Equipment

What follows are basic guidelines on what clothes to wear while snowboarding and why you should wear them. (Information taken from http://www.abc-of-snowboarding.com/snowboardinggear.asp)

Base Layer

This is the first layer of clothing that comes next to the skin. Pieces of Snowboard Gear for the base layer are designed to conserve body heat and keep you warm and dry. The best materials for the base layer are space age wicking materials that draw moisture away from the body as well as keep you warm. Synthetic materials like polypropylene are the most suitable for this purpose.

Although wool combinations also work well, they aren't comfortable unless you have a high itch tolerance. Keep in mind that the base layer should cover you from head to toe (i.e. comprising of a long-sleeved top, socks and full-length leggings or long johns). Also, stay away from cotton. Once cotton gets wet, its insulation capacities are lost, and thus it stays wet.

Thermal Underwear and Snowboarding Socks

Depending on the temperature (be sure to check this) you will want to use thermal or polypropylene underwear as a first level of clothing. This Snowboarding Apparel will keep you warm and dry by wicking moisture away from the skin and transferring it to the next layer. When buying a thermal body shirt, be sure that it has long sleeves.

Thermal underwear is the best apparel to use as a first level of clothing. Polypropylene thermal underwear is readily available and does not scratch.

The most important inner layer and the key to a good boot fit are socks. This Snowboard Gear is essential to keep your feet warm, dry, comfortable, and padded against hard impacts. Choose thinner snowboard socks over thicker ones. Thin, synthetic socks are a good choice since soft boots already incorporate some insulation, and very thick socks encourage feet to sweat and lose warmth more quickly. Preferably, buy special snowboarding socks that will give you more specialized features. Keep in mind that socks need to come at least halfway up the calf.

Second Layer

Also known as the second layer, the middle layer serves as the insulation layer. The Snowboarding Clothes for this layer are made of materials designed to trap warm air next to your body as you ride, and transfer moisture towards the outer layer. Wool and fleece are the best materials to use here. Fleece is a great choice since it is lightweight and is able to 'breathe'. Consequently, it acts as an effective channel for drawing moisture towards the outer layer of clothing.

You can put the middle layer on or off depending on the temperature and the amount of activity you perform. On warmer days the Snowboard Gear for this layer can serve as your outer layer of protection as well.

Second Layering Fleece and Snowboard Pants

As a second layer you will want a Fleece or a Wool sweater. The fleece is the key component to remaining warm since it is lightweight and is able to 'breathe'. Generally though, it does not offer protection from the wind or rain. However, this Snowboard Gear has thermal properties that enable the body to breathe by allowing perspiration to evaporate through.

Put on your Snowboarding Pants on top of your base layer. Snowboarding Pants are usually roomy. Still, make sure you don't feel any pinching in the crotch area. Otherwise, look for another pair. Moreover, a good pair of Snowboarding Pants should keep you warm and dry and should have basic padding on the knees and the rear that will prevent melting snow from seeping through.

These are special boots that will work together with your Snowboard Bindings to keep your body connected to your board. Snowboard Boots come in all regular shoe sizes. However, different boots of the same size usually vary in the way they hold your feet and ankle. Quality boots can last for a long time so take time to consider this when buying one.

Finishing the Basics

The outer layer serves as the barrier between you and the winter mountain environment. With all of your heat inside the inner two layers, the Snowboarding Clothing for the outer layer should allow moisture vapor out, and still maintain an effective barrier in keeping snow and water out. It is also important that this layer has the ability to 'breathe' as it should allow heat from perspiration to escape from the inner layers of clothing. Thus, for your outer layer, wear windproof and waterproof apparel that is also breathable.

Do not expose your head and ears to extremely low temperatures; protect them with a comfortable hat or beanie. If you prefer to wear a hat, choose one with the little ear flaps. Remember, you can lose up to 90% of your body's total heat through the top of your head. For head protection put on a Snowboarding Helmet.

Protect your eyes from UV rays, snow, wind, ice, and tree branches with Snowboarding Goggles. This Snowboard Gear is designed for functionality (i.e. UV and full eye wind protection) and won't fly off when you fall. Also, goggles can be placed over you hat and fastened onto your head.

Finish off your upper body layering with a water repellant and windproof Snowboarding Jacket or top shell. Make sure that the fabric for this Snowboard Gear is also breathable. Its ability to 'breathe' would allow heat from perspiration to escape from the inner layers of clothing.

Protect your hands from snow, ice and impacts with padded gloves - preferably those that are designed for snowboarding. Choose gloves that are durable, waterproof, and have fleece or other synthetic-based insulated glove liners.

One of the advantages of layers is that you can add and remove layers during the day according to the weather conditions and how you feel. However, when buying your Snowboarding apparel, be sure that you manage the following problems: sweating, controlling of body temperature, protection from elements, chafing and blisters. Also, avoid clothes that are too large or too small, otherwise the benefits of the latest fabric technology will be diluted.

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