Ski Jacket - 7 Secrets From an Industry Insider to Keep You From Getting Ripped Off

By Denise Street

If you are interested in purchasing a ski jacket, you should know the 7 secrets from an industry insider to keep you from getting ripped off. There are many different manufacturers that produce and sell ski jackets. Unfortunately, not all of these companies work to deliver jackets that are appropriate for skiing activities. In the same respect, not all companies produce ski clothes that are high in quality. In this consumer guide, you will be introduced to the 7 secrets as noted by an industry insider on what to look for in a jacket so that you can avoid being ripped off.

1. The first step to choosing a high quality ski jacket is to ensure that the fabric used on the jacket is waterproof. It is important to ensure that moisture will not soak through the jacket onto your body. When skiing, you experience many different environmental conditions such as snow, ice, and rain. You will want to know that your jacket will protect you from these elements.

2. If you want a real ski jacket, it is important to select only those that have multiple layers. Flimsy jackets with only one to two layers simply are not enough. You will want to make certain that the layers are composed of high quality fabric that will keep moisture away from your body.

3. The next factor that you will want to consider prior to purchasing a ski jacket are the seams of the clothing. You will want to focus on only closed seams. These types of seams will lock out wind and moisture. If you do not purchase closed seams, you will find that the jacket does not have as high of a lifespan and is not nearly as durable.

4. When choosing a ski jacket, it is absolutely important that you pay special attention to the construction of the sleeves. It is best to choose those that have elastic sleeves. It is also important to seek out only those that have an outer-cuff that is considered to be "straight".

5. When buying your ski clothing, it is important to ensure that there is a hood on the jacket. This hood will help in keeping moisture away from your head and face area. It will also help protect you from the wind. If there is no hood at all, you may find it to be distracting while on the slopes.

6. When buying a jacket, it is important to have both a button enclosure and a zipper enclosure. This offers many different levels of protection. In addition to this, the double enclosure level allows you the ability to move freely on the slopes without having to worry about your buttons popping open.

7. Last, but not least, it is important to ensure that you select a jacket that contains sections where you may place your belongings while skiing. There are different compartments that are created for cell phones, wallets, and more. If you want a truly functional jacket, choosing those that have these compartments will prove to be highly beneficial.

As you can see, there are many different factors to consider when shopping for a ski jacket. If you follow the steps contained in this guide, you can successfully avoid being ripped off.

Denise Street is a fashion consultant/adviser and avid skier and snowboarder. Since she spends a lot time outside doing these activities she knows the importance of wearing the appropriate clothing. She strives to provide you with her expertise and experience to help you choose the right apparel so you can focus on having fun, not on the cold. For more consumer advise about purchasing a ski jacket, visit http://www.squidoo.com/ski-jacket --------------------------------------------------- For more information on Ski Clothing, see www.bestskisource.com.

Ski Boot Heaven

By Frank Stuart

Here's an article to start your ski season off early about ski bootsand how to get them fitted properly.

Of all the equipment skiing requires ski boots may be the most important. Once you own the right pair of ski boots even an old pair of skis will act totally different (better behaved). The other important issue here is that if your boots don't fit correctly you can reach a whole new level of being miserable and quickly. One last thing, if you travel, it's a lot easier to put your boots in a boot bag and haul them along than adding a pair of skis to the luggage. If you are an advanced skier (and you probably are if you're taking your boots with you :} ) it's an easy thing to rent demo skis at any area. Demo skis are advanced models and cost a little more but are worth a few extra bucks.

Back to boots... here are a few tips that might help. Ski boot shells... the actual hard shell or outer boot... only come in whole sizes. So a 91/2 is actually a 9 shell. The difference is made up in the liner and the insole. As a result you should be sure you are up as far as you can in the fit as is possible. In my boots for example, I am nearly touching the front of the boot when I stand on a flat surface. When my skis are on I am forward enough to bring my foot back off the front of the boot. Now you may not want to push your fit that far and go for the extra ½ size, just understand that the more the boot isolates lateral movement in your foot, the more it is doing it's job.

Boots made the transition from leather to plastic in the late 60"s, with Lange leading the way. As hard as it was you could break in leather but unless you are a very hard skier, you won't really break in plastic shells. What you will break in is the flow in the liner of the boot. Flow is a high density foam that usually molds to your foot pretty well. If your boot shop doesn't do it for you, take your new boots and heat them with a hairdryer... don't burn them you should be able to put your hand inside to check without burning it. When the liner is good and warm strap, 'em on and simply walk around for 15 minutes with them on. Keep moving so the flow allows for the movement of your feet. You will end up with an immediate fit that otherwise would have taken a day or so of possibly uncomfortable skiing while the warmth of your foot broke down the foam.

