:
- Ret 30+: not breathable
- Ret 20: slightly breathable
- Ret 13: breathable
- Ret 6: very breathable
- Ret 0: extremely breathable
Main Types of Ski Jackets
- Hardshell jacket: This type of coat is not insulated. Many people use this because it’s the most water and wind-resistant outer layer. Take note that it’s less breathable than a softshell jacket.
- Softshell jacket: For both mid-layer and outer layer purposes, the softshell jacket has a higher breathability rating.
- Insulated jacket: This protective wear is ideal for going to places where conditions can get incredibly cold. The outer shell is for waterproofing and underneath it has synthetic insulation to give comfort.
Insulated Ski Jackets
You can find insulated ski jackets in two construction styles:
- Single piece jackets: These purposely-built jackets are lightweight. The lining, insulation, and shell are inherently embedded together.
- Modular jackets: These jackets have separate waterproof shell and removal insulating internal coat. They offer higher value and versatility.
If you don’t have the proper jacket to keep you protected and give you a comfortable feel, it’s time now to invest in one so when the cold weather comes, you are prepared. Find durable and high-quality ski jackets from a trusted=supplier to ensure quality.
