Winter Sports

Fall is here and winter is on its way and with that comes beautiful powder snow in the mountains. It's coming soon and it's time to get ready with base layer thermal underwear for snowboarding and skiing.

We've compiled a list of awesome snowboarding pictures to get you pumped up for the fast approaching powder. Enjoy!

Make sure you are ready for powder with top of the line thermal underwear and base ware clothing for men and women of all ages.

As the air becomes chilly, and the leaves begin to change, so must our activewear. Winter running can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be! Outersports.com reached out to a seasoned runner in South Eastern Idaho in hopes of discovering some tips for running during the winter months.

Brett Bawden and is his lovely wife Josie train year round, and the cold weather doesn't slow them down one bit. Brett and Josie train to qualify for the Boston Marathon and other races all year, and they take their training seriously. Brett and Josie are well known in their community for their personal training tips, and starting the "Just Cuz Half Marathon" in Pocatello, ID.  Brett was kind enough to give our readers some guidelines on running in the cold. He makes it clear that by using the proper activewear you can avoid feeling uncomfortable when running outside.

Brett changes his activewear depending on the temperature. When the weather is nice and anything above 40 degrees he wears basic running shorts and a light tee shirt. Once the temperature drops below 40 degrees, he throws on a wind breaker and some running pants.

However, when the temperature drops below twenty five degrees, it is time to break out the big guns! Running tights and a top are essential for staying warm and dry.
The Coldpruf premium performance thermals are a great option if you don't want the cold to slow you down from your active life. This product stands up to other leading brands but is half the price. The polyester / spandex blend gives protection against high winds while the trim fit keeps the material from bunching during high activity.

These thermals are great for that cold weather run, and a cross-country ski workout, or on the ski slope. They are designed for maximum dryness and antimicrobial odor-control. This is perfect for any distant runner who is training this winter season. We also have Coldpruf Premium Performance Thermals for women as well!

Be sure and check out our new products for hiking and camping at www.outersports.com

With temperatures lingering at a frosty 19 degrees you would think that most would cuddle up next to a warm fire and hide. But for one amazing mother in Utah, her fire seems to come from within!

Shawna, of NatureForKids.net, shows that with the proper cross country ski wear, and a touch of scenic beauty, you can get outdoors and enjoy nature even on the coldest of days. She exemplifies the model family camper who isn't afraid to take her children along with her. Knowing how to be prepared with the right thermal layers gives her more confidence and comfort to do what she loves. What does Shawna love? She loves cross country skiing around a high altitude reservoir outside of Brigham City, Utah.

It was no surprise to see her sporting some high quality ColdPruf Extreme Performance Thermals under her coat. Most of all she loves the comfort and bargain of her Merino Wool Outdoor Trail Socks.

In regards to the Merino Wool Trail Socks - Shawna says, "First thing I noticed was how cushioned they were. They fit snug and the seams aren’t bothersome at the toe. They’ve kept my feet warm enough that I haven’t had to give them a second thought while outside."

You can read the full experience, review, and get to know Shawna on her blog by visiting: Nature For Kids

Layering - How Does It Work

Layering to keep warm in cold weather is really a matter of insulating your body so that you retain your body heat. Layering typically consists of two to four thermal layers depending on the temperatures you'll be exposed to. Each layer is designed to trap air. The more air that is trapped inside a material or fabric, the better it will insulate. The two most common layers are a base layer or thermal underwear layer and an outer layer. Then, depending on your level of comfort and how cold the temperature is, you can add middle layers for extra warmth.

The great thing about layering is that it allows you to adjust your comfort level as temperatures change or as your activity level increases or decreases. As you get hotter, you can remove a layer. As you get colder, you can add a layer. Once you understand how layering works, you can adjust your own layering system based on your own comfort requirements and the weather conditions you'll be experiencing.