As a last thought, all of us walk a little bowed out or in with our stance. This is known as pronation or supination. The effect on your skiing is that the ski does not lay flat but rather rides up on it's edge which in turn can cause you all sorts of issues you don't want. Talk to your ski shop about ways to correct your stance with inserts and your skiing will improve dramatically.

Have a great season!

Click here to learn more vital strategies to keep you safe on the slopes this year http://www.ski-safely.com ------------------------------------------- For more information and articles on Skiing, see www.bestskisource.com.

Going Skiing? Picking the Clothes to Make Your Ski Day Enjoyable

By Andrew Bicknell

No matter your level of skiing experience wearing the proper ski clothing is important to your overall enjoyment. Being wet, cold, and miserable will take the fun out of what can be a very fun recreational sport. You want to stay warm and dry while being comfortable at the same time. Fortunately this is easy to do if you use the proper skiing clothes and equipment.

Let's start at the top and work our way down. Either a good hat or helmet is a definite must. You will loose more heat through the top of your head then anywhere else on your body. This is particularly true when skiing first thing in the morning. As the day where's on it may warm up enough that you can just put your hat in a pocket.

A good pair of ski goggles or sun glasses is also something that you can't go without. Protecting your eyes from the wind, blowing snow, and the intense rays of the sun reflecting off the snow is very important. Goggles will also make it easier to see the terrain which can translate into better overall skiing performance.

Next you need to keep your body warm and dry. Start with a base layer of moisture wicking fabric like silk or micro-knitted fleece. This will keep any perspiration away from your body which is key to remaining warm and comfortable. Over this base layer you can add another layer such as a lightweight fleece shirt or jacket or ski vest. This is the main insulating layer so it pays to choose it wisely.

Over your base layers you will need a ski jacket. Your ski jacket protects you against the element; wind, cold, snow, and water. Choose one that offers the option of a zip-in liner which can further help you adjust your layering needs depending on weather and temperature conditions.

Your gloves or mittens should be waterproof and fit loosely enough to allow good blood circulation to your fingers, while at the same time you need to be able to have a good grip on your ski poles.

For your legs you will want a good set of waterproof/windproof ski pants or bibs. Under this you will want an insulating layer to stay warm. Fleece pants or heavy polypropylene long underwear are both good choices. They will need to fit snuggly over your ski boots to keep the snow out but still be loose enough to give you complete freedom of movement.

For your feet a pair of ski socks is a must. They should be stretchy and conform to the shape of your foot without being overly tight. You do not want to constrict the blood flow to your toes because once they get cold they are hard to warm back up. Ski socks should also be made of wicking material to keep moisture away from your skin.

Choosing the proper ski clothes will go a long ways towards your ultimate enjoyment of your day on the slopes. Being cold and wet is no fun and can be avoided if you take the time to outfit yourself with the right kind of clothing.

There is no better choice then a North Face Womens Jacket when it comes to skiing warmth and comfort. To learn more about North Face Womens Jacket please Click Here.

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Dress to Impress Next Ski Season

By Billings Farnsworth

Even though the ski season is over, it's never too early to plan for next year. Be sure to have all of the proper ski clothing ready for your next experience so that you don't freeze or hurt yourself.

Clothing is the first part of your ski equipment that you want to make sure is right. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear to keep yourself warm. Although they do make once piece thermal underwear, wearing a thermal body shirt and pants should still do the trick. Be sure to keep your feet warm with a good pair of ski socks. Depending on which ones you get they can help keep your feet dry, warm and padded against hard impacts. Special snowboarding socks are available in certain stores. On top of that first layer you should wear a fleece jacket or sweater, a good pair of ski pants and some ski boots. Your ski boots will vary depending on the type of binding that your skis have.

Keep your head nice and warm with a ski hat or beanie. If you are an extreme skier or just want a little extra protection, there are helmets made especially for snow sports that you can pick up at specialty stores. Finish off your last layer with a quality ski jacket and gloves. Protect your hands from snow, ice and impact with a pair of specially designed ski gloves that have padding in them. With these gloves your hands will always be protected.

Park's Sportsman sells ski equipment. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

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