All Aer Products

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• Waterproof/breathable: keeps out hard, driving rain while also being breathable
• Waterproof/nonbreathable: a slicker or poncho—inexpensive but traps heat
• Water-resistant: can handle light to moderate rain, breathable but permeable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Waterproof jackets are also windproof, do not let wind pass through fibers
• Wind-resistant jackets are lighterweight but won't handle a squall

Hard shell vs. soft shell

• Hard shell: the most protection, less breathability, not insulated
• Soft shell: stretchy and breathable, best for high-exertion, typically water-resistant, not -proof

Rainwear layers

• 2-layer: quietest, midweight, durable moderately priced
• 2.5-layer: lightweight, good protection, lowest priced
• 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price

Snow bibs vs. snow pants

Snow pants (also called ski or snowboard pants)

• Secure around your hips and waist
• Can pull on and off quickly, making bathroom breaks easier
• Gaps at waist may let snow in

Bibs

• Ride higher, covering your upper body and secured by shoulder straps
• Comfortable loose feel
• Snow is less likely to enter at your waistband
• May take time to familiarize yourself with unzipping for bathroom breaks

Features

Insulated

• Choose insulated pants for sledding, if you run cold or downhill skiing or snowboarding at resorts

• Skip insulation if you run warm or are doing highly aerobic activities like cross-country skiing or backcountry skiing; look for stretchy fabric

Waterproof

• Many snow pants are fully waterproof
• A water-resistant pair will do fine if you ski in cold, dry climates