 Poster: A snowHead
|
I have a strange belief that if I pay more than £100 for something, it should last for a decade. I have no pride or interest in fashion. I ski usually one week a year, two in a god year.
My jacket is Couloir circa 1998 and feels like it could outlast me. My wife has been through at least 7 jackets in that time. Apparently what was fine last year is too cold this year.
My trousers are Rossignol, possibly 10yo, they remain bright orange for the top six inches covered by the jacket but are very faded below, with incisions around the ankles from which I extrude snow at 4pm.
I know by all safety standards I need a new helmet (got to be 8y old) but can’t remember (?!) the last time I banged it, I don’t push my envelope.
As I skied and boarded for 20 years without one, doing far more daring things than today, I’ll get around to it eventually.
Goggles; nice pair of julbo and the frame has cracked irreparably, they can’t be 6 years old and I took such care of the lens  Really annoyed.
Do you regularly renew (or interchange? Oh the luxury), or do you run stuff to death? If so, how long does it last?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Saw a guy on a gondola yesterday, his boot had suddenly cracked into three sections ! He’s sure they were 10yo or more. Italian so I guess more than one week a year …
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
Not sure how old a lot of my kit is as I can't remember exactly when I got them.
Jackets about 10-15 yrs old and seems fine , my previous one was a bit leaky.
Salopettes are actually fairly cheapo Decathlon winter climbing ones which I bought when I got a mojo and couldn't fit it under my previous pair maybe about 8 years old.
Helmet can't remember, only one I've owned.
Boots possibly 6-7 years old , whenever Grip walk was introduced as they were new that year.
Skis are a year old bought piste skis as my all mountain ones were a bit sore on the knees skiing mainly piste.Narrower skis definitely helped.
My thermals are around thirty years old and my socks at least fifteen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
My answer, give or take, is the same as @T Bar's. Definitely in the keeping rather than replacing camp.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
It's the number of on snow days you should be using as a metric. I replaced my board after 156 days, which would take 26 years at 1 week a year.
I replace it before it gets close to failing, or when I'm bored with it, or when someone gives me something better
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Most of my gear is 1-2 years replacement, but that’s 100-200 days of use. Getting cheap deals and a gear allowance balances it all out.
2 or 3 pairs of gloves per year, using rope tows destroys them
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I bought my trousers of here for £30 around a decade ago.
I won my old Marmot jacket in a prize draw in a magazine, used that for over a decade until replaced (I objected but mrsthecramps said I looked like I was about to ask for change).
Boots 12 years old. Had new footpads though.
Skis still only 7 years old though.
I seem to get through gloves for some reason though, though Hestra mittens now 3 years old and plenty of life in them.
Ski bag is 16 years old, and has many Gorilla tape patches, but is sound.
Helmet is only 2 or 3 years old, as old POC was cracked after a bad fall.
Longest use is my fave 2 pairs of socks, a base vest and some 3/4 base leggings, all Falke and all bought in TKMax for a pittance in 2002. Leggings in particular are absolute faves and still absolutely fine. All have the usual Falke "l" and "r" nonsense though. Who needs "l" and "r" on what is basically a tight-ish t-shirt or a pair of tights that clearly have an opening for chaps at the front?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oh, goggles are 9 years old. I'm not tight or anything, but when I like something, I will stick with it. I bought some gloves once that were rubbish and they lasted half a holiday. But if it's good and it works I am happy to keep it for years, and repair it if necessary. I am not "Mr brand new".
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
I bought my ski suit 11 years ago from Ellis Brigham. It was already in a sale and had the "wrong" price tags on it so further discounted and bless them the staff honoured it!
Helmet and boots 4 years ago (prior to that my boots were 10 years old, helmet 6 but the pump mechanism for the bladder had salted up and corroded from sweat!)
Bought my Alpina goggles with a peel off magnetic sun lens 11 years ago whilst in Lech during a white out. Best goggles I've had. So convenient to peel of the lens and pop it in the goggle back and into my waist pocket.
Gloves 4 years ago
Base layers 15 years ago (still like new now)
I like quality but if it works and has longevity I'll keep it. If it's not doing its job I'll replace asap.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sexist remark incoming. I think there is a big difference in male and female here, GENERALLY ladies change stuff far more often.
My coat is at least 8 years old and since 2020 when we did 8 weeks it has done at least four each year, my wife has had three coats in that time plus four pairs of salopettes, I bought a new pair last year in a sale after my old pair started to fall to pieces. My hestra gloves were 9 years old and still very good but family bought me an identical pair for my birthday so I feel obliged to wear them, kept the old ones though. Everything else I keep until it falls apart
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I'm now doing nearly 4 weeks skiing a year and most of my clothing will last 10 years or so, so 40 weeks (gloves only 2-3 years).
