 Poster: A snowHead
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sn00boarder, too late in the season now for TilliMax. You need to be looking August onward. Decathlon is a good own brand and have a look at Sport Pursuit too.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Masque, thanks.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Like it!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Spamoment, I reckon... 
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Hi,
MissusMac reckons I'm tight,  I reckon I'm just careful ...  Sooo, some random thoughts ...
TKMaxx - Ime, the jackets and trousers start to appear about now, the smaller stuff - gloves, base layer, etc. - in a few weeks time. Virtually all of said "small stuff" and most 'normal' sizes in jackets and trousers will be out the front door well before Christmas, TKMaxx aren't a ski-wear retailer as such so ... If You Snooze, You Lose ...
Trousers - Being a long-time motorcyclist/biker, first time I went skiing/boarding, I took a pair of cheap lined waterproof motorcycle overtrousers. Bad Idea - think of the Viz character Betty Swollocks  - I use cheap overtrousers on a motorcycle because all that leg-stretching getting on and off does for the crotch seam sooner or later; but cheap motorcycle overtrousers aren't breathable ... because you're sitting still on the bike, you don't care; skiing/boarding is hard exercise, you will care.
Second time I went skiing/boarding was late in the season, I happened to stick my head in a local ski-wear shop for something else, they were flogging off some ex-hire stuff, I got two pairs of salopettes for £20. 
Goggles - Otoh, many makers of 'ski' goggles also make 'motorcycle' goggles - particularly for off-road motorcycle sport - that bear a striking resemblance to one another.  Handily too, the ski season roughly coincides with the motorcycle sport off-season; pick a specialist seller of off-road motorcycle sport equipment in, say, Wales and some useful bargains can be had.  I've a pair of Oakley 'L-frames' because I wanted goggles that would fit over glasses. Curiously, the Oakley 'L-frame' clear lens for motorcycling transmits 100% of available light, while the clear lens for skiing transmits only 91% of available light ... 
Ski socks - No-brand-name socks are false economy. I suffer with poor circulation in my toes and fingers, I'd been using thicker cheap, no-brand socks for years; two seasons ago, after I shelled out on some Nordica socks in TKMaxx ... didn't cost any more than the no-brand-name socks but are wa-a-a-a-ay more comfortable ... Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier ... 
Base layer and Mid Layer - In the last few years, I've acquired Trek Mates, Surfanic and Trespass base layer from The Store That's Had Many Mentions but I've found it's worth signing up particularly to the Surfanic and Trespass websites for clearance bargains.
Otoh, Decathlon's £7 fleeces have worked well for me and I've yet to work out what advantage there is in paying more for a 'better' name. I've skied in -6 with just a base layer, Decathlon fleece, the no-name salopettes and still been toasty-warm. Got a soft-shell jacket for sick squid at the end of the 2011/12 season too ...
Gloves and Mitts - Got a couple of cheap thin pairs of gloves from Decathlon - ok for ski-ing in the Alps but fall to bits when shovelling snow and ice off the drive in GB.  For skiing in Finland - where it can get a tad chillier (-23 last February half-term ) - MissusMac and I acquired pairs of Shredz and Surfanic mitts big enough to fit thin gloves inside, she uses silk inners, I use thermal golfing gloves - thin for finger control for a fiddly job and can be washed and dried quicker than the mitts, to stop the mitts smelling like the proverbial Tram Driver's Glove. 
Hth.
Regards,
P.S. TKMaxx and Decathlon get a number of mentions only because they sell good stuff for not a lot of money and, as I said at the beginning, I'm careful ... 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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No mention of eVent shells, jackets etc?
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Not a bad guide at all, but just a couple of things I would not agree with:
Its a complete myth that you loose 30% of your heat through your head, if you are naked heat loss is pretty even. The head figure comes about as this is the biggest area of exposed skin.
Also you state "Your Head MUST HAVE A HAT OR HELMET"
Not true, that's completley weather and personal choice dependant. I ski approx 25 days a year, and on at least 60% of those no hat or helmet with no worries at all. Cold days, tree skiing or mogul days then the hat/helmet comes out.
I would also mention that nearlly all beginners wear to much clothing, I've seen them at the end of March dressed up like the next stop is the North Pole.
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| adie wrote: |
I would also mention that nearly all beginners wear to much clothing, I've seen them at the end of March dressed up like the next stop is the North Pole. |
I used to find exactly the same thing on the mountain. The last time I climbed Ben Nevis on a 3 Peaks in 24 hours I went up in February in boots, wool socks, baselayer wool jumper and a Karrimor Sympatex ski jacket.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Quote: |
The last time I climbed Ben Nevis on a 3 Peaks in 24 hours I went up in February in boots, wool socks, baselayer wool jumper and a Karrimor Sympatex ski jacket.
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No trousers? Must have been chilly......
