A few years ago, I broke the bank and bought cold weather Assos cycling apparel. It was one of the best investments I ever made.
Can you folks give me some help as to what direction I should go when it comes to x-country ski apparel?
I am in Boston, but the clothing I have seen in the supposed quality shops seem a bit iffy. Maybe I am not going to the right stores, and maybe somebody has a local suggestion or two.
Thanks all!
Craft is highly recommended. Look at Gear West and New Moon on-line sites for further details.
Gear West or New Moon are good options, but no reason to spend a ton of money. Simple base layer, warming layer and shell works just fine. I wore some basic new balance tights under a basic swix ski pant, a nike base layer top, a light fleece and my xc ski shell plus a $3 scull cap and $10 swix xc ski gloves, and an old pair of REI boot socks at the birkie when it was 10 below at start and never got above 5 below. Had to drink extra beer at Anglers to make up for the sweat loss…
Or go old school like the old timers at birkie - flannel shirt, carhartt
Not directed at you (but to the general population) Please don’t turn xc skiing into the new rage where everybody needs / wants the latest most expensive gear that will make them better, stronger, faster rather than simply training smarter and enjoying the day.
but no reason to spend a ton of money.
+1 It’s way easier to stay warm skiing than biking. Add enough layers and a shell. What can stay cold on me the longest is my hands so I sometimes use mittens.
Craft is what I use - I live in NH and ski all the time and I end up wearing them all day they are so comfortable.
No tights / lycra / bike wear for skiing unless you are racing.
The problem with Craft is that so many people have it. If you want the Assos of skiing that’s simply not acceptable.
Try for Bjørn Dæhlie (though that is becoming, sniff, a little common) or Odlo. Or Trimtex - very rare in the US so you will be special.
IMPORTANT - EDITED SATURDAY TO ADD: Pre- and post-ski, do not under any circumstances wear a common fleece jacket such as North Face or Columbia. Dale of Norway or Devold sweaters ONLY. These could be called the “Rapha” of ski clothing. Oh, and if you do not know Rapha in cycling, please learn more. A man of your discernment would appreciate what Rapha can offer.
There is a reason why so many people have Craft stuff. It works and lasts. If you want functional gear/ XC ski clothing its hard to beat Craft. If you are trying to make a unique fashion statement, look elsewhere. If you want functional, quality ski gear, look no further.
Halti
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Sporthill
UBE - ugly but effective
Looks like grandpa gear performs awesome
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If you buy your cross country skiing clothing from a Norwegian or Swedish brand you will get good quality.
I have Craft & am not that impressed with it. If you know a “Euro” with contacts, try to get a super-ultra rare Adidas suit. Sweet & well built.
Hard to go wrong with Salomon, always good stuff. Used VO Max & was happy with that suit. If I were to get a new suit, not sure exactly what I’d get–many great choices out there.
Agree that the scandinavian brands (daehlie, Odlo, etc) tend to make really good stuff. Löffler is also pretty popular in Germany / Austria. For a very hip alternative check out Maloja.
From personal painful experience - be very wary of skating in tights that are not windproof. Can get very painful on downhills.
From personal painful experience - be very wary of skating in tights that are not windproof. Can get very painful on downhills.
Depends on the weather and what you have underneath.
Ditto the recommendation that tights are only for racing - depends on the weather and what you have underneath.
Lol, yes, I learned the hard way.Slightly loose underwear + cold wind = ouch!
Google the net for Swix suppliers that delivere worldwide. You want both the semi tights and the jacket with a windproof frontal area and moisture release in the back. Use wool or technical underwear.
For those really cold days there is only one way to protect the crown jewels. Aluminum foil infront of the junk keeps you nice and comfortable.
Depending upon weather conditions, wear your bike clothes, except shoes of course
sporthill pants for cold days is mandatory for me (they are great late season riding pants too)
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Google the net for Swix suppliers that delivere worldwide. You want both the semi tights and the jacket with a windproof frontal area and moisture release in the back. Use wool or technical underwear.
For those really cold days there is only one way to protect the crown jewels. Aluminum foil infront of the junk keeps you nice and comfortable.
I use Sugoi winter running underwear with the windproof front panel. Brilliant stuff.
A few years ago, I broke the bank and bought cold weather Assos cycling apparel. It was one of the best investments I ever made.
Some of the Asso’s stuff depending on what it is and the fit, can be re-purposed for xc-skiing. I am thinking stuff like base layers, jackets vests, tights possibly. As others have noted, generally speaking if you are skiing at a moderate level of effort, it’s remarkable how little you need on. The heat out-put for skiing because of all the muscles that get used is high.
I have a few Sugoi pieces - Jackets, Vests and tights, that get used for cycling, running and nordic skiing
Good gloves are key, and you may need two pair - one for “warmer” conditions and one for colder. I have sensitive hands and below -10C, I usually start using the lobster-claw models, as they seem to keep my hands warmer, but still give the flexibility of a glove.
Finally, invest in some good wind-briefs(shielded underwear) for protection . . ahem . . down-there. Seriously, you never want to get frost bite on your . . . ! =:0
Another vote for Norwegian-founded Swiss-owned Cologna sponsoring Odlo. Head to toe, all layers.
The aluminum foil tip is meant for really cold weather. If you are going training in sub 15 celsius, doing a long downhill section in 40 k pr. h speeds or more your penis will be exposed. My penis has the intelligence to retreat into my body(small penis) but still i need the foil for tip protection.