Clothing
Clothing Layering Systems for Ski & Splitboard Touring | NZ Guide
Clothing Layering Systems for Ski & Splitboard Touring | NZ Guide
Backcountry Clothing Principles
- 🛡️ Shells: Must be lightweight and breathable; avoid heavy resort-style padded jackets.
- 🔥 Insulation: Synthetic fill (e.g., PrimaLoft) or hydrophobic down is best for maintaining warmth when damp.
- 🧤 Hands: Always carry two pairs—lightweight for the uphill and insulated leather-palm gloves for the descent.
- 🌬️ Pants: Softshells are the winter standard; waterproof hardshells are reserved for wet or warm spring weather.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Reactivate your jacket's water-repellency by regular washing and low-heat tumble drying according to manufacturer instructions.
Waterproof Jacket and Pants
Jackets should be lightweight without any excessive features, mesh, or insulating lining which will be hot and heavy. Downhill ski and snowboard jackets and pants will be too warm for touring.
Waterproof fabrics are usually a sandwich of an outer layer providing strength and an inner membrane that provides water resistance and breathability. Membranes stop liquid water but allow water vapour or sweat to pass through. Many brands of membranes are available with similar performance (such as Gore Tex’? or Event’?). The outer layer will have a water-repellent treatment that prevents it from becoming saturated and compromising the breathability of the membrane. Waterproof clothing should have tape-sealed seams. Waterproof clothing must be cared for to prolong their performance. This requires regular washing and tumble drying or ironing to reactivate the water-repellant treatment. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Technical mountaineering or dedicated ski touring jackets are ideal but many general-purpose jackets are sufficient. Features you should look out for include big pockets that you can fit skins, large cuffs for fitting over gloves, and an attached hood that fits over a helmet.
Softshell pants materials are best in winter to keep out wind and snow. Waterproof over-trousers are only required for wetter (warmer conditions). During particularly cold conditions, thermal leggings can be layered underneath. High waists, bibs, and braces are good for keeping out snow but less practical for visits to the bathroom.
Insulation
A lightweight mid-layer can provide insulation and some degree of weather-proofness. This can be a fleece (100-200 Polartec) or wind-resistant materials. Wool is heavier and takes longer to dry. Softshell jackets provide good durability and weather resistance in cold conditions but can be too warm and bulky going into spring.
A good insulating layer is good for breaks and other enforced stops . It should have a full front zip and a hood is useful. Slightly oversized can be good to fit over the active layer (waterproof or windproof). Synthetic fill insulation (such as Prima loft) or the more expensive hydrophobic down is best as it maintains its performance even when wet.
Hands
Good quality warm gloves are essential at all times. Gloves need to be windproof and well insulated and leather palms provide the best grip, good longevity, and dexterity. Waterproof gloves are significantly more expensive and not necessary. Totally leather gloves are heavier and can be slower to dry out. Mittens are useful as a backup or for warming up whilst stopped.
Light gloves are useful for uphill, or fiddly transitions where more dexterity is required. You can choose dedicated touring gloves or even cheap’work gloves. Warm gloves or mittens can be kept warm inside the jacket or pockets and changed into whilst stopped.
Summary
| Layer Type | Ideal Material | Key Features to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Shell | Gore-Tex®, eVent®, or similar | Large hood (helmet compatible), big pockets for skins, and large cuffs. |
| Pants | Softshell (Winter) / Hardshell (Spring) | Side vents for uphill cooling. Thermal leggings can be added for extreme cold. |
| Mid-Layer | 100-200 Polartec® or wind-resistant fleece | Avoid heavy wool; it is slow to dry and bulky. |
| Enforced Stop | Synthetic fill or Hydrophobic down | Full front zip and oversized to fit over all other active layers. |
Is Your Kit Southern Alps Ready?
Selecting the right layers is just the beginning. Learn how to manage your temperature and gear on the move with our expert guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my standard resort ski jacket for touring?
Generally, no. Downhill ski and snowboard jackets are too warm and heavy for touring because they often feature mesh or insulating linings. For touring, you need a lightweight, uninsulated waterproof shell that allows sweat to pass through while blocking wind and snow.
Why are softshell pants recommended over waterproof hardshells?
Softshell materials provide the best balance of breathability and weather protection during winter. They keep out wind and snow while allowing moisture to escape during high-exertion uphill travel. Waterproof over-trousers are typically only necessary for wetter, warmer conditions.
How should I manage my gloves during transitions?
Use lightweight "liner" or work gloves for the uphill and fiddly transitions. Keep your warm, insulated gloves or mittens inside your jacket or pockets to keep them warm, and change into them only when stopped or for the descent. Don't leave gloves on the snow where they can blow away.