Layering - Types of Material To Wear For Each Layer

Now that you have an idea of how layering works, let's go over the different types of layers that will insulate you most effectively. Your first layer is your base layer or long underwear layer. Depending on the temperatures you're expecting to face, this layer can either be a thin single layer garment, a midweight two layer garment or a heavyweight two layer garment. As mentioned earlier, as you come to understand how layering works, you will know what weight or thickness you will need as a next-to-skin base layer. The type of fabric you wear is important. You need a material that will wick sweat, retain heat, and dry quickly. Some examples of the most commonly used materials are merino wool, polyester , and polypropylene. Each of these fabrics retain heat even when wet. Cotton thermals do not. The only time you'd consider using cotton is if you were not going to be very active.

Now, let's skip to the outer layer. The outer layer's job is to block wind, snow, or rain from penetrating your inner layers and robbing you of heat needed to keep you warm. Your outer layer would be a coat, jacket, or parka that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Many coats will have built in insulation while jackets and parkas may just be a shell with the option to zip in an insulating liner.

The reason I skipped to the outer layeris because what you wear in between the base

Pick The Correct Layer According To Temperature

layer and the outer layer all depends on your level of activity as well as how cold the temperature will be. A good base layer and outer layer is often sufficient for most winter weather conditions. During an average winter season, a good base layer and outer layer would be sufficient for skiing and snowboarding. However, if your combined base layer and outer layer are not warm enough, then you'll need to add an additional middle layer. This layer is typically a thicker layer of fleece. A merino wool, polyester or polypropylene fleece jacket and pants are recommended. A fourth layer is only needed in extreme cold weather conditions such as winter snow camping or summitting a high mountain peak. A fourth layer would be a heavyweight baselayer over a lightweight or medium weight base layer.

Layering - Thermal Base Layer Is Critical

Your next-to-skin thermal base layer is key to your comfort in cold weather. You want something warm, soft and dry against your skin.  Not just any fabric can give you this. Cotton is still a very popular as a base layer because it is so soft. The problem with cotton is that if you begin to sweat, it absorbs all of that moisture holding it next to your skin. Cotton does not dry very quickly. When it gets wet, cotton loses it's ability to retain heat. This condition can lead to hypothermia if exposed long enough.

You need a performance fabric like merino wool, polyester, or polypropylene. Merino wool thermal underwear is super soft and 100% natural. It does a great job of managing moisture and keeping you dry. It also retains heat even when wet. It costs more than other thermals, but is well worth the price. Polyester and polypropylene are very similar. Both can be spun into a very fine thread making it extra soft and comfortable. Both of them are hydrophobic which means they repel water and dry quickly. Polypropylene retains more heat than any other fabric and it dries much quicker too. Polypropylene is probably the least expensive of these performance layering fabrics.

Layering - It's Never Too Cold With The Right Layers
Now that you know how to layer properly in cold weather, you can go out and enjoy the winter season. Don't be like so many others that sit inside depressed all winter long because they hate the cold. There is plenty of fun to be had throughout winter. All you need is the right layers!

Merino Wool Socks - Why They Are Better Than Regular Wool

Merino wool socks shouldn't be new to you if you hike, camp, fish, ski, snowboard or any other outdoor activity. Merino wool has been a part of the outdoor industry for a number of years now. If you're not familiar with it, then I'm guessing you are new to outdoor recreation or you don't know there is a difference between merino wool and regular wool. Either way, you've been missing out on the most popular fabric for outdoor clothing products available.

Merino Wool is finer and softer than standard wool

Merino wool is different from regular wool. As you can see in this picture, merino sheep have thinner finer wool than other sheep. This provides a couple benefits that make merino wool ideal for use in outdoor clothing. First, after the wool fibers are knit into a fabric, the fabric is able to trap more air providing superior thermal insulation. Studies have shown that merino wool is actually able to keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. The second reason the thinner fibers are better for outdoor clothing is that it makes for a non itchy wool. Unlike standard wool, merino wool is super soft. You get all of the great properties of standard wool, but without the annoying itch.

