ALDI ski gear: regular vs premium

mad__llama on 02/06/2013 - 01:17

I was lucky enough to snag a set of both regular and premium ALDI ski jacket/pants today in the utter madness that is the ALDI ski gear sale. But one set needs to go back, so:

As a real newbie to this gear I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the premium ALDI ski range and would be happy to comment on its quality vs the regular ALDI gear. It seems to me (from the labels) that the premium stuff is much lighter, but not nearly as warm (after trying it on), more waterproof and breathable (20,000 rated for premium vs 5,000 for the regular).

I'm also assuming I'll need to wear another base layer (something warm, thermals?) under the premium gear as it seems to be only an outer waterproof shell?

Any input would be appreciated. Cheers!

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Comments

  • cdaddy on 02/06/2013 - 08:01
    +1

    The aldi ones are made for protection from the elements. So yeah you will need to wear a underlayer but trust me you will heat up quickly. Basically these keep you dry from the elements

    • mad__llama on 02/06/2013 - 16:06

      Thanks, so can you recommend a good under-layer?

      I saw that ADI also has a soft-shell jacket and pants - is that suitable or will it get too hot? Should I be looking at wool or synthetic thermals instead? Or just something like tracky pants and a t-shirt?

      • ngf on 02/06/2013 - 17:11
        +1

        No to cotton (tshirt/track pants).
        Yes to wool or fleece as baselayer and midlayer if you want one.

  • ngf on 02/06/2013 - 17:09
    +1

    I've done a fair bit of snowboarding and used to wear standard aldi gear (~5 years ago now).
    If it was me I'd be going for the higher waterproofing for when it rains (and that happens far more than you think). You pay a lot to get on the mountain for a day so I'm more into staying out there from first lift to last lift, something which wet gear makes a little bit harder

    If you're only going to be doing a few days here and there it might be worth sticking to the cheaper set but $70 to go for the better gear is a pretty good deal. My understanding is that the premium gear has longer vents which is good if there happens to still be snow in spring or you plan on hiking out ridge lines or summits.

    These days I personally wear a goretex shell and a pair of wool thermals and that's more than enough for me. If it's really cold (<-15) I'll wear a bit more (you won't find that in Australia).

  • BuyoTheCat on 03/06/2013 - 08:47
    +2

    you cannot go wrong for under $100 for pants and jacket. You would be paying $200-300 (discounted price!!) for jackets with similar waterproofing and insulation from main snowboarding brands. I have aldi ones. and I have quite a few jackets and pants from varying brands. if it is raining and sleeting and snowing )in australia, you ARE going to get wet and cold regardless of what gear you are in. it makes for a miserable day. only the hardcore stays out.

    Stay away from anything cotton. once you sweat and cotton gets wet, you will get cold. they have poor wicking quality.

    The standard practice is to layer. Thermal, wool or fleece mid layer and an outer layer
    The alsi softshell is quite nice and can be used as a mid layer as well. or even as an outer layer on a sunny day.

    It never gets really cold in australia. it is usually the wind and the rain that makes it uncomfortable. get their neck warmer as well. I use them all the time snow, hiking, general stuff to keep my face warm.

  • mad__llama on 03/06/2013 - 10:00

    Thanks folks, some great advice here

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