Beautiful and essential: Textile accessories for winter sporting activities in the mountains
Apart from the aesthetic aspect of the choice of accessories, in order to practice outdoor activities comfortably and safely in the winter, all these aspects must be taken into consideration.
Hats:
An essential element for mountain activities in the wintertime. Nowadays, there are many types, from classic, bulky woolen kinds to the ultra-light synthetic styles worn underneath helmets. They can be found in a variety of materials used in their manufacture, such as: polyamide, elastin, acrylic, cotton, wool, etc. Depending on the material they are made of, they will be more suitable for different needs. It’s important to take into account some aspects that can guide choices and help make a satisfactory purchase that suits the needs of each customer: comfort, heat capacity, breathability, impermeability, wind resistance, lightness, elasticity and compactness.
Balaclavas or ski masks:
Their main characteristics are: light weight, minimum volume, quick drying, ergonomics, and versatility. This type of garment is used to protect the head, neck, nose, mouth and ears from the cold, wind and sun. They optimize thermal insulation and moisture regulation, and they have an optimal fit for use under a helmet.
Neck gaiters or warmers:
This multifunctional garment is universally and widely used by different mountain sport athletes and enthusiasts. Whether used as a scarf, headband or bandana, their seamless design prevents friction and pressure points on the body. Even when the nose and mouth are covered, it facilitates breathing and prevents goggles or masks from fogging up. Made of extremely stretchy, quick-drying and sweat-absorbing fabrics, their versatility and functionality make them an essential piece of clothing for any adventurer.
Under layers:
Although all under layers for winter sports have a number of technical qualities in common — breathability, quick-drying hydrophobic fabrics, four-way stretch for complete freedom of movement, athletic cut and strategically positioned flat seams, comfortable feel and pattern, light weight, etc. — not all of them have the same thermal capacity. For this reason, a distinction must be made between thermal clothing and technical clothing. Those who are looking for warmth and thermal protection, even during static or low-intensity activities, should focus their search on thicker under layers with a heavier weight. On the other hand, those who are looking for some thermal capacity, but whose main need is the management of overheating and moisture during intense aerobic activities, should opt for thinner under layers, also called “technical” clothing; these have a lower weight in general, but especially in the areas of higher perspiration.
