Dressing for XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

The Dressing for XC Skiing and Snowshoeing Page is a special section on XCSkiResorts.com to provide basic information about apparel, materials, and share our experience to make xc skiing and snowshoeing more comfortable. For more details read the articles below or click one of the headings to go directly to that specific section. Photo by Chris Figershau

Introduction

Base Layer

Insulating Layer

Outer Protection Layer

Other Necessary Items

Introduction to Dressing for XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

There are few activities where keeping you warm and dry is more important than xc skiing or snowshoeing. Proper apparel is versatile and functional and worth spending on.

Your body produces heat through metabolism of food at a rate dependent upon your level of activity and environmental influences. In a cold environment, the rate of metabolism increases automatically and your clothing must conserve this extra heat by providing a layer of insulation around your body. At the same time xc skiing and snowshoeing requires energy and you'll create moisture in the form of perspiration that you need to dissipate.

"Dressing for success" for xc skiing or snowshoeing means wearing multiple layers of clothing. Your clothing system needs:
to provide protection from the environment (wind, snow, rain, cold);
encourage rapid dissipation of moisture generated by your body;
provide a means to vary the amount of insulation when necessary; and
allow for unrestricted movement.

No single piece of clothing has yet been created to meet all of these criteria, thus winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts wear three layers, the base layer, the insulating layer and the outer protective layer. You can add or shed layers as you need.

Base Layer

This is the layer worn next to the skin, usually thermal underwear. This layer provides some layers of insulating air next to and within the product materials and wicking power to pass moisture away from the skin. As you perspire, the underwear made of synthetic fibers (or blends of different synthetic and natural materials such as wool or silk) the wicking power moves the moisture away from the skin and passes it through the fabric so it can evaporate. Base layer tops (shirts) or bottoms (pants)

This product called VaporWick is an example of a lightweight base layer with an elastic waist, flatlocked seams and a silky microdenier fiber that is comfortable and easy to wear with other layers while it feels soft against the skin. VaporWick is available in long sleeve crew, quarter zip shirt and a tight. There are various heavier base layers available for colder conditions.

Insulating Layer

This middle layer includes for example, shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, vests and pullovers and the purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out by trapping air between the fibers. Materials used for the insulating layer include fleece or wool that maintains their insulating ability even when wet and the evaporating moisture gets spread out so it dries quickly.

There are many new materials used for the insulating layer and these products canbe used as versatile garments with or without base layers or outer layers. This Hoodie is a women's zip-front lightweight top that is easy to take on and off and provides plenty of ventilation. It is breathable and quick-drying and has no shoulder seam for a better range of motion and comfort.

Outer Protection Layer

This exterior layer serves to guard against the elements. It repels moisture from snow, sleet or rain; blocks the wind and lets perspiration escape to the outside. The industry terminology for this engineered fabric is "waterproof/breathable." This allows the garment to allow transportation of perspiration out away from the body while blocking snow or rain from getting in past the outer layer. The secret to this characteristic is tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate.

There are jackets and pants that are merely shells without insulating liner materials but they may have functional hoods, cuffs, thumb-hole extensions and powder skirts. Some of these features would only be of value in extreme cold or a snowstorm. Heavier jackets and pants might have built-in insulation and still others may have zip-in insulation layers.

Additional useful features can include for example, abrasion knee protection, cuff enclosures around the ankle to keep out moisture, full length two-way zippers for easy-in and easy-out, sealed seams and even zip pockets for accessories. This Jacket has many useful features (including earphone access from zip interior pocket for listening to portable music).

This Pant includes the features mentioned above plus an internal leg gaiter to keep snow out of your boots and it includes Apex Universal fabric panels to provide stretch for ease of movement along with moderate air permeability for temperature regulation. The vent pockets double as ventilation and storage for small items and cinchcords secure the jacket around the hips to keep snow out. Velcro adjustable cuffs fit over or under gloves to seal out drafts or snow.

Other Necessary Items

Headwear

Up to 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from your head if it's uncovered. The solution is of course to wear a hat or headband. Wool hats are available with non-itch liners and fleece is a popular material for soft comfort. Make sure that your hat is not too tight (that might prevent a headache). Hats can be different sizes and have different weights, too. A bigger hat and a fleece neck gaiter or facemask would be the ticket on very cold days.

Sunglasses

Snow has a very high reflectivity and can make ultraviolet rays strong, which can be dangerous for your eyes and exposed face. Sunglasses are essential on sunny days to protect your eyes and face from the sun and wind.

Socks

In past years, selecting socks was a science. Finding the right materials that are warm enough, can withstand extensive use (there is plenty of foot movement in xc skiing or snowshoeing) and allow perspiration to pass away is the challenge. Nowadays, many sock producers offer socks that are manufactured with blends of materials that cover all the bases. Be wary of very heavy socks as they can be bulky and can change how your boot fits your foot. Synthetic sock liners, though somewhat dated, can be used with a light wool or ski sock over them. The liners have base layer qualities and keep your feet dry and warm. Many of the newer synthetic blended socks include various treatments and have the necessary characteristics built in for performance to regulate warmth and breathability.

Gloves and Mittens

The key thing with xc ski gloves is that they fit correctly, can provide the necessary warmth and can take the extensive abuse from ski pole use. Look for a glove with a well stitched and reinforced palm, thumb and forefinger. Gloves should be lightweight for the excessive movement in xc skiing. Avoid heavier over-insulated gloves because they will cause you to perspire. You may want a cuff to create a seal with your jacket sleeve and keep the snow and drafts out.

See the XCSkiResorts.com Gear News Page for additional current information about other apparel brands and products.