Snowboarding Jacket Buying Tips
One of the most important things you require before hitting the slopes is a good snowboarding jacket. They may look the same from a distance i.e. similar style and colour but they can be worlds apart. The first thing to look for is functionality. If it’s not fit for the purpose then what’s the use? Not only does your jacket create your distinctive mark among other snowboarders on the slopes it does have other purposes.
The snowboarding jackets main purpose in life is to serves as your protection from the extreme cold making you warm and dry throughout your day on the slopes. Today it\'s all about the high tech specs of the materials and although they cost a little extra it is worth buying the best snowboarding jacket you can afford. Eventually, you will appreciate its great value making it your best friend at the end of the season. Some things you should look at before making that sound investment are listed below.
The Purpose of Modern Snowboarding Jackets
Snowboarding jackets have three main purposes. Primarily they should make sure that snow wind and rain does not get inside. Secondly it must be comfortable and flexible enough for you to be able to move without constraint. You do not want to be climbing up steep slopes in the most cumbersome of winter apparel. It would only sap your energy. Thirdly the jacket must be able to breath. In material terms that is to let moisture escape. Although the jackets are almost impenetrable to outside elements you do need to be able to allow body moisture in the form of sweat to escape. And in the event of snow or rain somehow getting inside your jacket it must also have an escape route.
A lot of time and scientific study have gone into the types of material that snowboard jackets are now made of. In fact the same types of materials go into modern space suits. The fabric consists of monolithic, microporous laminate. The amazing thing about the monolithic membrane is that as you work harder the membrane absorbs and exhales more vapour. Microporous laminates contain millions of pores which allow for molecules of water vapour to pass out, but not allowing for water to enter. So with these facts what do you need in a snowboarding jacket?
Jacket Breathability
When buying a jacket, you should want something that you can use comfortably during extreme cold conditions and during warmer days. The last thing you need is clothing that allows moisture to be retained inside your jacket. Two types of breathable coating exist, hydrophilic and microporous
Hydrophilic coatings rely on the chemical and molecular properties of water molecules. The heat that the body generates inside the garment drives water vapour (perspiration) down the polymer chains found in the coating to the external face, the water vapour moving from molecule to molecule rather than freely through a physical hole or pore. The more moisture the body creates the wetter the fabric becomes and the polymer chain increases in size to allow the moisture to pass.
. A microporous coating works on the same principle as a microporous membrane, the pores in the coating being large enough to let water vapour pass through but small enough to keep water droplets out.
Waterproof Material
Waterproof material is perhaps the most important snowboarding jacket requirement and is linked to your jackets ability to breath
Although you can probably get a bargain by buying inexpensive jackets that has waterproofing, these jackets usually have waterproof coating that wears off over time. Waterproofing has moved way beyond a simple chemical coating. The new measurement of a waterproof jacket is measured by how many centimetres of water can rest on top of the material before leaking through. The best fabrics can support tens of meters of water before leaking. Snowboarding jacket material can be of the finest quality but what good would it be if water and snow could enter through the zipper. The zipper should be covered, the inner layer must not absorb water and a jacket should have all of its seams sealed with a waterproof tape. Top of the line jackets will also have added features that will help you like taped seams or insulated zippers.
Jacket Insulation
Like in waterproofing, checking for insulation needs meticulous inspection. The goal is to buy a snowboard jacket that will maintain your core temperature and protect you from developing hypothermia. Knowing what is the best materials for insulation is important in making some of your outdoor clothing selections
Look for a jacket that allows you to pad several layers of clothing underneath it depending on the weather.
If you have low resistance to cold temperature, it is advisable to look for a jacket that has a built-in insulation. However, remember that a good jacket gives you enough insulation while at the same time giving you enough mobility. Down filling is still one of the lightest and most effective fillings for a snowboarding jacket. Then there is synthetic fibre. There are different synthetic fibres but they are usually heavier and bulkier than down but are better because they have less water retention if they should get wet. Some of the special synthetic fills are specially treated to resist moisture penetration while still keeping you warm if wet.
Snowboarding jacket price range.
Usually the higher the price, the better the jacket. But you need a jacket that fits your budget also. The big differences in the prices of jackets lie on the amount of jacket venting and the quality of its waterproofing. Buy the best jacket you can afford which will give you a good venting system and good waterproofing to keep you dry.
Check for Added Features
When checking for added features, inspect the jacket and look for, a resistant zip secure pocket, wedge lock hood adjustment, pit-zip venting, goggle pocket, music pocket, magnet catches rather than Velcro for the neck fastenings some handy tools, snack, water, etc. Check the design if it has a hood preferably a detachable one that can be removed during good weather and can be attached during a stormy day. Check for cuffs too. These are good for keeping out chilly breeze from entering your sleeves. When you have done all your checks then you can buy the snowboarding jacket which suits you best.
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