I keep one eye out for bargains in advance of the item actually needing replaced, so I have my next pairs of gloves / goggles sitting in a cupboard for the future.
I'm pleased with my current kit, I think it performs well, looks good and cost ~£100 all in (salopettes £30, jacket £30, helmet £20, gloves £15, goggles £5) mostly from TK Maxx / Trespass / Mountain Warehouse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
My gloves/helmet & boots are all about 7-8 years old. Funnily enough it is not money that stops me from getting new kit, I can wear these all day in comfort & I do not want to replace them with anything that is not as comfortable to wear all day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quality gear lasts a long time (in terms of days use at least).
I think I'm a newbie to this but I'm 8 years in and still riding my original kit except I knackered a jacket (my fault) and moved onto Step On boots and bindings (sold the originals though, boots had seen better days by then)....oh, and replaced a helmet after my introduction to tomahawks.
I noticed one of my base layer pants was starting to come apart in January but I'll get another year or two from that.....
So really after getting on for a decade (and a lot of use indoors for the first four years) I'm only out a jacket and a helmet and both of those weren't from wearing out but from accidental damage.
Only thing I do do is use park gloves indoors as the button lifts hammer them. I could probably do with a new pair but I'm on year 3 of saying that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
I got North Face “steep” shell jacket and trousers in the off season sale in April 2017. I’ve done two trips a year in it, so something like 16 weeks. Still going strong. Designed to be off piste and strong (not that I do that much), but it’s really resilient. Nice touches like double layered at the trousers heels for where you de bind using skis and boots.
Gloves suffer from carrying sharp skis. But the better material lasts longer. So when I have to replace I’ll be paying close attention to that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
My current gloves have not had much use, but they get wet quickly. Also for the first time I noticed I needed one of this inbuilt wiper things that they do not have.
So considering picking up another pair - I have gone through lots of gloves, just to find something that feels right & easy to get on/off. Even tried mittens, but found I had to take them off to do anything!
Outershell - I have 2x sets. So I swap & change. Seem to have plently of life in them. I did burn a hole in my very first pair when learning, so had to replace them.
Baselayers, I have lots of sets! I only really use 2 on a trip & choose depending on forecast.
Socks - I have some that are years old. I cant choose my socks. My boots choose them! Sometimes thin ones are just to loose. Other days the thick ones cause to much pain. My feet tend to swell due to arthiritis.
Helmet - depends on how many bashes i have had. I usually end up damaging the visor (currently scratched) & TBH, replacing the visor is not always cost effective to buying a new lid in end of season sale.
Mid layer - an oversized long sleeve Tee. I am trying to find another one. The same one pongs after a few days  Fleece/zip up hoodie, I just whatever I feel like. I take a few & what is not marked as mountian wear for the week is marked as lounging wear instead.
So I am basically at the point where I am happy with all my gear. Some is only 2-3 years old, others pre-date covid, but not really had many days of usage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
Definitely replace when it's knackered.
Started in 2008 and have done at least 2 weeks a year since then.
I'm on my 2nd jacket (Salomon) and that is fading and is starting to need repairing. The first (Quicksilver) just wasn't breathable enough and I still wear it to the shops in the winter.
Third pair of sallies, the first just fell apart after multiple repairs, I was falling over a lot when learning, the 2nd my mojos won't go underneath which is a real shame because they are top quality Mountain Equipment.
Still on my 1st pair of boots, bought in 2009.
I have two pairs of Hestra gloves which should see my out until the glaciers melt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| robs1 wrote: |
Sexist remark incoming. I think there is a big difference in male and female here, GENERALLY ladies change stuff far more often.
My coat is at least 8 years old and since 2020 when we did 8 weeks it has done at least four each year, my wife has had three coats in that time plus four pairs of salopettes, I bought a new pair last year in a sale after my old pair started to fall to pieces. My hestra gloves were 9 years old and still very good but family bought me an identical pair for my birthday so I feel obliged to wear them, kept the old ones though. Everything else I keep until it falls apart |
Opposite, here. My wife runs stuff to death. I cannot resist new stuff (in off-season sales, admittedly) and have an array of outfits and skis. This year, I have an outfit that is (trousers and jacket) entirely hot pink. Tasteless, yet distinctive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
It did occur to me the other day when I was talking to someone about my 'new' snowboard that it was now 10 years old... and my other new board is 4...
And my North Face jacket I bought here second hand off someone in 2010 and is still in regular rotation albeit as a rugby side-lines staple, although I'd still trust it on mountain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
I started skiing in 2014 after 15 fallow years and replaced most of my old kit fairly quickly and most of it has been replaced again with justifications of varying qualities, but the most common one is "this is/these are annoying me" (usually because I made a poor/cheap choice the first time), often supported by "that's 50% off or better at SportPursuit". That is a justification that works with Mrs.tsgsh, who replaces her clothing at a faster rate than me if she can. We have ended up looking a bit his'n'hers as a consequence. Not taking the kids this season has done wonders for the budget!