Merino Wool Socks - Merino Wool Vs Cotton

Instead of merino wool socks, I've notice that many people still stick to 100% cotton socks for everything they do. 100% cotton is definitely soft and comfortable. But cotton has a very limited comfort range. The reason for this is that cotton absorbs water like a sponge. It retains that water like to a sponge too. When cotton gets wet, it no longer retains heat. So if you are wearing cotton socks to do anything active, the socks just absorb all that moisture from your feet. Before long you are cold, damp, and miserable. Merino wool socks on the other hand absorb little water. Merino wool is naturally hydrophobic which means that it hates water. Merino wool also retains your body's natural heat when it does get wet. When you wear merino wool for high activity sports, the merino wool is able to dissipate the moisture and keep your skin warm and dry.

Merino Wool Socks - Nature's Protection Against Cold

There are plenty of other fabrics that are able to do what merino wool does. But, the reason merino wool is so popular is because it is a natural fiber. This means that any product made from merino wool is earth friendly to produce and earth friendly to dispose of. Additionally, many people are allergic to synthetic or man made fibers. Since merino wool is a natural fiber, it is uncommon and almost impossible for people to have an allergy to it. 

So, if  you are still wearing anything but merino wool socks for your outdoor adventures, it's time to try on a pair. Once you try them out you'll find  yourself replacing other parts of your wardrobe with merino wool as well.

Long Underwear - Snowshoeing Requires Excellent Moisture Management

Are you new to winter sports like snowshoeing? If so, you may not know much about proper long underwear. The first rule of thumb for high endurance winter sports is no 100% cotton. Cotton absorbs too much moisture. Cotton also does not retain heat when wet. That moisture next to your skin reduces your body temperature. Prolonged exposure can lower your body temperature to the point of hypothermia. There are much better materials for managing moisture during high endurance winter activities like snowshoeing. Merino wool, polypropylene, and polyester long underwear all do an excellent job managing moisture. They also have the ability to retain your body's natural warmth even if you sweat a lot or happen to get wet. With snowshoeing being such a high endurance activity, you're going to sweat.

Long Underwear - Weather Conditions A Factor In What To Wear

Performance Long Underwear for Snowshoeing

This may seem like a no brainer, but if the sun is out and the temperatures are just above the freezing range, you wouldn't need to wear the warmest long underwear available. Long underwear is typically made in three different different weights so that you can choose the appropriate weight for the weather conditions of the day. On those super cold days, you would want to choose long underwear in the heavy weight range. It is also sometimes referred to as expedition weight. For warmer sunny winter days, lightweight long underwear would be ideal. Anything in between you would want to go with a mid weight long underwear base layer. I would say that midweight is probably the most commonly worn thermal underwear just because it is more versatile in the world of winter activities. For most climates it performs really well. For colder climates, you may not be as comfortable in midweight long underwear, but comfortable enough. In warmer temperatures, most people can stand to be a little warmer. Make sense?

Long Underwear - High End And Low End Options

When it comes to price comparison, the fabrics used to make mens and womens long underwear can vary greatly. This is based on the availability and cost to produce the fabric. Please keep in mind that the cost does not reflect the performance or quality of the garment. In fact all of the fabrics I mention here are excellent performance fabrics. The difference is as I mentioned before. Availability and cost to produce the material. On the high end of the spectrum you have merino wool long underwear. 100% merino wool is the perfect natural fabric for long thermal underwear. It is super soft unlike traditional wool. It insulates very well and it wicks sweat and keeps you dry when wet.

On the lower end you have polymers or plastics like polypropylene and polyester. Polyester and polypropylene long underwear are both very inexpensive but, they both are high performance materials. Polypropylene absorbs less water than any other fabric and it retains more heat than any other fabric. Polyester is similar, but doesn't perform quite as well in the areas mentioned.

With your new knowledge of the best materials for performance long underwear, you can get the right long underwear and enjoy your time outdoors this winter.

Backpacking

Camping

Canoeing

Climbing

Cycling

Fishing

Golfing

Hunting

Hiking

Jogging

Kayaking

Mt. Biking

Paragliding

Scuba Diving

Snowboarding

Snow Skiing

Snowmobiling

Snowshoeing

Trail Running

Travel-Cold

Travel-Hot

What can you wear that will keep you dry, block wind, provide warmth, and allow you plenty of flexibility? The answer? Soft Shells. The latest craze in outerwear that promises to answer the problems that skiers, snowshoers, runners and other winter or otherwise cold weather sports enthusiasts have complained about since winter sporting was invented.

