Softshell fabrics have exploded in the ski industry over thepast few years. Jackets were the first garments to be manufactured withsoftshell fabrics, and through the past couple of winter seasons, pants havecome into production. The term softshell means exactly that--a shell being theweatherproof outer garment while maintaining a softer quality--not the crinkly,crackly shell jackets and pants we used to wear in order to stay dry while onthe slopes.

The softshell products are a great addition to the ski andsnowboard world. The stretch in the textile provides great maneuverability andthe breathable properties of the product prove vital for any active outdoorenthusiast.

Softshell fabrics combine some great qualities. They stretchand are abrasion resistant; they're windproof, waterproof, and highlybreathable. Softshells are created using a three-ply construction that includesa soft, moisture-wicking fleece for the lining; a tightly woven abrasionresistant outer fabric that has a durable water repellant (DWR) coating; and inthe center of these two fabrics is a layer that joins the others together. Thismiddle layer is either a coating that bonds the two materials or a laminate.Either of these construction methods helps to determine the waterproofness of the softshell. DWR is the wonderful innovation that makes the water "beadup" and roll off the fabric. This keeps water from soaking into thematerial and aids the waterproofing middle layer.

While it does supply warmth, a softshell might not be foreveryone. A person that is typically cold most of the time will most likelywant an insulated jacket for that extra layer of comforting warmth. A personwho is often out in the elements of nature for an extended period of time would probably enjoy the benefits of a conventional hard shell because the waterproof level can be higher.

Measuring how breathable a garment is can be done in twodifferent ways. The first is similar to a waterproofing measurement: how manygrams of vapor a square inch of fabric will allow to pass through over a 24hour period. The higher the number, the more breathable a garment is. For arecreational user, 10,000/gm gets the job done. The second way is just theopposite where the lower the number is more desirable. Many manufacturers,including GORE-TEX, use this method. It measures the resistance of evaporationin a textile (RET). A softshell is inevitably more breathable than a hardshell, but a softshell can only dream of being as waterproof as a hard shell.

Most ski and snowboard clothing companies offer softshellpieces, usually a jacket, while some of them are manufacturing pants too.Spyder produces a softshell pant that looks great and is comfortable. The NorthFace also makes a pant using their Apex Softshell Technology. The Apex TrekkingPant for men is a packable, lightweight pant for aerobic activity in coldweather. Marmot manufactures many great softshell jackets with the help of GOREWindstopper from GORE-TEX. Two of these to try are the Super Hero Jacket that comeswith a zip out hood and the Sharp Point jacket that comes without a hood; bothare available for men and women. Two snowboarding brands to check out for somegreat looking softshell products this season are Burton and DC.

About the Author:

Teresa Schrift

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