One of the most discussed topics in snowskating is clothing. No, it's not a coincidence that we're all into fashion, we're searching for warmth, dryness, and function. Icon has created a little guide illustrating suggested attire for this upcoming season. The list has been researched thoroughly by our countless hours of personal experience, but variations are certainly necessary for different climates, regions, and conditions. Without further ado, I give you Icon Snowskates' What to Wear 2010.
First up we've got an outfit arranged for normal conditions. This ensemble was created for temeperatures ranging from 20-32 degrees Farenheit (-7 - 0 degrees Celsius). Our first layer features a Coal Frena beanie ($20), though any simple beanie would be sufficient - just keep your head warm, it releases a lot of your body heat. For a top we've got an Icon Burst Tee ($24.99); super soft, comfortable, and stylish. Next we've got a pair of Levi's ($69.50) jeans, any will do, just buy whatever's in your price range. Last up in our first layer is a pair of Nixon socks ($12). You have to keep your toes warm! High socks should help keep you protected from any mischevious snow. Second layer is pretty simple. Throw on a nice plaid shirt like this one from Quiksilver ($52) to keep you warm. For footwear, we highly recommend Vans Motly's ($60) which have a grippy sole and waterproofing as well. Skate shoes will work too, just look into some waterproofing gel to keep your feet dry. Finally, our last layer for normal conditions is our Icon Tilt hooded sweatshirt ($44.99). It's a 9oz. sweatshirt, comes in Royal Blue and Purple, and it'll keep you looking fresh and feeling warm.
If the temperatures drop below 20 (-7 Celsius) we'd say its time to take some extra precautions. Start off with the Burst Tee, long socks, and Frena beanie, but this time we're throwing some Burton long underwear ($35) in the mix. They'll keep you warm and allow for maximum movement. Second layer we've got the Tilt hoodie, Foursquare Smith pants ($70) to keep you super warm and dry. Lastly throw on some Vans Ico's to keep your feet happy; they've got a neoprene ankle gaiter to keep any unwanted snow out. Final layer for severe conditions is a Burton Poacher jacket ($149) to keep you warm and dry...see a trend?
Footwear
Footwear is another crucial, highly discussed topic. Here, we'll go through a rundown of the four most popular footwear options in snowskating.
Vans AWT Shoes - Formerly specified as "snowskate shoes" Vans continues to produce a line of shoe with waterproof materials and excellent grip. They offer two models; the Motly, and the higher end ICO. Aside from different cuts and colorways, the biggest difference between the two are the ankle gaitor. The ICO's feature an adjustable neoprene ankle gaitor that helps keep snow out. Both shoes feature an aggressive sole with large treads - very beneficial in the snow. Feelwise, they are a tad bit more clunky than your typical skate shoe, but are less so than a boot.
Boots - 'Boots' is a generic term, I suppose we'll cover all forms in this little blurb. For one, snowboard boots are a possibility that have been used by the likes of Kaylan Wiebe, Andrew Falberg, Sebastian Raban and the rest of snowskating's old guard. They certainly are not for anyone and they lack the mobility of other choices, but one can't help but be intrigued about saving a few broken ankles. The other boot option is a hiking-type boot which can offer waterproof materials, ankle support and excellent grip. DC made a snow boot with many of the same characteristics as a hiking boot.
Waterproof Skate Shoes - DVS, DC, Lakai and likely others have all added waterproof shoes to their winter lines (at one time or another). Shoes like these often provide excellent foot/ankle movement, but lack any prevention of snow entry near the ankle. Soles may also be flat and without a significant pattern which could be of concern when gripping in snowy conditions.
Skate Shoes - Much like waterproof skate shoes, they offer superior foot/ankle movement yet lack any waterproof qualities. This could me remedied through the use of a waterproofing gel. This is a choice for anyone who cannot bear to sacrifice any foot movement and is willing to suffer with a case of potentially cold/wet feet.
Handwear
Don't forget about gloves either. A nice pair of snowboard gloves will do the trick. I like pipe gloves, they give me a lot of freedom and if it's not super cold they're great just to keep your hands dry. This is another case of personal preference.
With clothing your first concern is warmth and comfort. Wear what makes you comfortable, keeps you dry, and fits your budget. This list is an ideal setup, but there are an unlimited amount of variations. I've worn plastic grocery bags over my socks and under skate shoes and I know for a fact that some people still do it! The bottom line is to get creative and buy what you can afford, do whatever you need to do to get out there to ride and have fun.
-Matt Plays
