How warm is rando-race clothing?

To me, more than weight, the advantages are in keeping cooler and not feeling restricted by non-stretch material. I can't imagine going racing speed in shell pants and coat. Too hot and stiff. It's better to feel free!

But you don't have go all in and wear a speedsuit. Try it out in some running tights and a spandex top to see how you like it. Though you do get snow in the boots with running tights.

Going back to my days as a runner, we never overdressed for racing. 25 degrees and snowing... most would still wear the bun huggers and tight tank top with maybe some gloves. Oh, and no undergarments under that.

Back in the day (Here we go again :) when At skiers were few and far between we wore swim trunks over long underwear as required by unwritten pre TAY nordic rules. I personally gravitated to throwing the shorts away and using all weather Cannondale bicycle tights. Worked good i was never cold but did carry backup goretex Worked great and light but one also needed gaiters. I am so glad that the new stretch fabrics came along that cover the boot tops.
Rando racing is probaly quite a warm affair and possible exposure is limited and totally different than 5 miles out in the backcountry with your car the last one at the traihead.

Thanks for the replies!

I'd known about Dane's Coldthistle site, but hadn't seen this review : coldthistle.blogspot.com/2013/06/camp-co...taineering-race.html

That backless jacket is crazy!

Are the race suits warm-enough when the PNW precip is dumping? I feel like I'd get pretty cold with just a base layer when things are piling up (or if skiing through a bunch of pow). I sometimes wear a bike jersey when touring, and really like it; breathable, but wind-resistant.

Agreed about the goofiness, but plenty of things are goofy until they're done right.

Do the stretchier materials get shredded when you're skiing trees? (It's not skiing at Snoqualmie until you're either crashing through adjoining trees or giving one a hug...)

you'll be fine as long as you don't stop. this is a style i endorse for the hot ladies too.
b

Ed, you're already converted to AT, it's only a matter of time before you rock the skin suit...Charlie, honestly I think that in the PNW with our large quantity of precip the race suit only has use for racing, fitness skiing or big days in the spring. It really doesn't provide much protection if it's dumping. Light weight soft shells with a good water repellent treatment are the way to go. Oh, and as far as all you skin suit haters, don't knock it 'til you try it, until then enjoy the view of the of the nice tight pants as they pass you on the skin track!

think i would just look up to the trees.
b