Views: 238 Author: Lydia Publish Time: 2023-11-29 Origin: Site
Winter is one of our favorite seasons here at Altitude Sports. We enjoy skiing, cross-country skiing, and hiking... As a result, we're in a fantastic position to advise you on how to select your winter coat. We have everything you need to combat winter, whether you want it ultra-warm, breathable, waterproof, or trendy.
Some people just wear one jacket all winter. Others switch between two or three coats. It's critical to consider the temperature (obviously) as well as what you plan to do with your ski jacket. For example, even if it's -20°C outside, you'll choose a thin windproof coat for an intense day of cross-country skiing. For a nighttime stroll across the city, however, we normally select a long, thick, and well-insulated jacket.
Winter jackets are classified into three categories. Consider the activities you intend to engage in to locate the best one for you. Are you looking for a jacket to wear around town and to work, or something to wear in the backcountry?
Technical jackets are the greatest option for individuals seeking lightweight warmth that allows for full range of motion while participating in outdoor sports.
These coats will be a little longer and include added comfort elements like a wider hood (often trimmed with fur) and lined pockets. Because the winter coat will not be utilized for strenuous activities, technical elements are unnecessary. Instead, when it comes to urban coats, thermal capacity is the most important factor.
More technological elements, such as helmet-compatible hoods and pit-zips to promote airflow during high-intensity workouts, will be included in these jackets. Technical jackets are typically lighter and more compressible and packable than casual around-town winter jackets. The majority of technical coats designed for hard winter activities will have a three-layer (3L) construction. This phrase is most commonly linked with membranes such as GORE-TEX, which use a layering approach to build robust waterproof shells ideal for layering. More layers can sometimes equal more weight, thus certain technical jackets will be designed to be light in weight and bulk while still providing complete weather protection.
Some jackets look equally well in town as they do on the slopes! They blend appealing style and utility, as well as a variety of technical elements and thoughtful design. Burton and The North Face are two manufacturers that provide models meant for long days in the mountains but that are still warm enough for city days.
In general, the coats in this category will be waterproof and adequately insulated, as well as protecting you from inclement weather. Another intriguing point is that it is often feasible to find a high-quality jacket at an affordable price. Furthermore, because of its adaptability, it is frequently a jacket that may be worn all winter long.
In winter jackets, there are two forms of insulation: down and synthetic.
Each form of insulation has pros and downsides, so do your research to ensure you get the ideal winter jacket for your needs.
Down is the lightest and most compressible insulation on the market, so it should be your first choice if weight and size are crucial to you. However, keep in mind that down is not suitable in damp situations. A down jacket will operate to its greatest potential and protect you from the elements if you spend your winters in a dry, cold environment, but if you live in a climate like the west coast of British Columbia, your down jacket may not work as well.
When down becomes wet, the feathers clump together and lose their insulating characteristics as well as their loft. To regain its natural loft, most coats must be properly dried in a dryer.
There are numerous tested synthetic insulations available. PrimaLoft is one of these, and it's utilized by The North Face in their ThermoBall Triclimate jacket (one of our favorites). Although synthetic insulation is heavier than down insulation, it is just as warm, considerably less expensive, and efficiently resists moisture.
Check out this post to determine which sort of insulation is best for you!
To put it another way, GORE-TEX or DWR treatment?
A winter jacket must have a weather-resistant outer shell that is either waterproof or treated with a DWR finish to operate well in all situations. The outer shell of a winter jacket is your first line of defense against the weather, so be sure it's appropriate for the climate where you reside.
Jackets with a GORE-TEX membrane will shine in damp conditions, when its waterproof features will come in handy. A winter jacket with a GORE-TEX outer shell is vital if you live in a region with wetter, rainier winters and warmer temperatures, such as the West Coast.
Winter coats with a DWR treatment will be weather resistant, but will not perform as well as ones constructed of GORE-TEX. If you live in an area with cold, snowy winters and don't frequently encounter slush or rain, a coat with a water-repellent coating would suffice.
Because a substantial percentage of our body heat escapes through our heads, nearly all winter jackets will include a hood. Choose a jacket with an adjustable hood if possible. A hood with barrels allows you to tighten it over your head and keep it in place even in high gusts. Many technical winter coats include hoods, however if you layer your jacket over another layer that already has a hood, a removable hood will readily help shed any unnecessary bulk.
Pockets are an important feature of our winter jacket. Having useful and secure pockets helps your coat to be both functional and organized.
Look for a jacket with an interior pocket that can be used with an audio cord, allowing you to walk around while listening to the current tunes. If your wallet is too large to keep up with you on the slopes, this pocket may also contain your crucial cards.
Check the location and depth of the pockets while looking for a tough winter jacket for mountaineering or backcountry skiing. Pockets that are conveniently accessible and large enough can make or break a situation.
*For additional information on other technical elements found on winter jackets, such as taped seams and laminated zippers, see Altitude-Sports' raincoat guide.
For some, winter is the ideal season to make a fashion statement. Choose a winter jacket that fits well because you always look your best when you feel comfortable.
If you're looking for a winter jacket to walk about town in, a fitting, well-insulated coat will suffice. However, if you're looking for a winter coat to wear on the slopes, allow for extra layers.
A coat should be snug enough to keep out the cold. However, if you make it too tight, you may not be able to wear anything other than a t-shirt underneath.
Altitude Sports has your new winter jacket! Members enjoy free returns and plenty of benefits. The only way to appreciate the cold season is to wear the appropriate winter jacket!
