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How to Layer for a Wet Storm Day

We don’t care if it’s raining or slushing out, any day on skis is a good day. But wear the wrong layers on a wet day and you’ll be cursing yourself. Here’s how to layer the right way.

We’ve all been there: The storm rolled in warmer and wetter than you’d hoped, but the skiing is still good. Call it cream cheese or hot pow or mashed potatoes or whatever you want; just get out there and make the most of it. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or Tahoe, skiing in the rain is part of what makes you a skier. You just need to know how to layer for wet conditions so you can stay out as long as possible.

Base layer: Check. You need that. You know the drill: Merino wool or synthetic base layers get the job done and dries quickly and pulls moisture away from the skin, especially on those soaked-to-your-underwear kind of storm days. To bib or not to bib can really be a toss up on a wet day. Bibs can be great storm slayers by providing that extra protection above the waist, but if it’s a super warm storm, you might not want the added fabric. The best of both worlds is the Compound Bib for men and the Siren for women. Super breathable without the full bib coverage up top.

Depending on the temperature, you might need a warming midlayer. That high humidity will put as much of a chill in your bones as a dry, cold day in the Rockies. A toasty fleece like the Pierogi for men or Katinka for women will cut that chill. If it’s really warm out and rain is your biggest threat, maybe you don’t need a midlayer—might just be a base layer and a burly waterproof shell kind of day.

No matter what’s underneath, the shell you choose will make all the difference between feeling like skiing in a garbage bag or not. For the ultimate wet-storm defense layer, call on a three-layer hardshell with a high performance Durable Water Repellent. The Lab Coat or Quantum Pro for men and Billie Coat or Lucy Jacket for women will be your answer. An over-the-cuff gauntlet glove will keep the soak away, like the Super D Glove or Super D Mitten if that’s more your style.

Pro Tips

-Never—we repeat, never—take your gloves off throughout the day if it’s super wet out. They will soak from the inside and be done for the day. Your friends texting you can wait until après. Also, bring an extra pair of dry gloves and stash them in the lodge, your car, or inside your jacket. 

-Use your hood. Our hoods on our shells are specifically designed to fit over helmets. 

-Tuck your midlayers into your pants for a better seal. 

-Double check that all your vents and pockets are fully zipped up. Water seeping in through any of those openings can spread through your moisture-wicking fabric. 

Men's Kit

Pierogi Hoody

Just like the doughy dumpling they’re named after, this midlayer is warm but lets off steam.
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Handlebar Tech Flannel

It looks like a regular flannel. But it’s got high-performance superpowers.
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Women's Kit

Billie Coat

A versatile hardshell ski jacket that works great riding lifts or touring.
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Siren Bib

A lightweight bib made with Flylow’s proprietary Intuitive™ PHD fabric for utmost waterproofing and breathability on alpine ascents and descents.
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Sondra Fleece

Now, you can rock a technical midlayer while skiing that doubles as a cozy sweater at the bar.
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