This past winter, the weather was cold and wet which caused many problems for skiers and snowboarders. The constant downpour and heavy snow made for great skiing and boarding conditions, but it also meant that many layers of protective equipment were needed. In some cases, the wet and cold conditions caused stress fractures and other injuries. If you’re a ski or boarder, you know how important it is to have your equipment working at its best, which is why you’ll be pleased to know there are a number of ways to fix your ski boots and ski jackets should they become damaged or defective during use.
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Ski Jackets – The Basics
Ski jackets are a vital part of any skier’s or boarder’s wardrobe; they keep the wearer warm and dry whilst also protecting them from the whipping wind and wet snow. If you’re planning on spending any time on the mountain, you’ll want to invest in high-quality ski jackets that are durable, versatile, and stylish. When shopping for new ski jackets, make sure you consider the materials used, the fit, and how the garment performs in the snow.
Materials
The main materials used to make ski jackets are synthetic fibers such as polyester or acrylic and a polyurethane (PUR) coating. Other common materials used in ski jackets include silicone and Teflon. Naturally, all of these materials are waterproof and windproof. When it comes to selecting the best material for your particular needs and wants, it helps to turn to the internet for research. For example, if you’re planning on skiing in the rain or cold winds, you might want to consider synthetic fibers as they’re more durable and stylish than other materials such as wool or silk. If you’d like to be certain that your jacket is water-repellent (DWR), look for materials that are treated with chemicals, such as fluorocarbon coatings.
Style
Apart from the materials used, the style of a ski jacket is also important to consider. Do you want something sleek and aerodynamic or something more ornamental? There are many different ways to express your personality and style through your choice of jacket, and whatever your style preferences are, you’re bound to find a jacket that suits you.
Durability
Just like with most fashion-related purchases, style and durability can be considered as alternatives when choosing a ski jacket. The longer a jacket lasts, the more style you’ll get out of it. However, the durability of a jacket is not only determined by how long it lasts. It’s important to consider the weight of the jacket as it is one of the major factors that affect the durability of a ski jacket. If you’re carrying too many accessories with you, such as a helmet, a backpack, and a coat, the weight of the whole ensemble can weigh you down and make you feel less competent on the mountain. On the other hand, if you’re a professional skier or frequent skier, you might want to invest in a lightweight ski jacket.
Comfort
Another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a ski jacket is how it feels. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in it, so you might as well make sure that it’s comfortable. When we think about comfort, many different elements come to mind such as the fit, the feel, the lining, and the materials used. If you’re planning on skiing in the summer, you might want to consider light fabrics such as silk or acrylic as these materials allow for air conditioning which can make you feel warmer and more comfortable on the mountain. As for the fit, make sure that the jacket fits you perfectly and does not feel tight or constrictive. If you’re not sure about the size, you can always order a custom-made jacket online. As for the feel, you want to find a material that is soft, light, and supple which also manages to provide a decent amount of insulation. These are all crucial elements that affect the comfort level of a jacket.
Repairs
Last but not least, we have repairs. Did your jacket develop a tear or hole at some point during use? If so, you’ll need to take care of it as soon as possible to avoid any more wet weather ruining your outfit. Luckily for you, we’re here to help with four easy steps that’ll get your jacket looking like new again.
Step one is to fix the tear or hole at the spot. You can use whatever material you have on hand, such as needle-nose pliers, to grab onto the edge of the t-shirt and pull it apart. Once the tear is at the edge, you can use this same material to grab onto the inside of the tear and pull it back together. While you’re at it, you can smooth out the edges of the material to make it look like it was never there in the first place. Once you’ve accomplished this, you can step two: waterproofing and protection.
To waterproof a jacket, use whatever waterproofing product you have on hand. If it’s a traditional waterproofing product like polyester, use a brush to coat the inside and outside of the jacket. Be sure not to miss any spots, as this will cause water to accumulate and cause you more damage. Once you’re done coating the inside and outside of the jacket, you can step three: ventilating.
To ventilate a jacket, use a needle-nose pliers to pull at the bottom of the jacket where it meets the body. Once you’ve obtained about an inch of material, you can begin to peel it back. Once the material is at the bottom of the jacket, you can use this same point to pull upwards to create a small opening. From here, you can step four: fashioning a new patch.
To fashion a new patch, use the edge of a jacket to cut a piece of cardboard. Once you’ve accomplished this, you can use the cut piece of cardboard to line the inside of the jacket. If you want to add a finishing touch, cover the cardboard in a fabric that’s at least two-thirds the size of the piece of cardboard you used. When doing all this, make sure not to pull too hard or you might end up removing more material than you actually had. Once you’ve fixed your jacket and adorned it with a new patch, you can hit the mountain with confidence knowing that your outfit will be warm, dry, and fashionable.