The Packing List for Skiing
Written: Jan 05 '01 (Updated Jan 08 '01)
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| AlexG's Full Review: Archived Outdoors Reviews |
The skiing season is upon us. I have a few words of advice on what to pack for your ski trip, based on my 10 years of experience on the slopes. The right clothes are essential in making everyone's experience enjoyable. This is what works for me…
1) Underwear (tops and bottoms). In my opinion, the most important article of clothing! Don't forget it. And if you don't have it, I highly recommend you buy one (about $50 for a package). There are many brands, which are very similar. I use Body-Sensors from Terramar. The important thing to keep in mind--NO COTTON!!! Cotton is the so-called "death" material when it comes to winter sports. The problem is that people sweat from physical activity and cotton gets cold and wet very fast and it doesn't dry up. Not wearing cotton is the #1 rule for anyone going skiing for the first time.
2) Fleece jacket. Doesn't have to be anything fancy as long as it's not made of cotton.
3) Winter jacket. Preferably waterproof/windproof. Good winter jackets cost a fortune. Some brands like North Face and Sierra Designs can cost up to $400-500. It’s been a subject of continuous arguments whether these jackets are worth the price. Frankly I don’t know. But I do know that these are good quality products—durable and will last for many years. I wear Contour, which is a Canadian brand. I bought it in Vancouver when I went skiing to Whistler/Blackcomb two winters ago. I’m very happy with my jacket. I believe I paid 250 Canadian dollars for it. Columbia is another popular sports brand. They sell many jackets of different quality, which are all over the price scale, so keep that in mind. There are many other brands, which have pretty much one thing in common—high price. But then again, skiing is inherently expensive sport.
Items 1-3 are the only things you need to wear for the upper half of your body, whether it's 32, 22 or 12 degrees outside. It might be cold on the chair lift, but for skiing you don't need anything else. If the temperature falls into single digits with some wind, then I suggest staying home and doing something other than skiing. Remember, if it’s disgustingly cold and windy when you leave your house, it will be much colder on the top with increasing winds.
4) Pants. Preferably waterproof/windproof. If not, then try not to fall, 'cause wet pants in combination with cold is not a pleasant experience. No jeans! I wear Columbia ski pants ($50).
5) Socks. I recommend ski socks (about $15). I find them more comfortable than regular tube socks. There are three important factors when it comes to good socks. They have to be comfortable, warm and dry. I wear Thorlo ski socks, but there are many great alternatives. I've heard excellent reviews of Smartwool Ultrathin. Whatever you do, don't put on two pairs of socks thinking it would be warmer this way. Putting extra layers can potentially cut off circulation to your feet.
Now for accessories:
6) Gloves. That's self-explanatory. Warm and comfortable. No leather gloves.
7) Hat
8) Gaitor (I like mine from a 99 cents store more than a $10 one from Princeton ski shops).
9) Goggles
Optional: Small backpack, ski mask, ski helmet. I always carry a backpack when I ski. It is good to have if you want to put on/off an extra layer of clothes, throw a couple of candy bars, a small bottle of water perhaps. Also you can throw a ski wax and a ski lock in your backpack. It’s not a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit there too. The weight of the backpack is no problem whatsoever. In fact, I actually like it. Feels good to be prepared for unexpected things.
Have a great skiing season!
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AlexG
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 130
Trusted by: 237 members
About Me:
Alex has a voracious appetite for travel. Travel hasn't satisfied an appetite. It's created one.
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