 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi guys
I've been skiing for the past 3 years in the three valleys in March and last year found a Helly Hansen base layer and a Columbia soft shell jacket just right for me (temperature wise). Sometimes unzipping the jacket - I run hot.
However I'm heading out the second week in February this year as well and a bit concerned that that setup might be a bit light. I'm guessing it few will be a good few degrees colder.
Trouble is, there's not enough room for under the soft shell for another cheap mid layer (I guess that's what the soft shell is designed to be anyway).
Can anyone recommend a decent outer shell that would give me a bit more protection against the elements without me overheating? Ideally in the £100-£150 range.
Thanks.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Or put a cheap, thin larger soft shell over it if it is colder, if temps stay the same you will be fine and richer 
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sat 31-01-15 16:29; edited 1 time in total
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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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Or a decent thermal base layer next to your skin? Not clear if you are already wearing a base layer and/or mid layer? Or you can pick up some pretty good insulated ski jackets, have a look at Trekwear.
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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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Double up your base layer, I've used two when it's not cold enough for a fleece on top, but too cold for just a one merino base layer on it's own.
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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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I have a few merino baselayers already but supplement them with these last week. Like you, I tend to run hot but 4 months on the "Fast Diet a.k.a. 5+2" has see me shed 3 stone so I don't run quite as hot as before.
This is standard merino baselayer that is actually 80% merino and 20% polyester.
While this one is advertised as a thicker baselayer, again it is 80/20.
Last week at a bitterly cold Glenshee I had a standard merino as a base and then the thicker one above as my mid-layer. I also had my Columbia 3-in-1 jacket on. I was nice and warm all day without being too hot.
Is the softshell waterproof? I would have though that would be your biggest issue with skiing in February.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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You can't beat Patagonia for a soft shell .They have the simple guide hoody for £120 or the Adze for £140.There are some on sale in their web special section on their online shop.I have an adze and have worn it in really cold snowy conditions with a couple of layers underneath and it performs really well.you can pay a bit more and get a more insulated one as well .Absolutely rock solid quality.
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| Designer156 wrote: |
Hi guys
Can anyone recommend a decent outer shell that would give me a bit more protection against the elements without me overheating? Ideally in the £100-£150 range.
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In February precipitaion is likely to fall as snow rather than rain, so one option would be an outer shell made of Primaloft (or similar) rather than a waterproof breathable fabric.
A further advantage of a Primaloft (or similar) shell is that you could wear it instead of the softshell on in-between days, and over the softshell on the very coldest days.
The Mammut Rime Pro or Mountain Equipment Fitzroy are examples of the kind of jacket I'm talking about. They should be available in your price range with a bit of shopping around.
EDIT - Of the two jackets, I'd choose the ME Fitzroy, because it has wider sleeves which make it more suitable for wearing over a softshell.
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Sun 1-02-15 22:52; edited 1 time in total
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| Quote: |
Double up your base layer
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Good shout, actually. Thanks for that.
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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: |
"Fast Diet a.k.a. 5+2" has see me shed 3 stone
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Yeah a few extra stone doesn't help my temp either.
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This is what I wore last March with a base layer underneath and it was fine.
But think I may need a little more for Feb (next week).
Maybe additional base layers as suggested. Maybe a waterproof outer. Maybe a 'better' softshell.
Had been eyeing up one of these (ARCTERYX Epsilon LT Hoody), but not sure if I'd still have the same issue.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Designer156 wrote: |
Maybe a 'better' softshell.
Had been eyeing up one of these (ARCTERYX Epsilon LT Hoody), but not sure if I'd still have the same issue.
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Softshell is quite a confusing term - not all softshells are the same. The Arcteryx shell you've linked to has a woven shell with a fleece lining. It doesn't have a membrane layer in it, but it is fairly windproof because the outerfabric is tightly woven.
I'm not familiar with the Columbia softshell you have, but I would take an educated guess that it has a membrane layer between the outer fabric and the inner fleecy lining. If I'm right your Columbia jacket will be made of a fabric that is warmer but less breathable than the fabric that the Arcteryx jacket is made from.
A big downside of softshells with a membrane layer is that if you layer them under a waterproof shell, you have two membrane layers for sweat to negotiate before escaping to the outside. I'm not saying you can't dress that way, but as you say you run hot I thought it was worth mentioning.
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