![]() (Unlike these fabrics, Gore-Tex doesn't require supplemental coating, as it is already designed to be impermeable.) The companies then assess ratings to the apparel in order to give the consumer an idea of how much protection they can expect. In most cases, manufacturers coat fabrics such as nylon and polyester with porous membranes, each with a certain amount of waterproofness. Simply put, the more extreme the weather, the more waterproof your gear should be. Insulated or not, outerwear designed for snowboarding should boast at least some level of water-resistance to protect the rider from the rainy or snowy conditions found on a mountainside. Here is a breakdown of each element, with an explanation of its function and the units of measurement used for rating it. Apparel companies rate their garments' ability to protect you from water and wind, as well as their ability to breathe. There are three major characteristics of snowboard outerwear that buyers need to understand before shopping around. The Gore Company, maker of the original Gore-Tex, insists that any company using its technology must seal the seams of the garments in order to ensure that no moisture can penetrate the teeny holes made by stitching during assembly, so you can rest assured that your gear will be leak proof and sound. In outerwear, Gore-Tex membranes are attached to nylon or polyester base fabrics to create a protective shield against rain/snow, wind and cold. sweat and body heat-induced moisture) are small enough to fit through the tiny pores. This technology is the foundation for a material that is waterproof but breathable, as water vapors (a.k.a. 9 billion holes per square inch), with microscopic openings that are 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water. Gore-Tex has sweeping uses in our society, from clothing to medical equipment. Because of its superior properties, microfiber is typically reserved for the most expensive, highest-tech jackets and pants on the apparel market. ![]() ![]() Using extremely fine fibers, these materials are woven into high-performance, super durable, lightweight, breathable, highly water-repellant and wind-resistant outerwear. Some shell apparel is made using nylon and/or polyester microfibers. Of course, the waterproof/breathability rating (see "Characteristics" below) issued by the manufacturer is the easiest way to determine whether a particular jacket or pant will work under your desired conditions. Like polyester, nylon is woven into different material weights, which is indicated by a gauge measurement (ie. This resilient fabric is very typical in the outerwear market again, despite its many benefits, a supplementary coating is often added to nylon fabrics to increase their protective capabilities. It can be dyed easily and is simple to wash, a big plus for riders. Nylon is an exceptionally strong material, with low-absorbency and elastic characteristics. However, the best indicator of the protective qualities for any given polyester shell is the factory-assessed waterproof/breathability ratings, discussed below, under "Characteristics." Polyester fabrics come in varying weights (gauges), the heavier the denser. When tightly woven, polyester is also water-resistant and durable however, nearly all boarding jackets and pants still need to be treated with some type of DWR coating (durable water repellant) or laminate to heighten these characteristics. It is strong, resistant to shrinking and stretching, quick-drying and mildew-resistant, properties that make it a fantastic winter outerwear material. Polyester is the base fabric for all kinds of apparel. While they may have fancy names, each is essentially a derivative of either polyester or nylon material. Materialsįlip through a manufacturer's catalog and you'll find apparel made from dozens of fabrics designed to combat cold, wind and wetness. Purchasing snowboarding clothes requires some knowledge regarding fabrics and apparel accessories, so browse this page to discover a few of the most important features you should compare when shopping around. The following article details many of the terms and characteristics associated with outerwear, which we define here as jackets and pants specific to riding. To ensure that your time on the mountain is spent riding as opposed to worrying about the elements, invest in some quality outerwear and you'll stay warm and dry. Snowboarding is an extreme sport with an extreme venue - the great outdoors.
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