Is Ski wear OK to use for short journeys in the wet?

[icebergx]

Hi all,
another silly question from yours trully:

For relatively short journeys (1-1.5km), would "light" ski/snowboard wear be OK to use in wet conditions, over normal clothes?

MandMdirect.com seem to have som nice looking waterproof gear but some of it is designated as "skiwear".

Any thoughts?

 

[CopperBrompton]

I think you'd boil

 

[TheDoctor]

Skiwear's designed to keep snow out when it's really cold - it'd probably not fare so well against rain.
Plus, as Ben says, you'd poach yourself.

 

[icebergx]

How about this "ensemble"

http://www.mandmdirect.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductCatalogue=NK9613
The Trousers appear to be a little lighter than Winter sports gear.

And, the jacket seems quite "cosy"
http://www.mandmdirect.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductCatalogue=QW78

NB. I will be using these in Denmark where it gets very cold, and very wet in the winter, but I'll only be needing them for short journeys to work and class (1-1.5km at a time)

 

[TheDoctor]

Well, I wouldn't, but then I'm in the south of the UK and have no idea what Danish winters are like!
It's not like you can totally cook yourself in a mile, I suppose, and you could always use them for skiing.
Is there skiing in Denmark?

 

[icebergx]

Not sure. I leave in Jan. I'm pretty sure there's some in Sweden

I was thinking along similar lines in that, for (relatively) short journeys, I'm unlikely to boil so, at least I'll stay warm and dry.

Are bicycle clips standard fair/recommended?
Any other items I should consider?

 

[TheDoctor]

Deffo use some sort of clips - ski trousers are quite baggy low down, as they're designed to go over ski boots. If it's cold, you'll need some gloves and a hat.

 

[Steve Austin]

I wear ski gloves in the winter to keep my hands warm on my commute, but i draw the line at the jackets. I would boil alive

 

[Norm]

Whilst it would be hot, that sort of distance is only going to take 3 or 4 minutes, so you shouldn't get too hot in that time.

Ski wear, though, is designed to repel snow not rain and some of it is even designed with the possibility that you'll get wet but it will keep you warm, so choose with care. It is also unlikely to be breathable.

+1 on being careful about the cut of the baggy trousers, though.

For those prices, you can get decent waterproof and breathable walking kit, like the Berghaus Deluge trousers.

 

[2Loose]

I think i would opt for a cheapish, normal set of waterproofs for that distance if I was unsure of the conditions, knowing that even expensive waterproofs get very warm on the bike.

If they turn out to be insufficient then get something else once you know the exact conditions you will be riding in.

 

[Globalti]

Do you want your expensive ski kit to get wet and muddy and possibly torn?