Getting a down jacket wet while skiing?

Question

Obviously, you shouldn't get a down jacket wet, due to the fact that it will lose a large percent, if not all of it's heat retainment.

However, what about using a down jacket when skiing or snowboarding? Falling, and getting wet snow all over you is a big part of both sports. How would a down jacket hold up to wet snow?

Answer 1

First off...spraying waterproofing on a down anything will cause it to lose it's loft. Down keeps you warm because it makes dead air spaces. Waterproofing will cause the down to become matted and then you might as well wear a shirt stuffed with cotton balls.

Down loses its loft when wet...it doesn't matter if it's from wet snow, rain , perspiration, or a dunk in the river....wet is wet.

I have a down vest and a down jacket...neither ever see the ski slope or a camping trip. I'm just not willing to take the chance of getting hypothermia. Plus, then, if it does get wet or soiled I have to wash the thing more often with special down wash and slow dry it for hours so it retains its loft...down is a pain in the a s s.

I have a Primaloft vest and a Thermore jacket. Both are lighter and warmer than the down stuff I own. I can abuse them more, and they keep me warm even when they get soaked. (I rolled a kayak in 40F water (air temp was about 50F) and I didn't even get cold the remaining three hours of the paddling trip. I was wearing Primaloft.)

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Getting a down jacket wet while skiing?
Obviously, you shouldn't get a down jacket wet, due to the fact that it will lose a large percent, if not all of it's heat retainment.

However, what about using a down jacket when skiing or snowboarding? Falling, and getting wet snow all over you is a big part of both sports. How would a...

Answer 3

You actually have to get the Down inside the coat wet, not just the nylon shell. If you have a halfway decent down parka it should take a LONG time for the insulation to get wet from skiing. It also depends on where you are. If you are in Colorado you could roll around in the snow all winter and not get the down wet. If you are on the west coast and ski in a down jacket it might soak up more quickly due to more moisture in the snow and humidity in the air.

All that said. Down jackets still are not a great choice for a ski jacket because skiing can be very aerobic and down jackets are great for keeping warm, but not great for aerobic activities. I would positively die if I tried to ski in a down jacket if it was warmer than 30 below. Maybe if you ski in Canada or Anarctica or something it would work for you.

Answer 4

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axmp5

There is no one sure-fire way to stay warm that works for everyone. There are many factors that contribute to how warm a person stays when cold. Metabolism, Body Type, Level of Activity, What you ate, Hydration, and What you are wearing all contribute to how warm you will stay. I think you might be a bit overdressed. You didn't mention any base layers. Wicking synthetic or wool long underwear is a vital piece of gear for most skiers. Is your sweater cotton, wool, or synthetic? A cotton sweater is nothing more than a fashion piece. Wool or a wool blend sweater would be a better option. Is your stuff clean? Dirt, sweat, and oils will accumulate on fabrics and make them less effective. I almost never wear a face mask. It's gotta be really cold for me to wear one. I normally just wear my helmet. How agressive do you ski? Just cruisning around is fun, but doesn't burn the calories agressive skiing does..hence, you will not be as warm. Likewise, agressive skiing makes you sweat and makes you thirsty. This could lead to a bunch of things. First, you are sweating and if damp clothes stay next to your skin, you will loose body heat. Second, even though you may not feel thirsty, you are probably dehydrated. Wilthout water the metabolism starts to slow down and thus you don't burn calories. Maybe you don't have calories to burn? Eat something. Nuts, fruits, energy bars..all good stuff. Eat something warm like soup or oatmeal. How often do you fall, ski in while the snow is falling, or get wet some other way? Do you immediately brush snow off your clothes? You want to stay dry. Also, if you don't brush the snow right off, how fast does it tale to melt? If snow melts off you and not off your buds, then you are losing heat through lack of insulation. Way too many factors here for Y! Answers. Try to eliminate some of the possibilities and work from there. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Are Down Jackets Waterproof

Answer 6

It will if you waterproof it. REI sells a spray on waterproofer that really keeps the coat dry and won't let the water soak into the shell to the down. I live where there is really dry snow, but have skied in really wet snow and wouldn't wear my down coat without waterproofing it first because I would be miserably wet.