How to choose clothes for cross-country skiing?

You will discover a new world on cross-country skis

Cross-country skis have been a big hit in recent years. They engage the entire locomotor system, improve coordination and increase fitness. On cross-country skis, you can walk the trail through entire mountains. Or use modified tracks or circuits and load up the kilometers with classics or skating.

What is important when choosing clothes for cross-country skiing and what materials should be preferred?

Cross-country skiing is a dynamic and intense sport in which the body releases a lot of heat. Clothing for cross-country skiing should therefore primarily guarantee

• comfortable range of motion,
• breathability - ventilation of sweat and heat, and at the same time
• protection against wind or external moisture.

TIP: If the temperature drops below -15°C, consider any intense sports activities.

Layering, as a dressing strategy, is based on the function of individual layers:

1. base layer – wicks away body moisture and keeps the body dry. Its choice depends on the experience and preference of natural or synthetic material or a combination of both.
2. Middle layer or insulating layer - takes care of thermal comfort and transports moisture towards the top layer.
3. Top layer - wicks away internal moisture and protects against wind or external moisture.

Classic or skate on modified tracks

The sports experience increases with the degree of mastering the technique of cross-country skiing. The more intense the performance in the track, the more important the clothing plays.

The range of motion requires light, elastic materials and dynamic cuts with fixation elements. Flat seams make wearing the middle layer more comfortable. At the same time, it must be the most breathable fabrics (Polartec® Power Grid™, Polartec® Power Wool™, Polartec® Power Strech™, Mecrofleece, Tecnopile® or Tecnostrech®). These materials quickly release internal moisture and at the same time retain the necessary heat.

Cross-country jackets, premium cross-country pants or sweatshirts, you can find all of this in the section cross-country skiing.
Every cross-country skier will appreciate insulated cross-country leggings or other cross-country skiing pants.

TIP: Prefer a sweatshirt with a zipper. By unzipping you can get alternative ventilation.

Hybrid cross-country clothing combines different types of functional materials according to anatomical zones. It is a suitable choice for both middle and upper layers. Thanks to this, you can choose breathable clothing according to the expected conditions, in the combination of wind resistance - thermal insulation or waterproofing - thermal insulation. In the area of ​​thermal insulation materials, synthetics win, thanks to their non-absorbent properties. Preferred materials are Primaloft® or Polartec® Alpha®.

TIP: Look for jackets with a sufficient number, size and good availability of pockets.

Cross-country running or Backcountry

When you put on wider skis and decide to walk a trail on open terrain, the primary requirement for breathability of clothing does not change, but the requirement for waterproofing and windproofing increases. It is only logical that the way of dressing is more affected by the weather than when cross-country skiing on a groomed track.

The key role in open terrain is played by the combination of ski jacket and trousers, which should be waterproof, which can also be achieved by using sleeves. Hybrid pants with a windproof or waterproof panel in the front and elastic and breathable fabric in the back can be supplemented with insulating shorts or a skirt.

From the waist up, the dressing strategy is similar to that of ski-touring or hiking. Do not get wet and ventilate the internal moisture as best as possible to avoid the unpleasant wind-chill effect, which can significantly reduce the feeling temperature.

Hybrid clothing seems to be the most practical choice here, but you certainly won't do anything wrong with a combination of fleece or an insulating jacket and a waterproof membrane.

TIP: Wear spare layers of clothing for trips, so that you can always change into dry clothes (use a so-called dry bag)

Alternative for beginner cross-country skiers can be running clothes or cycling clothes for their first attempts. However, definitely avoid cross-country ski pants and other ski clothing, which are too warm, not very breathable and robust for this type of physical activity, and therefore unsuitable.

EQUIPMENT: compatible skis with bindings and cross-country shoes according to the preferred style or track; walking sticks, functional underwear, socks, comfortable stretchy pants, T-shirt or sweatshirt with good thermoregulation functionality. On top, a windproof vest or a hybrid jacket with ventilation zones. Equipment: thin cap, headband, tunnel; glasses; thin, well-fitting gloves. For off-trail trips (hiking or backcountry), we recommend jackets, light backpack with spare clothes and waterproof jacket or pants.

DON'T FORGET: beginner, advanced or pro. Everyone respects the basic rule: playing sports is preceded by a "warm-up" - a warm-up aimed at activating the tendons and heating the muscles to operating temperature. This includes planning the route, checking the equipment, or choosing lubrication according to the type of snow and the profile of the track.