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November 1, 2006
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Layering for Nordic Skiing
Dear DXC,
Those new DXC jerseys look pretty neat, but there’s something I don’t understand. I see people skiing and racing all winter long in what looks like thin lycra and skin-tight outfits. Do those thin ski clothes have some kind of windproof layer? Or do people wear lots of layers of long underwear underneath? Or is that single thin layer the only layer? I don’t understand how people can wear such a thin layer without getting cold. Can you explain?
Signed,
Shivering In My Parka
Dear Shivering;
First off let it be known that you DO NOT have to dress in lycra to XC ski! Today you have a wide variety of more casual-looking, yet extremely functional, clothing options. Options you can actually wear out in public and not get pointed at or singled out in any way! Companies like Sporthill and Craft make a wide variety of looser fitting windproof, breathable garments to keep you warm and dry as you enjoy our wonderful winter season. Even some snowboard clothing companies make lightweight, breathable pieces that are great for getting sweaty in. And they are a lot more stylish! As for how to stay warm in a Lycra suit; Ski fast!! Most people save the lycra for race day. But there are thicker, warmer lycra tights and tops for colder temps. Most often these are some solid color- usually black. The very colorful custom race suits you see out on the trail usually are not very warm if used by themselves. In warmer temps (20 - 30 F or above) some racers can stay warm during an event in just a race suit. But trust me, they are wearing a wind blocking and insulating layer in strategic locations under the suit! On cooler days they will wear a moisture-wicking long underwear beneath the suit. I, personally, prefer a long underwear with a wind blocking panel on the front. Craft makes a great one! If you can keep the wind from getting to your skin it will do wonders for your comfort level! Lastly - DON’T WEAR COTTON!! Cotton is great for summer. But when it gets wet it stays wet. And when wet cotton gets cold it gets REALLY cold!OK - one more thing. Stay away from excessively thick socks. Most touring boots these days are quite warm. A light to midweight wool blend sock (paired with a properly fit boot) is perfect! Thick socks actually keep your foot from flexing properly - inhibiting blood flow. Thus - cold feet! You can also get warm “booties” to put over the top of race boots for those really cold days. Resist the temptation to allow “sock room” in a race boot! Fit the boot snug and buy some booties! I could go on-and-on. But you get the idea!
- Mick D. (from SKIHUT).
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November 30, 2007 at 3:47 pm |
I’m wondering about the differences between silk, merino wool, and polyester long underwear. I can’t seem to find anything that explains the pros and cons adequately. Polyester sounds like the awful non-breathable stuff we shyed away from after the 70’s, but I read somewhere that it’s new and improved. I’m concerned about keeping the first layer dry and I don’t think I will be very concerned about super cold temperatures, so which is best and why? I’ve heard about capilene–what’s that? Thanks
September 22, 2008 at 5:14 pm |
“Capilene” is just Patagonia’s version of space-age polyester–it comes in a variety of weights, from silkweight baselayer all the way to fleecy super-warm. I’ve got a few capilene garments and like them pretty well, although with Patagonia it’s always a fine plan to try to buy on sale. But there are a wide variety of similar fabrics with less chichi brand names attached–while Patagonia stuff is really good generally, there is often a lot of good stuff out there at lower prices. I wear a Capilene 1 (the lightest weight) top under my windproof vest in conditions down to about 15 degrees or so and manage pretty well. But I tend to heat up a lot, so something heavier may make more sense for you.
My wife has some Icebreaker merino wool tops that she seems to be quite fond of, which is good since I gave them to her. But with the exception of SmartWool socks, I’ve never worn any of the “technical” wool stuff, so I can’t really comment on it.
September 23, 2008 at 12:49 pm |
Erik is correct. Capilene is very nice stuff (and alot of it is made from recycled material!). There are alot of different brands with different names. The vast majority of which are lightyears better than what you had in the 70’s! The nice thing about the “chichi” brands is that they back up their product. Most have an excellant warranty policy. Alot of the cheaper brands do not.
As for materials - I have two current favorites. Lightweight wools ( Smartwool) and Craft “Pro Zero Extreme”. Though I find the wool does not wick quite as well it IS very comfy and just will not hold odor. The latest Craft dries amazingly quickly! I ran Bangin’ In The Brush last weekend in a short sleeve Pro Zero Extreme top and it was dry within minutes of finishing! It is also very light, comfy and, yes, expensive. But, in my opinion, well worth it! I’ve never used silk - so I have no input there.
September 25, 2008 at 12:56 pm |
I love Capilene too…! It’s softer, does not stink, pill or shrink like polypropelene does. It’s more expensive and worth it. It is all about what your own body needs…I am always hot and have cold fingers and toes no matter what I do…so I wear only one think wicking top and a windbreaker on top, never wear long underwear on the bottom and just adjust the thickness of my tights. I normally wear mittens instead of gloves and use fleece to stay warmer…Sierra Trading post normally has very good deals on outdoor clothing! You can also answer riddles from online to get free shipping!