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| galpinos wrote: |
| Quote: |
The last time I climbed Ben Nevis on a 3 Peaks in 24 hours I went up in February in boots, wool socks, baselayer wool jumper and a Karrimor Sympatex ski jacket.
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No trousers? Must have been chilly...... |
I'm sure I typed shorts.....but yes, no trouser, very similar to what enduro type cycle shorts are now....this was about 1989ish, well 88-91 anyway
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Sportsdirect.com, very good stuff, and good price to.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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It's a good time now to pick up last seasons kit at vastly reduced prices; Snow and Rock / Ellis Brigham and the like all have 2013/14 clothing on their sale racks.
Nick
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You know it makes sense.
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skiers i know dispense with the percieved mid layer and wear say coolmax white tee shirt over a base layer and rely on an insulated jacket rather than a shell, works for me as I hate removing a layer on the piste.
also its a cool kind of baseball look particularly if you are a bit blobby in the torso. 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I note Aldi are having specials on 4 dec of soft shell trousers.
Any knowledge if they are any good.
Have always used padded salopettes as more padded when falling but would welcome any opinions.
At £35 are they worth it and will they be windproof.
YHANKS
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Poster: A snowHead
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Aldi stuff is usually good value and reasonable quality for the price (tautology, sorry.)
Softshell isn't everybody's cup of tea and personally I find it a bit sweaty and thus inclined to get damp on the inside. It will be as windproof as you could wish for, possibly too much so. As an experienced Aldi customer. I would say be careful over sizing. The guide on the pack is accurate, but they tend to be a bit on the big side for fit. The smart move is to buy two (if in doubt about size, that is) and take back the ones that don't fit. No problem with this as long as you keep the receipt.
Good luck. You usually have to strike early to get the stuff.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Just bought my husband a 'Leader' Spyder jacket on amazon for £233.00. It's a really nice technical jacket - 2015 model. I thought a bit of a bargain on this year's price of £475.00.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Smartwool ski socks at TK Maxx, £7.99. I got the last pair from the Darlington store!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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it's a great guide. Thanx a lot man!!!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Thanks a lot for the information, really detailed guide!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hi, pretty new to the forum but skied as a kid. Going again but need new clothes, might be a stupid question but I was given a jacket (4-5 years old but hardly worn) its a craigshopper and feels like it may be suitable. 100% polyester with polyurethane coating. thanks
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Welcome to snowheads.
It'll probably just fine... Layer up if too cold. People (including me) have skied in all sorts of cheap crap:)
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@Squedwardx, Easy, you should only really need a thin waterproof for protection eg rain on the way back or really bitter windchill (most of the time it will be in a bag). Your jacket will be just fine.
Get a decent base layer to wick the sweat and one that you can wear a few days without requiring washing. Merino is great but one I've found recently is "David Gandy sleepwear" from Marks and Spencer. About 15 quid then layer up on top. I uses TNF thermobobble (over a merino 200 base) and this is fine.
I wouldn't bother about a full fleece with this combo, a simple gillet fleece is fine and keeps the core warm.
Things I never scrimp on are gloves or mitts. Get good quality, which doesn't need to be expensive (EG the £20 lefties gloves from Snowshepherd). etc etc
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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The Aldi/Lidl ski wear will be in the shops shortly. Not the most fashionable, but perfectly serviceable..
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Missus just braved the Lidl (France) ski gear sale. She got a ski jacket after I praised the quality of my jacket bought 2 seasons ago. She was at the front of the queue at 8.30 but was not fully prepared for the stampede as the doors opened. Fortunately she is a tall woman with long arms and managed to grab the gear she was after but not before some fisticuffs with other women looking to grab a bargain.
Madness.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Lidl had adult ski gear in today but no kids ski gear at all - anyone idea when it might be in?
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| always29 wrote: |
| Lidl had adult ski gear in today but no kids ski gear at all - anyone idea when it might be in? |
It was mostly childrens' gear in the one beside us (NI).
From what I could tell, it was mostly cheap cr@p, but it was hard to tell, as it was all mixed up and muddled, with many of the labels torn off. Maybe the Aldi stuff is better. TK Maxx would be much superior, for a little bit more.
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Great post. Should be stickied
I notice the lack of mention of decathlon. Are they a suitable alternative?
Also, I would like to ask if the protection equipment clothing like the wrist and knee Guards, bum padding shorts or even the torso armour, are they necessary and in what conditions are they necessary. I read that bum pad are a necessity for snowboards but I’m interested in if they are necessary for skiing.
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You know it makes sense.
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I find the "bionic" tops and bottoms are great. These are the very stretchy ones. They cost best part of 200 quid for the two parts but are wonderfully warm and breathable at the same time, without ever getting sweaty.