Traditionally, an outer shell is made of tough nylon that has a waterproof membrane laminated to it to add many of the qualities desired by winter athletes. However, the nylon restricted flexibility and the waterproof membrane caused excessive sweating and a lack of water vapor release from the garment.

So what is a Soft Shell? Well, most Soft Shells are a mixture of fabric technologies. The core of the fabric is typically a soft, warm, wind resistant polyester fleece that retains body heat well, yet has exceptional breathability. The manufacturer then coates the fleece with DWR© (Durable Water Restistant). DWR makes the garment very water resistant and the garment can endure multiple washings and still retain its water resistancy. Finally, many manufacturers will also laminate a WindStopper© membrane to the fabric to eliminate the penetration of wind through the garment. Windstopper© completely blocks wind, yet it still allows the garment to breathe.

Soft Shells are great for most any winter sport, especially high endurance sports. The only thing to worry about is the fact that that they are not completely waterproof. If you are going to be exposed to wet conditions for an extended period of time, water will start to soak through you soft shell.

I get asked all of the time: "How much good do sock liners or glove liners actually do?" While the results can vary from person to person, liners are a great way to add warmth and keep your skin dry.

Polypropylene Sock Liners

Your feet have more than 250,000 sweat glands. Just one foot is capable of sweating 1 pint in a single day. So, when you are out on the ski slopes or hiking up a mountain, your feet can get wet with sweat pretty quick. Polypropylene sock liners will pull the sweat off of your skin allowing your feet to stay much dryer than with regular socks. The liner can also aid in preventing blisters as the liner takes the beating instead of your skin.

Polypropylene Glove Liners

Your hands are capable of sweating as much as your feet. Wearing a glove liner will produce the same benefits as we just discussed with the sock liners. There are some added benefits when using them in the snow. As you take your gloves off and put them back during skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports, your hands can likely get wet and sometime snow can even get inside your gloves or boots. Once again, the polypropylene will keep your skin dry and warm even though the inside of your gloves may be wet. It's worth checking out the thermolite glove liners as well.

Last winter, I planned a snowmobiling trip to Utah. Now, I'm a native a Florida and I now live in South Georgia so, the thought of winter time in a place like Utah used to send chills all through me. I've watched most of Warren Millers ski videos. They depict these hardcore skiers taking choppers to the very tops of mountains to ski down. But, one thing you never get from those videos is any inclination as to just how cold it gets at those elevations. Even on the close up shots, you don't see any hint of shivering or coldness. In fact, on some of the interviews at the bottom the are actually sweating. The first time I visited the mountains as an adult was in the summer time. I hiked to the top of mountain that was just over 12,000 ft. Since it was summer time, I didn't bother to bring anything warm. That day just happened to be cloudy and I froze. In the middle of summer! So, how do these skiers keep warm in the winter time? They use a clothing system called layering. The most important being the base layer. If you wear the proper base layer in any weather condition, you dramatically increase your comfort level. Particularly in cold weather. You can read more on layering here.

Now, what happens each year is that more and more people catch on to this layering system. But, they don't prepare in time. Often, a trip gets planned somewhat spontaneously, and at the last minute, they find themselves running from store to store to find the right thermals. The problem is that each winter, outdoor retailers stock their shelves with a limited amount of thermal underwear. They usually base their stock on how much they sold the year before. They might stock a little more if the predictions are for a longer, colder winter. But, either way, they only stock so much. Not to mention how many of each size gets stocked. So, the would be toasty recreationist ends up compromising their layering system with something inferior. Instead of a nice fitting, warm, base layer, a 100% cotton gym sweat suit is substituted and the misery on the mountain begins. The point I'm trying to make here is that if you are serious about staying warm this winter, you need to get the right thermals well before your trip. Don't wait until everything that you would prefer to wear is sold out and you stuck "substituting."