Before skiing in Morzine this weekend I had a walk along the main street looking at the various equipment and clothing.
They have a napapijri shop and next door almost there's a shop selling "geographical norway" clothing. The look is similar to napapijri to the extent of being a complete rip off but i was a bit surprised that the quality of the cheap stuff didn't seem too bad. The workmanship and feel of the cheapo seemed ok - in my 5 minute look at it. I wouldn't wear most of either brand due to the big logos everywhere but I was tempted by some other cheap trousers which just a very small Norway flag on them.
The price difference was huge, classic napapijri skido jacket, 600eur or the knock off version 75eur. Trousers, 400eur vs 50eur
So any experience of the cheap brand? Is it just a complete knock off or is it a brand in it's own right?
I had a mid-range jacket: lasted very well with good bad weather protection
I then went for a very cheap Tschibo jacket: lasted very well - but lacked extreme bad weather protection - mainly windproof
I now am using a mid-range jacket again and haven't found it lack in protection.
I do remember talking to a colleague many years ago - who put it quite bluntly: If you need to technical jacket buy one - just don't be swayed by a label. A top end ski jacket will cost 1300chf but not offer anywhere near the protection of one designed for arctic skiing.
Cheap stuff generally just doesn't stay waterproof for long. Perhaps hours or days before it loses that initial waterproofing and they they get wet, cold and heavy.
We've got decent ski clothing for the kids - Reima brand but they've also got Lidl (or similar) ski trousers for mucking around in as they're likely to be only wearing them for a couple of hours and they usually rip them anyway.
This is it. I have already perfectly adequate gear.. But I find it's maybe a bit too protective and thinking to switch to lighter clothes. And many of the big brands are real expensive even for lighter stuff.
I don't really fall over, especially not into something wet.
I'm not likely to go up the mountain in a real blizzard.
I'm never cold, t-shirt and half zipped jacket at -10 for me.
People were pointing at me laughing as I went down an easy red with my jacket unzip and flapping around. On the chair lift I take off gloves and helmet and open jacket!
Just based on a economical point of view, you can buy 8 of the cheap ones!
In my case, I use Patagonia clothing. At least in the US, every time I had a problem with one of their pieces, I would go to the store, and have it exchanged. And I am talking about years after I bought them (without even a receipt). They have a lifetime guarantee.
Since right now I live in Norway, there is no Patagonia shop here. So last year, I went to NY with two jackets, and a backpack that had problems with their zippers, and got them exchanged.
It works for me. Specially since technical clothing is very expensive.
Give it a go. You'd be surprised how many knock off brands are produced in the same factory as the brand they're knocking off. If it looks quality, feels quality, offers some technical protection then I'd say give it a go. Once upon a time I was a snowmaker in Vail/ Beaver Creek. The most important piece of equipment was a proper under layer (no cotton) and a thick, durable outer layer. Unless the outer layer is PVC then you will have to retreat it to keep its waterproof ability.
This is a must no matter how much or little you spend on an item. It will lose it's protection over time. Wash, rinse, treat, repeat.
I agree with DK that the mid-range is the sweetspot when it comes to ski gear. I would focus on getting something with Goretex Pro membrane (or similar) - both for water- and windproofness and to be breathable.
Well, due to my size (short and chubby) finding ski trousers is not easy. If I do find my size, for trousers, they are usually 20cm too long in the leg. Which btw really really annoys me, because extra large sizes for blokes are very easy to come by- but not for women!! I've become very good at altering them- but my favourite pair was bought in C&A UK about 15 years ago- for £14 in the sale, and still going strong.
I have bought a lot of cheap winter clothing over the years and I have not had any major issues with 1 exception. The zippers.
However I do agree with Tom1234.
I have had to use water repelling spray on the clothing to stop water from being absorbed into the material. And when the clothing gets old it does not repel water well even after using said sprays.
But the price of clothing at say Aldi is a fraction of prices at the big name brand shops. Very tempting.
Always bought in the UK and never come across the short range for larger sizes for women. Been skiing in Colorado several times, and again, short range available for not XXL (Steamboat and Winterpark).
It takes time, care and effort to adapt large size to shorter- but have got it down to a T now- if anyone ever needs help.
When I was in my late teens/early twenties (too far back to remember exactly), back in the UK, my parents gave me, as a gift, a padded blouson type jacket - marketed as a 'ski jacket'.
It obviously wasn't a ski jacket, but at that time it was trendy to prefix items of clothing with 'ski' - girls/women also wore tight-fitting 'ski pants'.
However, it was warm, light and facilitated great free movement - much more than some of the more authentic jackets I have used here - and I have used it often, and after 30 odd years it's still holding up (it was packed away and forgotten about for many years in the interim).
Basic polyester shell, padding and a nylon lining, with no breathable membrane - all totally wrong, but I can't recall ever being cold or wet, when I used it.
I have now bought a 'modern' style ski jacket, so it will be retired.
Although, this new one is a cheap one from Aldi (INOC range) - 129 reduced by 50, to 79.
It's a recent purchase, so haven't had chance to try it yet, so can't say how it is (maybe tomorrow), but it seems to have the right component materials and fittings; is thin, but appears to be very warm.
From what you said, soft shell is indeed the way forward. You've probably been running v hot as you've been wearing cheap (waterproof) and not-breathable gear
If you will ski often, you cant compromise on quality, with the case of ski clothing, in my experience its best to buy the brands that have reputation, having said that paying the swiss prices is a different situation, enjoy the looking during shopping, then buy over the border.
With a family of 4 and returning often to the UK, its the way that I manage the costs, for my last ebay jacket, which is top notch, the postage cost more than the jacket and buying off season, obviously this only works for looking ahead and not the short notice situations.
I am preparing for my first skiing season. I am a 26-year-old woman who is going to have her first skiing trip. We are going to Slovakia. At the beginning of December, I am going to the US and want to buy myself a good skiing jacket. I have done a little bit of research and found this "Arc'teryx Women's Sentinel Jacket" (number 2 on this list: http://www.bestsnowgear.com/best-womens-skiing-jackets/ ). Actually, I have found good reviews on several sites, so I believe it is a good choice.
First of all, I love the plain minimalistic design. I don't like these colorful hip skiing clothes. Maybe they are nice, but not for me.
Second, I trust the reviews, especially the ones on Amazon.
The price is not low and I like it. A cheap thing can't be well-made.
Do you have any comments on my choice? Will appreciate any input. I am buying the jacket for at least 3-4 seasons, therefore I need to have a durable and comfortable piece of wear.
When it comes down to it, it all depends on how it fits, different manufacturers fit different body shapes it can be the best jacket in the world but if it's not comfortable it's not worth it, work out what are your must have features in a jacket get a shortlist then try then.