- Skis: on the 3rd pair, first pair handed down to teenage son, second AM(ish) pair I'm keeping, third pair new this year are 71mm and much better at speed on fresh or hard pistes
- Boots: replaced my old and vicious custom-foam-lined Langes with far more comfortable Fischer Vacuum boots: still using the original custom footbeds from 1994.
- Poles: my old 1990s ones with massive handles looked ridiculously dated, so I bought a cheap pair of Salomon poles but they were a real faff at the end of every chair lift or gondola getting the straps to lie flat so I replaced them with a relatively cheap pair of Lekis
- Helmet: first Scott one didn't fit well but the main problem was every second man on the slopes was wearing black/black/red and the kids couldn't work out which one was me. Replaced with a Bollé in orange and red.
- Goggles: been through several pairs but replaced with a pair of Oakley Prizms 2 years ago. I couldn't ski that holiday due to a broken collar bone so I spent the lift pass budget on the goggles to cheer myself up
- Gloves: my old Salomon gloves fell apart, replaced with a pair of Hestras (and a tin of wax) that will last forever
- Jacket: Mrs.tsgsh bought me a North Face Jacket which I really liked initially but was too bulky, got very wet if it was snowing heavily, and resulted in pools of sweat when lugging luggage (Gare du Nord was memorable: I had to change my T-shirt). Replaced with a much lighter GTX Rab ski jacket and very light down jacket for cold days. SportPursuit!
- Trousers: North Face pair I bought to go with the first jacket never really fitted that well and didn't keep moisture out well in heavy snow. Replaced with Rabs that match the jacket. Probably the least easy to justify, this one.
- Midlayers: apart from one Spyder top that Mrs.tsgsh bought me as a present, everything is from the walking, running or everyday collections
- Baselayers: SportPursuit own-brand merino, supplemented with cycling merino tops and running HH tops, or (if warm) just running t-shirts/shorts
- Socks: various pairs have been handed down to sons, I have one pair of Decathlon merinos (which irritate my skin a bit) and two new pairs of Falke SK4s, which are very nice and a bargain on Amazon.
- Rucksack: tried several but settled on a 12 litre Osprey skiing one. Before anyone turns this into a "why do you need a rucksack on piste?" thread: glasses, sunglasses, spare lenses/goggles for me and various family members plus the down jacket if warranted by the weather.
One more pair of Falke's and that's me forever (maybe)!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
I think I'm in my 19th year of skiing if I've got my maths right, my youngest child was 4. I have upgraded or replaced pretty much everything as didn't spend a lot to start with in case it was a passing fad (originally started with a one piece suit bought from ebay for £12.50, sold a few years later for £25!)
I do still have a snoody buff thing I bought for that first trip which I use every year, and a woolly hat I bought in resort.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| robs1 wrote: |
Sexist remark incoming. I think there is a big difference in male and female here, GENERALLY ladies change stuff far more often.
My coat is at least 8 years old and since 2020 when we did 8 weeks it has done at least four each year, my wife has had three coats in that time plus four pairs of salopettes, I bought a new pair last year in a sale after my old pair started to fall to pieces. My hestra gloves were 9 years old and still very good but family bought me an identical pair for my birthday so I feel obliged to wear them, kept the old ones though. Everything else I keep until it falls apart |
I've had my spyder jacket for 15 years and Roxy trousers for 14. Sadly middleaged spread has arrived over the last couple of years so this year I've had to bite the bullet. I've gone head to toe Decathlon - still secretly hoping I can fit into my roxys by next year.
I'm on my third pair of boots - the last pair got so worn they would slip out of the bindings. I dread to think how old my helmet is but I am planning on replacing before my trip next month. I have several pairs of gloves as I like the option of putting a dry pair on at lunchtime if it has been a particularly snowy (or sweaty) morning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I’ve had two snowboards killed beyond any chance of repair on the first day I used them.
Kiwi pow. It has spicy rocky bits in it  .
Have also destroyed a brand new gtx pro jacket (and a couple of ribs) in Japan this week on a tree.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| robs1 wrote: |
| Sexist remark incoming. I think there is a big difference in male and female here, GENERALLY ladies change stuff far more often.... |
I think it's actually not that, it's that generally blokes like to willy wave more than women. In this thread - the willy waving goal is to boast about how old your ski gear is. Those of us who don't use walking gaiters, kagoules and woolly bobble hats have no way to win this game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
| thecramps wrote: |
| Oh, goggles are 9 years old. I'm not tight or anything, but when I like something, I will stick with it. I bought some gloves once that were rubbish and they lasted half a holiday. But if it's good and it works I am happy to keep it for years, and repair it if necessary. I am not "Mr brand new". |
This. Most of my kit is 5+ years old, however some kit along the way has only lasted 1 or 2 trips.
