Cross-country skiing is a harmonious sport, which contributes to the development of various muscle groups: legs, upper shoulder girdle, body. And taking into account the fact that classes are held outdoors, the body is also saturated with oxygen. However, this is a winter sport, so it is very important to prevent hypothermia, which means that you should choose the right equipment. We will tell you how to choose a suit for cross-country skiing, as well as the types of ski suits below.
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Comfortable skiing and training are provided with the right equipment. Moreover, in addition to the costume itself, this kit should include:
As for the suit, it can be an insulated walking option, a warm-up or racing set, or a jumpsuit. We will talk about the types and purposes of each type below.
Each piece of equipment is selected based on the tasks of the skier, as well as the surrounding conditions. It is important to evaluate the temperature regime, the presence and intensity of the wind, as well as the activity indicator of the training.
At the same time, regardless of all the criteria noted above, when choosing clothes for training, it is worth remembering the layering rule, that is, starting with thermal underwear and ending with the top layer, which will protect against wind and precipitation.
Detailed video instruction on the selection of equipment:
Not overheating and, conversely, not overcooling, the correct layout of the layers in cross-country ski clothing will help.
Layer one, base. Its task is to keep warm and remove moisture from the body. This layer involves the use of special thermal underwear that will quickly absorb the skier's sweat while maintaining a sense of comfort.This layer is a must, whether you're on a light ski trip or an intense workout.
The second layer is moisture wicking. The sweat that the thermal underwear has "absorbed" must be evaporated. In addition, the second layer is aimed at retaining heat. If a third layer is not intended, then the wind protection function is also superimposed on this one.
The second layer is:
Layer three. Its task is to provide additional protection, based on weather conditions. It can be either a padded suit or a light windbreaker and/or trousers. The latter option is used only in warm weather and positive temperatures and the need for protection from wind or precipitation.
Perhaps the most versatile option that can be used by both professional skiers for light training or warm-up before major competitions, and amateurs.
Such suits are made of technological materials and their task is to preserve the heat generated by the body during active sports, as well as to remove excess moisture. The product has an adjacent silhouette, is not voluminous, and weighs little. Consists, as a rule, of a jacket and trousers, can be added with a vest.
It is worth giving preference to models that require the presence of special membrane inserts that protect against wind.As a rule, such inserts are located on the front of the legs and on the front of the jacket. Returning to the main material of the suit, most often it is a three-layer version of various thicknesses. The thicker the fabric, the cooler temperatures the suit is designed for.
When choosing pants, you should pay attention to the presence of zippers that make it easier to put on and take off. These can be options with locks of small length, allowing you to slightly expand the lower part. And there are options with a zipper along the entire length of the legs, which classifies such models as self-resetting. This development allows professional athletes to quickly throw off their suit just before entering the starting corridor.
As for the jacket, here it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of a stand-up collar and sufficiently well-stretched cuffs on the sleeves so that, if necessary, you can pull off the jacket without taking off your gloves.
In fact, this is the same third layer that we talked about above. As a rule, these are rather voluminous models that have a warming layer, more often a synthetic winterizer, and are aimed at protecting against frost and wind. Suitable only for leisurely skiing, otherwise a greenhouse effect may be created under it, which is unlikely to add comfort to a person.
Such models are distinguished by elasticity, tight-fitting cut and technological materials. They can be equipped with insulated inserts, for example, in the groin area, as well as mesh inserts in the armpit area for better ventilation.
If the choice is given in favor of a separate suit, then you should pay attention to the presence of a fixing tape / elastic band on the bottom of the jacket, which prevents it from being pulled up, to the presence of a stand-up collar.As well as the ability to adjust the fit of the trousers for a perfect fit.
The seams in such suits should be flat, not felt on the skin.
Men's suit consisting of a jacket and trousers. The product is made of Softshell fabric (breathable material with a warm inner layer, with moisture and wind protection) and elastic material. The use of the latter provides freedom of movement, while Softshell will reliably protect against wind, provide vapor permeability, and retain heat. The suit will not get wet, even if the training takes place in wet snow conditions. This option is perfect for classes at temperatures from +5 to -20 degrees.
Cost: 6990 rubles.
The line includes women's models at a similar price, different colors, characteristics and functionality are similar to men's suits.
A distinctive feature of the Salomon brand is the sale of jackets and trousers separately.This, on the one hand, leads to an increase in the cost of the kit as a whole, but on the other hand, it allows you to ideally choose the size if it is different for the upper and lower parts of the body.
The presented jacket is suitable for intensive cross-country training in winter conditions, as well as for cross-country skiing. The material of manufacture is an elastic Softshell with a windproof membrane. The jacket has a sporty cut, does not hinder movement. Elasticated cuffs and matching hem provide a comfortable fit. There is no hood.
The cost is about 18,000 rubles.
This model is one of the warmest among the brand's warm-up options. Pants will be a great addition to the jacket noted above. The material from which the trousers are made is waterproof, retains heat and has excellent vapor permeability, allowing the body to breathe. The front part of the legs is made of windproof fabric, which will allow the athlete not to freeze moving against the wind.
There are zippers at the bottom of the cuffs for easy on and off. Adjustable fit with drawstring and elastic waistband. The trousers have two zippered pockets.
The cost is 8990 rubles.
This model will add comfort to those who are ready to ski in any weather. At frosty temperatures, it will act as a warm-up. While in warmer weather it will be nice to make leisurely ski trips. The unisex model, the size range and the range of colors allow you to choose a jacket for skiers of both sexes.
