| With the arrival of winter it is time to start planning | | | | So you are looking for a shell with a Gortex layer but |
| for winter sports. The clothing you choose for | | | | what other things should you look for? There are a |
| outdoor sports is critical to you staying warm and | | | | couple things. Look for a longer jacket. I am not |
| enjoying whatever you are doing. This isn't a decision | | | | talking about a jacket that goes down to your knees |
| to be taken lightly. Depending on what outdoor | | | | but you want one that will come down below your |
| sports you choose to take on your clothing will need | | | | waist. This will keep snow from coming up under |
| to reflect the conditions typical of the sport. | | | | your jacket when it is real deep. Ideally you want a |
| Winter jackets are the most important item of | | | | jacket with an inner storm cuff sewn into the waist |
| clothing and it is real important you get the right type | | | | and a draw cord. This provides additional protection |
| of jacket. The role of the winter jacket is to keep | | | | from snow getting in and helps keep out the wind. |
| out the elements at the same time it allows moisture | | | | The arm cuffs are also important. You want to have |
| to escape. Many people think that they need a thick | | | | cuffs with velcro so you can secure them around the |
| well insulated coat. This is simply not true. Remember | | | | wrist so snow cannot get in regardless of how bad |
| when we were kids and were always told to wear a | | | | you crash. With proper pair of gloves you will never |
| couple layer to stay warm, well it is true. Layer up to | | | | have to worry about snow getting in. |
| provide warmth and have a high quality winter jacket | | | | Another critical thing to look for is a high collar that |
| to keep out the wind and snow. | | | | zips all the way. A good winter ski jacket will have a |
| So what exactly should you look for? For the | | | | collar that comes up to the nose. The higher the |
| purpose of this article lets say you are looking for a | | | | better. |
| new winter jacket for an upcoming ski trip. You need | | | | Finally, make sure it has a good hood. By good I |
| to look for a few things. First, a shell is your ideal | | | | mean the hood is secures to the jacket along the |
| choice. When I say shell I mean a jacket with no | | | | neck line. The hood should cover around the sides of |
| insulation layer. | | | | the head and have some draw cords to close the |
| Remember the role of the winter jacket is to allow | | | | opening around the face. |
| moisture from sweat to escape from the jacket at | | | | All these things are going to work together to |
| the same time keeping water and wind out. For the | | | | provide the maximum amout of protection from the |
| jacket to perform this you need an amazing material | | | | elements. I have been in extreme winter conditions |
| called GorTex. Gortex is a membrane that allow | | | | and have been able to work and ski simply because |
| moisture to escape from the jacket but prevents | | | | my clothing was able to keep me warm and dry. |
| water from getting in. It is simply essential to staying | | | | Without the ability to stay warm you will be cold and |
| warm and dry in the outdoors. | | | | not likely to enjoy the day in the outdoors. |