Being comfortable in your gear could be the difference between the best day ever and the worst. And sometimes, it takes time to work that beloved jacket or pants into the point of fitting you in all the right places. Now, those favorite ski boots or even long underwear may be nearing the end of its life and it could be sooner than you think. Just how long should gear last?
Ski Socks-Approximately 1 year depending on the brand
According to Smartwool, their socks should last a year if the washing directions and fit are properly executed.
Tips to prolong life:
- Avoid wearing on the carpet.
- Do not use fabric softener.
Helmet- 1 Impact
This is debatable but generally speaking, if you have taken an impact on your helmet, experts suggest it’s time for a new one. This is because most helmets are designed to only withstand a certain amount of force in order to perform optimally
Tips to prolong life:
- Don’t crash on your head. Duh.
- Store away from factors that can alter the effectiveness of the materials. This includes heat and extreme cold.
Outerwear- Anywhere from a season to a lifetime
How long your outerwear lasts depends on how often it is being used, how well you take care of it and the material that it is made out of. Current technologies can see Gortex jackets lasting years and years, even lifetimes in some cases.
Tips to prolong life:
- Wash them. Really it’s okay. The sweat and beer will degrade the waterproofing faster than an occasion spin cycle.
Goggles- A really long time
Goggles can last a really long time but that really depends on the quality purchased and the level of care given to maintain them.
- When you get snow in your goggles, don’t brush it off with a jacket sleeve or glove. Snow is made with abrasive ice crystals that can actually scratch the lenses. Use a special cloth.
Ski Gloves- A season
Your gloves take quite the beating and it can be hard to maintain the durability as well as the waterproofness of the fabric.
- Hang dry them out after each use.
Most ski gear can last more than a season but the key is to take really good care of it. With these helpful tips, you should be able to prolong the life of some of your most beloved items. If you’re finding that some of your gear needs an upgrade, come to McCoo’s. We can help sort you out so you won’t have to live through another ‘breaking in’ period and can go right to into wearing the most comfortable gear ever!