How to dress for snowkiting?

Choosing your clothes for snowkiting is not an easy task! You have to deal with highly variable weather conditions and excessive sweating due to the physical effort. And to make matters worse, once you take a break, you find yourself all sweaty with a freezing wind... So, as you may have understood, it's not simple to find a compromise that works in all cases. After a few years of trial and error, buying multiple ski jackets, pants, fleeces, down jackets, beanies, and so on, I have finally found a compromise that works well for me to dress warmly without getting too hot during the effort and without getting cold afterwards. I have also talked a lot with mountaineers, guides, and specialized store sellers. Before reading further, my first advice would be the following: it is better to start the session feeling a little cold than the opposite because otherwise you will quickly end up overheating.

 

When it comes to underwear, you must absolutely avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and once it gets wet, it becomes cold, so you're guaranteed to catch a cold! You need a thermal polyester underwear, Odlo makes very good ones, but also Falke, Alti, Decathlon... Do not choose the very warm versions, on the contrary, choose the light versions for summer, the purpose of this underwear is to keep you warm (of course) but above all to evacuate moisture... So, for the upper body, choose a long-sleeved model and for the lower body, a short brief is sufficient for temperatures up to 10°C and choose long underwear for colder temperatures. I have also tested cheap sub-brands of underwear, the effect is the same, but they don't age well so it may not be a good deal. The other new thing in this field is merino wool. The underwear is even warmer, and especially after a few hours of riding, it doesn't smell bad. The disadvantage I found is that after a big effort, they take longer to dry than their polyester counterparts. Tip: If you kite with access via hiking, it's not a bad idea to have a spare thermal underwear. So when you arrive at the bottom of the spot after your hike, all sweaty, you change the underwear and you avoid the freezing period because everything needs to dry.

For the second layer, still no cotton, a fleece is enough, it will provide the insulation layer. If you are always warm, a micro fleece will suffice, if you are always cold, choose a thicker one, but never wear 2 fleeces, or 2 sweaters, or... The goal is to create an air layer while allowing moisture to pass through. The other possibility is a down jacket, choose the very light models intended to be worn as a base layer. The big expedition-type down jacket could be useful if you plan to ride from -20°C, it also keeps you warm during breaks. Leave the big grandma's wool sweaters, you have to evolve! (Although wool is one of the few materials that retains its insulating properties even when wet, see: sailors).

This is the most expensive layer, but also the most important... The jacket. You need (should have...) a Goretex jacket with no lining, Goretex 3-layer or XCR models are perfect. The Paclite model is generally very minimalist, no snow skirt at the bottom of the jacket, no expansion gusset on the sleeves either. You can tighten the jacket and that's it. Make sure to wear long gloves and pants with suspenders that rise higher, so that no snow can get inside in the event of a fall. There are also Goretex jackets with additional features (pockets, expansion gussets, etc.) Just avoid integrated lining or remove the fleece layer otherwise you will be too hot... As for the harness, you will have the option to wear it over the jacket and pants or wear it underneath and then you will need to have a passage sewn to let the harness buckle out. As for the pants, a single layer is often enough, a Goretex model is ideal, but make sure it is reinforced on the buttocks and at the bottom to limit tears in case of impact. If your pants are lined, you don't need to wear long underwear, if they are not lined, it depends on the temperature...

Three types of gloves:

Thin and flexible finger gloves, ideal for not too cold conditions and for freestyle. Gloves with fingers, made of Goretex, ideal for cold conditions. Goretex effectively evacuates your sweat. Mittens made of Goretex, ideal for extreme cold.

A good pair of ski or snowboard socks will do just fine, don't choose a pair that is too warm, so not too thick. If your feet are cold, it is certainly due to your boots, there must be a pressure point that cuts off your blood circulation (too small, too big, too old). There are many ways to customize your ski or snowboard boots, thermoformable liners, boot shell deformations, custom insoles, and finally, for the most sensitive to cold, heated insoles and boots.

WTF!! What beanie?!? For snowkiting, we wear a helmet!! In most cases (0 to -15°C), it is more than enough, below that, there are very thin beanies that fit under the helmet (you can also find them in the cycling section of sports stores). Do not wear a big beanie under the helmet, as it will raise the helmet too high on your head and in case of impact, you will be less protected (Unless you have bought a specific helmet that is one or two sizes larger). For choosing the helmet, don't forget to bring your goggles with you and check that everything is compatible.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, properly equipping yourself for snowkiting is an art that requires a bit of research and experimentation. Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly, and finding the balance between staying warm and avoiding overheating can be delicate. It is imperative to choose materials that evaporate moisture while retaining heat, and that offer adequate protection against the elements. Layers are your best friend: a good thermal base, an insulating layer, and a waterproof outer layer are crucial. Also, don't neglect the protection of your head with a properly fitting helmet, and make sure your hands and feet stay warm with the right gloves and socks. Investing in quality equipment may seem expensive at first, but it is worth it to ensure enjoyable and safe snowkiting sessions. With the right equipment, you will be ready to face the challenges that the mountain has to offer and fully enjoy the adventure of snowkiting.