Technical Guide Jackets Trousers T-Shirts Midlayers

Technical Guides Jackets Trousers T-Shirts Midlayers

Buying Technical Clothing can be a minefield of Jargon and brand buzzwords so in the next few paragraphs we will try and de-mystify it all in our Technical Guides Jackets Trousers T-Shirts Midlayers section.

So why are some brands of outerwear cheaper than others ? The answer is very simple. As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for” is 100% true.

So where should you start ? If you are new to Ski and Snowboarding and feel like you are in it for the long run, then simply buy the best you can afford. Your gear will repay you on those cold, wet days and equally on dry sunny warm days. You can use these garments for other uses in bad weather back home, around town or general use.

Here we will look at different brands and their technical features, starting with the most expensive.

1. Gore-Tex based outerwear ? This is an American invention which started out in 1958. Their system is a VERY breathable and water proof membrane which sits between the inside and outside layers of your jacket. It is a highly breathable and water resistant fabric. We won’t bore you with how this “magical” system works, just know that it does and why you pay a premium for Gore-Tex products.  You will often find Gore-Tex on Shell type jackets, which allow you “Layer” up underneath. The “Layering Up” system generally consists of your Shell Jacket or Pants, a base layer (ideally Merino Wool) and a Mid Layer. Like a Micro Fleece or even a breathable Mid Layer technical shirt (see below for further details). When you choose a Jacket or trousers, ALWAYS look for a rating on them that is a measurement of breath-ability and how waterproof the garment is. This is called the HH (Hydrastatic Head). Examples of this are  5000/5000, 10000/10000, 15000/10000. The first figure is the Waterproof rating and the second figure is the breath-ability rating. BEWARE, some cheap clothing companies like Aldi, mislead buyers into thinking their clothing is measured using the HH (hydrastatic head) system so double check they aren’t using their own system.
2. DWR or “Durable Water Repellent” coated Shells or Insulated garments ? These are “other” manufacturers versions of breathable and Water repellent Jackets or trousers. They don’t usually contain Gore-Tex, hence the price comes down. Some of these are really good value for money and will suit most people who are starting out or for those who don’t require a really high spec of garments. They will keep you dry and warm, however the HH ratings tend to be lower. More often around the 10000/10000 level. This is around the most common rating most people go for as a balance between price and performance.
3. Shell or Insulated ? Again, this depends on what you want to spend and whether you run hot or cold when exercising. An insulated Jacket is probably better suited to men and women and children who tend to feel the cold more and Ski or Snowboard more conservatively. If you run HOT and really push hard with your Skiing and Snowboarding, then go for a Shell system and “Layer Up”. You can shed layers if you find yourself heating up. Some Shell Jackets we sell, like the 686 Sync Jacket, can be folded right down into their own hood and stashed in your back pack.
4. Mid Layer DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Jackets ? These are multi purpose Mid Layers that can be used under a shell but also as they are water repellent, can be used in their own right as a Jacket for Spring Snow. They are also warm enough to be used in Snowdomes.
5. Technical T-Shirts and Base Layers ? These are T-shirts and Base Layers that wick (draw) moisture away from the skin so the moisture can be existed through your over layers. This helps keep you dry and stops your sweat going cold and clammy and making you feel cold. Sweat is your bodies way of cooling down but totally useless if your layer cant move the moisture away from your skin. You also find that Tech T-Shirts and Base Layers have anti stink treatment in them to keep you smelling sweet. Most of these layers can be worn for around 3 days of constant sweating before they start to smell so if you tend to sweat quite a bit then consider two sets of base layers.
6. Technical Socks ? We also cover socks in the boot section but once again, buy the best you can afford, Preferably Merino and definitely technical socks. A Technical Sock will be stitched in various panels with stretch zones to “wrap” the foot without leaving rucks or gathered material at the foot and ankle joints. They will also have a thinner supportive stretch area under the arch and padded heel and toe boxes. If you have spare budget then this should be spent here more than on anything else and then on your boots next. Good socks support your feet and also support a good fit in your boot and can alleviate foot pain.

Here you can find the sizing guides for our clothing ranges

Please note this is only a guide as different body shapes, if in doubt, please feel free to come into the shop and try them on for size.

Mens Rash Guard Fitting Guide

Womens Rash Guard Fitting Guide

Womens Surf Short Fitting Guide