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Breathable Clothing For Ski Touring

Posted by Tessum Weber in

Why Breathable Shells Matter on a Ski Tour 🏔️

When you're earning your turns in the backcountry, staying dry—and comfortable—is key. While Gore‑Tex hardshells are waterproof, they’re not always the best at wicking sweat uphill. In cold temps, trapped moisture can freeze in the shell’s membrane, reducing breathability and making your kit heavier and chillier. Gore-tex is great for the ridiculously deep powder days, but not much more...

We recommend breathable soft‑shell or stretch-hybrid shells designed for movement and airflow. Venting with pit‑zips dumps excess heat during skinning, and your waterproof hardshell should stay in your pack—ready for weather shifts or the descent. Skiing with several thin layers of clothing is always better than one larger layer; you can adapt with changing temperatures and airflow is improved.

Battle Abbey Guest — Layering: several thin layers is always better than one large layer. Increased airflow, reduced moisture build up. Credit: Jordan Alpine Media

Lunchtime Warmth: A Better Down Jacket

At lunch stops, a warm but packable down jacket is indispensable—but choose carefully. We love the Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka. Here’s why it stands out:

1000‑Fill‑Power EX down offers exceptional warmth-to-weight—perfect for staying toasty during breaks without hauling extra bulk.
Shell fabric uses some of the world’s thinnest nylon, keeping the overall weight minimal while still providing adequate wind protection

Skiing in down? Not ideal. Down excels at trapping warmth when stationary, but once you start moving, it absorbs your sweat, becomes heavy, and can freeze. Save it strictly for stops (or at times, descents on cold days)—put it on, eat, enjoy the view, stash it. On rare occasions when it is cold, skiing and down can be great, but careful management is key.

Smart Footwear & Sock Strategy

One thin moisture-wicking sock is better than thicker pairs—bulk doesn’t equal warmth, it traps sweat instead.
Boot warmers? Use them only at lunch, breaks and manage carefully. Heated boots feel cozy, but constant warmth prompts sweating, which makes your feet wet and cold once the heat turns off.

Why Avoid Electric Accessories

Battery-powered gloves or heated vests can sound tempting, but they interfere with avalanche transceiver signals—putting safety at risk. Opt for reliable, low-profile warmth instead.

Your Ideal Ski-Touring Kit Recap

Item	Feature	When to Use
Base Layer	Thin, moisture-wicking	Always – for both skinning and skiing
Shell Layer	Breathable soft/hybrid shell	On the ascent; carry waterproof shell for descents or changing weather
Insulation Layer	Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket	At rest—perfect for lunch stops
Socks	One thin performance sock	Always – best for moisture control and comfort
Boot Warmers	Use intermittently	At lunch or rest breaks only
Electric Gloves/Vests	Avoid	They interfere with avalanche transceivers—leave them at home
Lunch	Prepared by Weber Powder’s private chef & built by you.	Enjoyed mountainside, ideally in the sun with your down jacket on

Final Takeaway

Smart layering is essential for ski touring comfort and safety. Stick with breathable shells on the climb, bring a warm down jacket for breaks, wear one good sock, and use boot warmers only when needed. Skip the electric gear, enjoy the yummy lunch, and let the mountains—and your body—breathe.