The material has a water-repellent impregnation, so the jacket will not only warm, but also save from moisture and wind. Elastic inserts are provided at the back, which will provide a better fit, and the athlete will not be constrained in his movements. The zipper is full-length, stand-up collar.
Cost: 9600 rubles.
Extremely comfortable pants with elastic at the back and windproof at the front. The fabric has a water-repellent impregnation, so you can ski in these trousers even during a snowfall. Ease of putting on and taking off is provided by zippers at the bottom of the legs. On the cuffs at the bottom and on the waist there is a silicone print for a better fit.
Cost: 8290 rubles.
A set consisting of a jacket and trousers is suitable not only for competitions, but also for the training process. It features an anatomical cut, completely hugs the body, does not hinder movement and reduces resistance during movement thanks to the elastic smooth fabric.
The jacket has a small zipper at the neckline to make it easy to put on. The stand-up collar reliably protects the neck from the wind. The product will not creep up due to the presence of a special silicone tape at the bottom along the inside.
Pants are fixed with an elastic band and additional adjustment can be made with a drawstring at the waist.
The manufacturer offers several color options, printing is sublimation.
The cost is 7290 rubles.
This line also includes men's options, the price of which is similar to women's.
Stylish, tight-fitting jumpsuit with a division into a jacket and trousers, made of insulated, quick-drying lycra, will allow you not to overcool during intense training or competition, without losing speed and maneuverability. In order to prevent the jumpsuit from slipping, a silicone tape is provided at the bottom of the jacket. Lightning to the middle of the chest, stand-up collar.Trousers fit the body, flatlock seams do not rub.
The manufacturer is Russian, so the price is attractive. The racing suit costs 4,900 rubles.
The unisex model is a jacket and trousers made of 100% lycra. Both parts of the suit fit snugly to the body, are distinguished by an ergonomic cut, impeccable elasticity. The seams are thin, not noticeable on the body. The shirt does not creep up thanks to the silicone rubber band located on the bottom from the inside.
The suit can be worn at temperatures from +5 to -20 degrees, provided that special thermal underwear is worn underneath.
The stand-up collar will reliably protect the neck from the wind. A zipper to the middle of the chest makes it easier to put on / take off the jacket.
Cost: 5300 rubles.
Such a suit in the manufacturer's catalog is presented in female and male variations, in various colors. The suit is fully adapted to Russian conditions, suitable for everyday wear, outdoor activities, as well as leisurely skiing. However, the suit is not suitable for long walks in conditions of sleet or rain, while the fabric withstands drizzling rain.
The material from which the product is made is membrane, it is not blown, it removes moisture well, and protects against light precipitation. At the same time, clothing made from such a fabric is distinguished by a rather small weight and volume, which is significant during a ski trip.
Insulation - synthetic, density 200 gr.
The manufacturer recommends wearing the suit at an ambient temperature of 0 to -25 degrees.
Cost: 8800 rubles.
Women's jacket designed specifically for cross-country skiing. The fabric is membrane, has waterproof characteristics and excellent vapor permeability. Allows the body to breathe, while protecting the athlete from the wind and retains heat. The existing synthetic insulation also works to preserve heat. A high stand-up collar and a warmed hood will not allow the athlete's neck and head to get too cold.
The cost of the jacket is about 6000 rubles.
The jacket described above can be supplemented by technological trousers of the same brand, made of Softshell material, the fabric does not require the use of insulation, as it is multi-layered, and the inner layer has a kind of fleece. The material is pleasant to the body and perfectly retains heat. Additional significant characteristics are water resistance and wind protection.
In this model, the manufacturer also provided for articulation in the knee area, thus the athlete does not feel any constraint in movement. For a better fit, there is an adjustable elasticated waistband and detachable suspenders. there are pockets on the sides.
Cost: 4900 rubles.
Insulated women's jacket is made of membrane fabric, characterized by good vapor permeability and heat retention. The presence of impregnation does not allow penetration of moisture and protects from wind.
A distinctive feature is the high collar and non-detachable hood, which perfectly protects the neck and head from the cold.
The jacket has a straight cut, for those who want to emphasize the figure there are puffs at the waist.
The cost is 6,500 rubles.
Women's free-cut trousers are made of membrane fabric with insulation, the material removes moisture well from the body, retains heat, preventing wind and water from passing inside. Trousers of a straight cut, at the bottom there are tightened cuffs, which allows you to securely fix the legs and prevent snow from getting inside. The belt can be additionally tightened with a drawstring. There are articulation inserts in the area of the knees, which allows not to hinder the movements of the athlete in the process of skiing.
Cost: 2000 rubles.
In the article, we have given several popular variations of suits for cross-country skiing. Evaluate the conditions in which you will ride and how intensively you plan to do it, and then choosing the right equipment option will not be so difficult.
It is worth noting that equipment from foreign manufacturers, in addition to manufacturability, is also distinguished by a very impressive cost. You can save on a ski suit by choosing domestically produced models, in particular, the Nordski brand has options for all types of ski suits in its assortment.
The second option is to look for models from past seasons, for example, in the Trial-Sport store you can buy suits with discounts of up to 70% from the collections of past years. Well, another way to save money is to look for suits, and not a jacket and trousers separately, however, not all brands have an assortment of sets, much more often “top” and “bottom” are sold separately.
Remember that skiing gear will keep you comfortable for more than one season, so shop wisely! Go in for sports, and let nothing distract you from the process and achieve your cherished goals!