Choosing a men's snowboard jacket

The amazing world of extreme sports, to which snowboarding belongs, attracts fearless conquerors of steep descents with bright emotions, unforgettable drive, high speeds. The right skating gear is essential, and one of its most important elements is a quality jacket. An unsuccessful choice can permanently discourage a beginner athlete from skiing and upset an experienced snowboarder who is counting on significant success in the new season.

Ski jackets and snowboard jackets are not the same thing. The differences are due to the fact that snowboarding and slalom are different types of sports downhill with an unequal character of human movements.

The functional purpose of a snowboard jacket is:

• protection from cold and wind;
• removal of moist air into the atmosphere from the athlete heated up during physical activity;
• protection from atmospheric precipitation - snow and rain;
• ensuring high comfort while riding.

The basis for the regulation of heat transfer in snowboard jackets is the membrane fabric used in their manufacture.

By the type of membranes, there are 3 types of products.

• Pore-free membrane jackets... There are no pores (tiny holes) on such tissue. Moisture is removed according to the osmotic principle and removed from the surface like condensate, while a special layer prevents moisture from penetrating back inside. Poreless jackets are resistant to wear and tear, but delayed moisture removal and high cost are noted as disadvantages of this type.

• Porous membrane jackets. A special porous structure removes humid air vapor from a hot person to the outside. Such a membrane provides fairly high performance, but has a significant disadvantage: microscopic pore cells are gradually clogged. In addition, the perforated base is not very strong.

• Combined jackets. Made from an innovative composite material developed from a porous and solid version. Experts managed to combine the advantages of the first two types, eliminate disadvantages and obtain a universal fabric. However, there is still a significant disadvantage: products made of such material are very expensive.

The parameters of vapor permeability and moisture resistance, which are the key parameters when choosing a jacket, depend on the unique properties of the membrane fabric.

This is the main criterion on which the moisture-proof and steam-removing characteristics of the product depend. Depending on which membrane is used in the manufacture - pore-free, porous or combined, the jacket will have one or another indicators of vapor permeability and water resistance.

Indicates the ability of the fabric to resist getting wet under the pressure of the water column. Measured in millimeters, it ranges from 3000 to 30,000 mm. It has 4 categories of resistance according to the nature of the rain:

• drizzling;
• weak;
• strong;
• downpour, storm.

For snowboarding, this figure must be at least 10,000 mm.

The higher the value of this parameter, the higher the quality of the material. This is an indicator of the amount of moisture in grams that the material is able to remove from 1 sq. m of surface per day:

• base rate 5000 g / sq. m / 24 hours suitable for skiing in mild weather conditions;
• average level of 10,000 g / sq. m / 24 hours have most models, suitable for professional snowboarders and fans of active extreme for skiing in any weather;
• high rate from 20,000 to 30,000 g / sq. m / 24 hours have modern expensive models of well-known manufacturers.

This is a surface treatment of the fabric with a special water-repellent compound, as a result of which moisture drops do not penetrate into the inner layers and roll off the clothes.

The comfort of rest and the success of snowboarding directly depend on the right approach to choosing a snowboard winter jacket. How to choose a warm, lightweight, practical jacket? Let's turn to the advice of experts.

But those who are systematically engaged in snowboarding in any weather should purchase advanced models. These are quite expensive products, so you need to choose so that you don't have to buy a jacket every season.

It is advisable to go for a fitting in the clothes with which the jacket will be worn (thermal underwear, fleece, pants) in order to accurately determine the size. A loose, comfortable fit is essential for a good snow jacket. Put it on, move your arms and body in different directions, imitating movements when riding, while the jacket should not rise high and open the lower back. The bottom edge of the garment should cover the beginning of the thigh, not shorter. Pay attention to the weight of the product: the jacket should be light - every kilogram is important on the descent.

Bend both arms at the elbows alternately, see if the wrist opens up. If so, then your sleeves or cuffs are too narrow. You should not feel the slightest hint of tightness and discomfort, otherwise riding will bring you, instead of pleasure, sheer disappointment.... Spread both hands to the sides at the same time - the collar should not "run over" the face too much. Try on the hood, see if it obstructs your view. Examine the outside and inside of the pockets, how they zip, and if there is any lining in them.

A snowboarding jacket should have a so-called skirt in the waist area. It should have a rough elastic band and a comfortable fastener. If you came to the fitting in outfit pants, then check the fastening of the skirt to the pants - they must match. This prevents snow from getting under the clothes when falling and creates additional comfort.

Pay attention to the presence of vents in the armpit area. They are made with zippers, which should be smoothly unfastened and fastened. It is better if the zipper tongue is large, so that it is convenient to unfasten directly with gloves. Check the operation of all zippers on the product, as well as the tightness of the velcro.

Look at the markings on the label, carefully read the indicators of the properties of the membrane. In case of difficulties, do not hesitate to ask a consultant to help you deal with the labeling. Carefully inspect the quality of sewing, processing of seams, pay attention to their gluing so that moisture does not get through the seams under the clothes.

The color of the jacket should be chosen bright, contrasting. In such a jacket, the athlete will be clearly visible against the background of white snow if he fell on the descent, in order to exclude an accidental run-over.For safety reasons, you should not buy white jackets, they are much more difficult to spot on a snowy slope, and the likelihood of collisions with other snowboarders increases.

To enjoy snowboarding, you need more than just a good jacket. Clothing should be light, loose, warm, “breathable”, protect from bad weather, and should not interfere with various riding maneuvers. The rule of clothing layering helps to obtain such a complex effect. Experts recommend wearing 3 layers for snowboarding:

• 1 - thermal underwear (sweatshirt and underpants);
• 2 - fleece jumper;
• 3 - snowboard jacket and pants.

Besides, good quality footwear must be selected. Do not forget about additional items of equipment - helmet, face shield, gloves, mittens, hat.

You need to know that membrane jackets are very finicky in their care. It is best to hand wash your jacket in warm water (not hot!) Using special products designed for membrane fabrics. Lovers of perfect cleanliness will have to remember that in this case, frequent washing is generally not an option, even if you use cool detergents for the membrane. And it is completely unacceptable to wash them with ordinary means - the membrane will lose its properties and will get wet like an ordinary cloth.

See the following video for tips on how to choose the right snow jacket.