Why breathable winter sports clothing is essential for long days on the slopes

When you're on the slopes all day, the importance of breathable winter sportswear is often underestimated. While many skiers and snowboarders focus on waterproof clothing, breathability is just as important for comfort and performance. In this blog post, we explain why breathable winter sportswear is a must for anyone spending long days on the mountain.

What does breathable winter sports clothing mean?

Breathability refers to the ability of your clothing to wick away sweat while you're active. Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding require intense exertion, raising your body temperature and causing you to sweat. If this moisture isn't properly wicked away, it can build up, and your clothing will become wet from the inside out. This can cause your body to cool down quickly when standing still or riding in a lift, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.

Why is breathability so important

1. Comfort during the day

During an intense descent, you can warm up quickly, but during a break or in the lift, your body cools down rapidly. If your clothing isn't breathable enough, you'll be left with a clammy, damp interior, which will quickly make you cold. Breathable winter sports clothing allows sweat to escape, keeping you dry, even during physical activity.

2. Temperature regulation

Good temperature regulation is essential during long days on the slopes. Wearing breathable clothing ensures your body stays warm without overheating. The right balance between breathability and warmth ensures you stay comfortable at both high and low levels of exertion.

3. Reduced risk of hypothermia

When sweat isn't properly wicked away and your clothing becomes wet from the inside, your body temperature can drop rapidly, especially in cold or windy conditions. This increases the risk of hypothermia, even when wearing warm clothing. Breathable clothing helps prevent this by keeping you dry and insulated.

What makes clothing breathable?

Breathable winter sports clothing is made of materials that allow air to circulate while simultaneously wicking away moisture. Most breathable materials have small pores large enough to allow sweat vapor to pass through, yet small enough to keep rain or snow out.

In addition, there are breathable membranes, such as Dermiax, which are specially designed to wick moisture away from the inside while remaining waterproof. These technologies provide the perfect combination of waterproofness and breathability.

How do you recognize breathable winter sports clothing?

The breathability of winter sports clothing is usually measured in grams per square meter per 24 hours (g/m²/24h). This indicates how much moisture can escape per day. For long days on the slopes, a breathability rating of at least 10,000 g/m²/24h is recommended, but higher values ​​are ideal if you sweat a lot or exercise intensively.

The right layers: the secret to comfort

In addition to breathable outer layers, it's important to wear the right base layers and mid-layers. Thermal clothing and fleece that wick away moisture work together with your breathable jacket and pants to keep you dry and warm. Avoid cotton clothing, as it retains moisture and makes you colder faster. Instead, choose synthetic fabrics or merino wool that wick away sweat quickly.

Conclusion

Breathable winter sports clothing is essential for comfort, performance, and safety during long days on the slopes. By choosing clothing that is both breathable and waterproof, like Rehall products, you can fully enjoy your winter sports adventures without sweat getting in your way. Make sure you're well-prepared for the mountains with the right layers and gear. And visit the World of Alps webshop to complete your gear.