Ski Coat Insulation Types

A superior quality jacket needs to contain insulation which can both retain heat and be breathable in order to release moisture. Ski coats and jackets, and ski fashion in general, changed with the introduction of new fibers and new fabrics and influence by both the competitive arena and the space race. Though skiing is an active sport in which recreational skiers and athletes alike can work quite strenuously and generate considerable amounts of body heat, there is also idle time, in which heat retention is a necessity.

  1. Down and Fiberfill.

    • Quilted down vests are popular winter ski wear.

      Down and its synthetic cousin fiberfill are efficient insulators. Down has a high warmth to weight ratio, fiberfill, while not being quite as efficient, is an effective choice for less expensive outerwear. The disadvantage to both these fibers is that they lose their insulating effect when wet, so they must have a waterproof exterior, usually quilted.

    Wool and Fleece.

    • A two layer jacket provides warmth and versatility.

      Wool is a natural insulator which needs to be kept dry in order to keep its insulating properties. Boiled wool and fleece are even warmer. These fabrics are not as lightweight as down, but synthetic versions exist which, while not as warm, are more lightweight and water repellent. A polyester fleece made of recycled plastic is even available for the eco-conscious.

    Modern fabrics

    • Astronaut suits have to be lightweight and ultra-insulating

      Man-made fibers such as Polartec™ and 3M™ Thinsulate™ overcome the drawbacks of natural insulators. Polartec fleece combines the warmth of wool fleece with moisture resistance and breath-ability. Thinsulate is the result of research 3M™ performed for NASA on lightweight insulating material for space suits to create a material with ultra-thin fibers which is also breathable and moisture resistant.

    Choosing an insulator

    • A warm fiber or down-filled ski jacket is perfect for recreational skiers.

      The choice of sport affects the choice of clothing. For a racer, a thin, light material may be more necessary than extra warmth. For a cross-country skier, however, the three layer system is a better choice. Recreational downhill skiers often choose a compromise -- a light weight waterproof suit or coat and high-waist pants with a real down vest, closed for extra warmth when on the ski tow or chair lift, and left open when skiing.

    How They Work

    • Ski suits made of thin, lightweight fabric enhance the speed of racers.

      Insulators work by using body heat to warm air pockets within the fabric. When these materials become saturated with perspiration, rain or snow the heat retention function is lost. Enclosing the natural fibres between waterproof, breathable materials enhances their effectiveness. Skiers often wear layers of several different types of clothing so that they may retain the correct amount of heat, while still being able to lighten up. New light weight insulators contain micro-thin layers with different properties to simulate this effect in one layer.