It's hard though - typically with the children we did buy some kit but then it had 3/4 uses over the years as we've got 2 sons and friends' children used the kit and then sold on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just checked my jacket was bought in 2008 but seems bomb proof.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
|
I sometimes see people wearing their 1992 Olympic helpers suits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just to bosh the theory on the head re: men women.. my husband gets a new ski jacket approx every 18 months.
I’ve had my latest ski jacket since 2019. My salopettes are from 2009 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
I've still got a ski jacket I bought 26 years ago! Although I don't wear it my eldest son says it's now back in style / retro so he wears it when going to apres!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
I use my kit until it’s knackered. I’m waiting for new trousers bought at a massive discount because my old ones were falling apart after 10 years’ use.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
If your gear lasts 10 years you’re really not going hard enough.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| robs1 wrote: |
Sexist remark incoming. I think there is a big difference in male and female here, GENERALLY ladies change stuff far more often.
My coat is at least 8 years old and since 2020 when we did 8 weeks it has done at least four each year, my wife has had three coats in that time plus four pairs of salopettes, I bought a new pair last year in a sale after my old pair started to fall to pieces. My hestra gloves were 9 years old and still very good but family bought me an identical pair for my birthday so I feel obliged to wear them, kept the old ones though. Everything else I keep until it falls apart |
I would say that women are likely to want to change trousers more often. We naturally dump fat round our waist, thighs, belly and ass, so minor fluctuations in weight can have a huge impact on the fit of ski trousers. And 8 years is nothing when you factor in body changes through age/pregnancy/menopause. Heck, I can go up or down a dress size depending on what part of the month it is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
|
| hang11 wrote: |
| If your gear lasts 10 years you’re really not going hard enough. |
Par contre ... in Patagonia the other week and the nice chap serving said, "well, fleeces and the like don't really wear out, do they??"
Just binnned my Marmot "Spire" pants that lasted since 2012 ... got new Cimalp ones that look well tough.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
@hang11, in common with a lot of people I can only go for 1 or 2 weeks a year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Norrona Roldal Goretex jacket and pants bought and used from 2017, still has at least 6-7 years left;
The North Face Goretex shell jacket, bought in 2012, like new (less use since 2017), mostly on very warm days or touring.
Icebreaker baselayers - various pieces since 2010, all perfectly fine
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| v1cky24 wrote: |
| Just to bosh the theory on the head re: men women.. my husband gets a new ski jacket approx every 18 months. ... |
Aye, I'd not be seen in last year's gear, although my GF keeps stuff until I sneak it down to the charity shop when she's not looking.
I did learn to ski in a kagoule, but then I was poor, and skiing made me feel it. Now I'm not.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I haven't a clue. Just replace when beyond repair or public decency - spit crotch on trousers a couple of years ago led to their replacement, but how long I'd had them, who knows?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I don’t like using new (ie different) stuff. I like to know where the pockets are. How many layers to wear under, or over, it.
I don’t like buying new stuff either. It’s a faff making sure it has all the features you like.
My jacket is beginning to wear out and I’m sad. Thirty weeks over fifteen years doesn’t feel like long enough.
Gloves don’t last long.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
My next ski trip will be my 20th. In that time I have had...
2 jackets (current one has just done its 5th trip)
3 pairs of salopettes (started with a cheap pair, got a better pair, traded up last year to ones which fit better)
5 thermal base layers - bought within the first 3-4 trips, only used for skiing, no need to change them any time soon
3 lightweight fleeces - also bought early on, only used for skiing, no plans to change
probably 8 pairs of socks - currently settled on 3 pairs that I like, the rest have been repurposed as walking/around the house socks
1 pair of boots - they've probably done 12 trips now, I reckon
4 pairs of gloves - fell into the 'buy cheap, buy twice' trap here. Current pair are really good mittens - not cheap, but worth every penny (first gloves I haven't had cold hands in.
2 buffs - still going strong after being bought early on
1 helmet - probably 10 years old (would need to look back at old photos to check!) - maybe should think about a new one...
2 pairs of goggles. Kept going with the cheap ones for too long - upgraded to decent ones 2/3 years ago.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| WoottonBecs wrote: |
4 pairs of gloves - fell into the 'buy cheap, buy twice' trap here. Current pair are really good mittens - not cheap, but worth every penny (first gloves I haven't had cold hands in.
. |
Can be true but not always true for gloves . The pair that lasted me longest were Kinco ones which got retired because my wife decided she didn't like the style. outlasted my Hestras though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
