This is one of the most difficult things about buying a ski jacket for children. You want the reassurance that the jacket is going to keep them warm and toasty while on the cold slopes and your natural instinct is that the jacket should be thick and padded. But is this right? I decided to find out once and for all and ask the people that know – the manufacturers.
Linda from KoziKidz, the Swedish skiwear company for children, is an expert in cold weather clothing for children. She explains that layering is the key to keeping children warm on the slopes, not bulking up heavy thick layers and heavy padded ski jackets. “It is obvious that jackets must be waterproof but they should also be breathable, the jacket’s main purpose is to protect you from the snow and the wind and so it is important to have critical seams taped and to be 100% waterproof. They should be insulated but not with bulky material as this impedes movement as well as trapping the heat generated by the body inside the jacket, creating moisture and it is this moisture that creates a chill. Base layer, mid layer, outer layer is the key.”
Danish skiwear designers Molo also stress the importance of a 3 layering system. “The outer layer must create a protective shield from the wind and weather. This layer has to resist wind, rain and cold but must also be breathable so that it is comfortable for the child. MMP's outer layer is made of a functional shell material. The strength of the shell material is that it is light, which means it is easy to move around in but it is still extremely wind and water resistant. The MIDDLE LAYER purpose is to retain warmth. It is an insulation layer that must release moisture without losing warmth. MMP's middle layer is made of a lightweight, fleece quality. The INNER LAYER has to be a warm thermal and draw moisture away from the body”.
So that seems straight forward enough. Breathable outer jackets are the priority. But, it is the inner layers that are key to providing the warmth. Back to Kozkidz. “Wearing cotton or other absorbent materials under the outer layer work against the breathable properties of the jacket as they will just retain the moisture which in turn will chill”. Linda recommends a fleece layer worn under the jacket and over the thermals.
So to summarise, the inside layer or base layer is worn next to the skin. This wicks the moisture away and pushes the vapour to the next layer of clothing. These are usually thin as they are only really designed to retain the body heat as its main function is wicking the moisture away.
The next layer “mid layer” is the key one to regulate according to the weather conditions. Warm day skiing? Then leave this layer out. Minus -20 c – then wear a top and bottom mid layer. This layers role is heat conservation as well as wicking the moisture from the base layer, out through to the outer layer or jacket. Two thinner mid layers are much warmer and more comfortable than one thicker garment. Micro fleece tops and/or bottoms are perfect for this layer.
So what will my children be wearing for this years skiing holiday? My slight 5 year old girl will be wearing the KoziKidz set, the lovely purple and pink jacket and pants, with the fleece thermal top and bottom set and KoziKidz thermals. My son, the dare devil 7 year old skier will be wearing the Molo layered ski set. What this space for the photos and feedback!
Tess Bradshaw, owner Little Skiers & mummy to 2 Little Skiers
