Snowboarding Apparel
Snowboarding is becoming an increasingly popular form of active leisure and sport. The textile industry is also advancing, offering increasingly innovative and modern types of clothing and equipment for various sports and outdoor activities. The range of gear and clothing for snowboarders continues to grow.
The primary outfit for a snowboarder is their suit. Everyday winter clothing is unsuitable for snowboarding because it isn’t designed for close contact with snow or for prolonged exposure to wet conditions. For snowboarding, specialized attire is necessary.
The first rule when selecting clothing is its layering.
Typically, three layers of clothing are used:
Outer (external) layer – This is the most important layer, as it protects against external elements such as low temperatures, snow, and moisture. It must prevent moisture penetration from the outside while simultaneously wicking away excess moisture from the snowboarder and the inner layers.
The outer layer comes in two styles: a separate jacket and pants, or a full jumpsuit. Let’s examine the key features of these two styles:
Waveboard In the summer, snowboarders often switch to roller boards. Waveboard is a new type of skateboard, quite different from previous models.
Check out our article on the Abzakovo ski resort here .
Snowboard Jacket and Pants
Women’s Snowboarding Jacket and Pants
This option is straightforward – much like in a standard outfit, the key is to ensure both the top and bottom fit well over the inner layers, creating a seamless continuation of their function. Adjustable straps are usually used to achieve this. A winter snowboarding jacket must have a “snow skirt” to prevent snow from getting inside – much like the bottom of a tent. The pants must be durable (resistant to falls and sudden movements), flexible enough to allow for various movements, and equipped with ventilation zones to balance sudden temperature changes. Features like pockets and belt loops on the pants are also convenient. As a reminder: the jacket and pants should be warm and allow for unrestricted movement.
Snowboard Jumpsuit
Women’s Snowboarding Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit, naturally, doesn’t require a snow skirt like a jacket does.
Since there’s no connection between two separate clothing elements, the risk of snow getting inside is reduced.
Additionally, there’s no need to match a jacket and pants individually.
However, there are also drawbacks: for instance, a jumpsuit can be inconvenient to remove when you need to use the restroom.
Some people also find the appearance of jumpsuits less appealing and prefer the versatility of different designs for jackets and pants.
Interestingly, separate jackets and pants from the same brand often have features like connecting snow skirts, which effectively turn them into a snowboard-style jumpsuit.
The primary materials used in snowboarding attire are membrane fabrics.
The main function of a membrane is to wick excess moisture away while preventing external moisture from getting in.
Membrane fabrics have two key parameters: water resistance and breathability. These characteristics are usually listed on the tags of each clothing item.
Pay close attention to the seam sealing on the suit. If they haven’t been sealed with a special waterproof tape, moisture could seep under the membrane. This issue is more common in budget-friendly models. Zippers should also have special water-resistant covers.
Most snowboarding suits feature cuffs on sleeves and pant legs to keep snow out. Sleeve cuffs are attached to the wrist, while pant leg cuffs attach to boots, often with hooks or gaiter-like “lantern” covers.
Winter Sleeping Bag When buying a sleeping bag, keep in mind that winter sleeping bags belong to a special category.
Don’t miss our guide to Russia’s best winter resort – Sheregesh.
Also, check out this article on choosing your first skateboard and getting started. Since snowboarders often sit on the snow for extended periods, outerwear has some unique features that are rarely found in other types of clothing. For instance, snowboarding pants are designed with a higher waist and a lower back panel to prevent the lower back from getting cold. The hood is made spacious enough to fit over a helmet, and the collar is high to protect against wind.
Women's snowboarding jacket
Middle layer clothing for snowboarding primarily serves for insulation. In budget-friendly jackets and jumpsuits, the middle layer might be integrated with the outer layer, acting as a sewn-in insulator. However, in high-end models, the middle layer is usually omitted, giving snowboarders the freedom to choose their preferred insulation.
The most common option for the middle layer is a fleece sweatshirt—a comfortable garment that also wicks away moisture. In especially cold conditions, or conversely, in mild conditions, softshell jackets can be used as the middle layer. Softshell jackets are made from modern materials that provide moisture resistance while wicking away perspiration. In warmer conditions, such jackets can be worn without an outer layer. However, if used this way, it’s essential for the jacket to have cuffs, a snow “skirt,” and sealed seams.
Thermal underwear
The inner layer of clothing for snowboarding almost always consists of
insulated thermal underwear
as well as socks for the feet. It’s best to choose thermal underwear models specifically designed for active sports. Keep in mind that the main purpose of the inner layer is not to warm the snowboarder but to wick away as much evaporated moisture as possible. This is something that thermal underwear for active sports does very well. The middle layer is responsible for warmth.
For socks, it’s important to select ones designed for snowboarding or alpine skiing. These socks have a specialized shape and padding that enable you to enjoy snowboarding in comfort for much longer than you would with regular socks.