If additional insulation is required, say below -10C (this depends on the jacket and trousers you have), then the thin Merino wool top and bottom is great. If you get too hot say by the afternoon, you can take them off and stick them in a pocket, etc. I rarely need the bottoms but have been wearing the top down to -20C recently. These cost less than 100 quid for both halves and are widely sold in sports shops.
For gloves buy quality, and unless you need fingers (e.g. for carrying ski boots) mittens are more usable over the temperature range. They are inherently warmer than gloves anyway, and below say -15C you can put the 2 euro heating pads in them. You can get good mittens for under 100 quid.
The widely sold buffs (30 quid?) are brilliant to keep the neck warm, and pull the thin part up under the helmet to form a sort of balaclava; this is good down to -25C which is the coldest I have been in.
I think too many people buy a lot of cheap junk ski clothing on the high street. It is better to buy a very small quantity of top stuff. It will last more or less for ever and works really well. But then one will get jumped on and labelled as an elitist...
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Currently Dare2B, Trespass, Mountain Warehouse have there sales on and seem to be starting their changeover to bike and hike kit for the summer, Decathlon do some great ski kit for a few months each year, at least Giltbrook where we were yesterday is still at close to full price with very few sale discounts but pretty much the full range available still, got my 15 year old daughter new boots, helmet, socks and softshell trousers and there was plenty of choice in all those. Picked up a nice very light weight merino base/mid layer in Aldi yesterday but its the tail end of the ski kit. Oh and as to to cheap junk on yesterdays ski kitting out trip I was wearing my cheap junk Aldi ski softshell I bought about 10 years ago and have used constantly as a ski and cold weather general outdoors jacket, still looks smart, still weather resistant and warm and and will be out for some spring skiing again this year. No need to buy expensive just choose carefully.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Masque,
That is some effort!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Thank you for this - very helpful!
Quick question about outer layer jackets - I have seen a couple I like and is within my budget. However one is waterproof, wind proof and breathable the other one says it is waterproof, breathable and thermal but does not say WINDPROOF. Which would be better? I’m just looking around at the moment so open to suggestions.
My next holiday will be my third week on snow but with a bit of a gap between them (and a bit of added weight on me!) I need to buy kit.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Rach1257, A jacket that is fully waterproof and has insulation will be windproof. I'm not sure that it's even possible to produce a jacket that is warm and dry that doesn't keep the wind out. If the first one has no insulation, then this is a shell and if it is cold you will need a thermal layer underneath (a fleece or similar), so make sure you have space to add this without it being too tight. The second one will probably be heavier and less versatile if the weather is warm, but might suit you better if you are going somewhere very cold (like Finland) or if you don't generate enough heat to keep yourself warm.
I would probably go with the shell as you can vary your other layers as the weather changes. If your jacket on it's own it too warm, there's not much you can do about that.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Difficult to tell without knowing or seeing the jackets. But, I’m any case, the outer layer HAS to be windproof!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Rach1257, Looks good.
Merino baselayer, fleece (or, if you run cold, thicker merino) mid layer, outer shell, is a well-established layering system.
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GearGenie
GearGenie
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What do you guys think about Montec for beginner gear? I know it's a bit more expensive than Decathlon, but it's still a darn site cheaper than a lot of the big brands, and the stats of breathability and waterproofing look good. I don't want to "over-buy", as I'm not leaving the groomed slopes, but I also don't want to get something that's not breathable enough and just end up sweaty. I'm considering this one, specifically: https://www.montecwear.com/dune-ski-jacket-men-blue-steel
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@GearGenie, ? I think it's smells a bit like processed ham.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@GearGenie, I think if you just came out and admitted that you work for a clothing sales company which sells Montec kit then it would be a little more honest than this approach. The fact that the clothing company name appears on the Montec website suggests that it is an in-house brand, and so you do seem here to be caught in public with your pants down...
Any reason why the forum moderators shouldn't just delete your account as being that of a filthy spammer?
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| GearGenie wrote: |
| What do you guys think about Montec for beginner gear? I know it's a bit more expensive than Decathlon, but it's still a darn site cheaper than a lot of the big brands, and the stats of breathability and waterproofing look good. I don't want to "over-buy", as I'm not leaving the groomed slopes, but I also don't want to get something that's not breathable enough and just end up sweaty. I'm considering this one, specifically: https://www.montecwear.com/dune-ski-jacket-men-blue-steel |
Seen a pair in resort two weeks ago. That kangoroo-style pocket looks pretty darn stupid. The Decathlons are just fine, they only lack a sleeve-pocket for the skipass. But that's their only real downside. Cut is great and material on par with TNF's DryVent. Fancy brands Gore XCR jackets have a nicer feel to them and perform a little bit better. But at least the latter shouldn't be noticeable downhill skiing.
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FAQ
just want to look for a few different pieces. One thing I noticed was a lack of pockets in my salopettes which was a bit annoying so might treat myself to a new pair.
