DRESS TO SHRED

You're all set up to snowboard this winter right? You have the new board of your dreams, great fitting boots, a seasons pass to your local mountain, but you're still in need of a new jacket and haven't quite decided what to get yet. Well, first off consider these important pieces of clothing that will make your jacket and snow pants feel a whole lot warmer:

Base layering is critical when it comes to warmth. A moisture wicking base layer is the first article of clothing you should put on against your skin. It's typically a fairly thin synthetic or polyester shirt and pant. If it's designed for snowboarding in particular it'll be somewhat loose fitting with a crew neck so you're able to move easily when you're out there shredding. What you need to stay clear of is cotton when layering. Cotton thermals may be comfy when you're just hanging out, but when you're moving around outside and sweating, and you will sweat even when it's freezing out, cotton will work against you by trapping in the damp air trying to escape your body, and holding it against your skin leaving you chilly and miserable no matter how sweet your new jacket is. The same thing goes for your feet. Cotton socks are the perfect recipe for cold damp feeling feet and a shorter day on the hill. Buy yourself at least a couple pair of riding socks, because you probably won't want to put the same pair on every day of your vacation or long weekend riding.

Mid layers like fleece or a sweater are also critical if you're not buying a puffy coat ( aka down filled ). Fleece layers will also act as a wicking layer and provide you with the warmth you'll want, if the jacket you buy is only lightly insulated or a non insulated shell. Most fleece layers are full zipped, able to go as high as your chin, and have features like decent pockets or wind stopping and even venting capabilities. If you hike when riding too you most likely will remove your coat at some point, so the more technical pieces will be a better choice as your temporary outer layer until you reach the drop zone. Now back to that jacket...

Outerwear is the fun stuff to purchase. This is your jacket, pant, gloves and what says to the world I'm "that guy." As much as purchasing it to look amazing on the mountains is most everyones main objective, this final layer will also make or break the amount of time you may be able to handle on the snow depending on the type of weather you're getting. This is your true protection from the elements outdoors and made to be wind and water resistant along with breathable which is why the above layers are so important. The fabric will be treated to keep you dry, or made from Gore-tex. Look for other important features when buying a jacket and pant like a waist gator, armpit, chest, or back venting, seam taping, insulation, pocket placement, even MP3 player access. TRY THEM ON and look it over. Put the hood up and zip yourself in there while at the store long before you take it home. See why one jacket or snow pant might cost around $100 and the one that looks similar on the rack is $300. Decide what features are important to you beside how that piece will make you look. Function before fashion might not be what you're thinking of, but you are paying for both. Top your new kit off with a beanie so your head stays warm or look into a helmet.

Protective gear is quickly becoming a cooler thing to purchase with new developments in lighter, better fitting, better looking helmets, wrist guards and even hip and tailbone protectors. If your totally new to riding all of the mentioned pieces will be worth the money spent to enhance your experience and keep your stoke high. You're going to fall down a few times, so being prepared will give you a little more confidence and getting back up will be that much easier.

Goggles...that's a whole different article..stay tuned.