Spring Ski Jackets: Guide to buying a Shell Jacket:

Buying a Spring Ski Jacket

In the midst of winter warmth is paramount in your ‘must have’ features when buying a ski jacket.  However Easter skiing can be pretty uncomfortable when the sun beats down onto your highly insulated jacket! 

Q: So what should you look for when warmer-weather skiing?

A: Shell Jacket: A waterproof, breathable jacket without insulation….

What to consider when buying a Shell Jacket:

1.     Fabric: Gore-Tex is the fabric leader and is the best, but there is a growing range of alternative waterproof and breathable membranes available, which are not as pricey.  Look for fabrics with a waterproof rating of 15k - 20k mm and a breathability rating of 10k – 15k grams.

2.     Layers:   With layers, it is easier to control the amount of insulation/ventilation you have depending on what you are doing at the time.  The key principle when wearing a shell is to follow the 3-layer principle:

• ·         Base Layer: Many opt to wear one base layer, and carry a spare mid-layer in their backpacks should it cool down during the day.
• ·         Mid Layer: good technical layer, which must be breathable too
• ·         Shell Jacket on top: giving you the flexibility to adapt to spring skiing conditions perfectly.  

3.     Breathability: In bold and underlined(!) – this is the key feature in all your spring ski clothing!  You will inevitably sweat more so you must wear clothing that will transport the sweat away from your body.

4.     Waterproof:  Hard Shell jacket fabric will be waterproof, but check for taped seams and waterproof zips to ensure there are no weak points.

5.     Vents: Pit Zips: a really handy feature to release trapped hot air and let in some cool air to circulate around your skin.  Lift up the arm of the jacket and check to see if there are underarm zips that you can undo.   

6.     Other uses: we love being able to wear our shell jackets for other sports too!  Cycling, hiking, etc.

www.sports-outlet.co.uk 

NOW ON SALE!

Scott Viretta Jacket 2014 30% off RRP! It’s rare to find 4 seasons of versatility in one shell, but the Viretta has it: 2.5 layers of stretch fabric and unique features like a roll-away hood that zips into the collar make this an ideal piece for everything from an AM bike commute to an afternoon ski-tour. 

Scott Exploit Jacket 2014 20% off RRP!  Dialed athletic fit, pack-friendly pocket location, and four-way stretch in a 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell. 

Scott Cascadia Jacket  50% OFF RRP! Scott's top of the range GORE-TEX® Soft Shell jacket.

Scott Vikos Jacket 2014 30% off RRP!  Ultralight, waterproof, windproof, breathable 3L Jacket