Gear Guides
Mondo boot size: what it is and how to measure it
Your ski boot size is not your shoe size. Mondo point is the length of your foot in centimetres — and not knowing that shapes the whole day.
2 min read
Gear Guides
What waterproof ratings on ski clothing actually mean
Two numbers on a ski jacket label — water column and breathability — decide most of what you need to know. A third detail decides the rest.
Pistrun Editör Ekibi2 min read
Ski jacket and trouser listings carry two figures, usually written as something like 10,000 mm / 10,000 g. Together they define how waterproof and how breathable the garment is, and they should drive your rental choice.
Water column (mm)
The water column is measured by standing a tube of water on the fabric and recording the height at which it starts to seep through. 10,000 mm means the fabric holds back the pressure of a ten-metre column of water.
| Rating | Good for |
|---|---|
| 5,000 mm | Light snow, dry cold, short sessions |
| 10,000 mm | A typical resort day in Türkiye |
| 15,000 mm | Heavy snowfall, wet snow, sitting in snow |
| 20,000 mm and above | Constant precipitation, off-piste, professional use |
Breathability (g/m²/24h)
The second number is how many grams of moisture the fabric passes outward per square metre in 24 hours. Skiing is physical, and sweat trapped inside chills you faster than snow outside. 10,000 g is enough at normal resort pace; ski touring and other high-output activity wants 15,000 g and up.
Three details the numbers miss
- Snow skirt: the elastic band inside the jacket that seals at the waist. When you fall, no water column keeps snow out — this does.
- Ankle gaiters: the inner cuff at the bottom of the trousers, which sits over the boot and blocks snow.
- Underarm zips: open them when you heat up. They act faster than any breathability rating.
Layering: half the system is underneath
However good the shell, the wrong two layers underneath will still leave you cold. The three-layer rule: a wicking base layer, an insulating mid layer, and a waterproof, windproof shell.
A cotton base layer is the classic mistake. Cotton does not dry once wet and carries cold straight to the skin. A merino or synthetic base layer takes the least space in a bag and contributes the most to comfort — it can be rented, but bringing your own is better.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 10,000 mm rating enough for skiing?
For a typical day at a Turkish resort, yes. In heavy or wet snow, 15,000 mm makes a visible difference. Taped seams matter more than the number itself.
Is a ski jacket the same as an outdoor jacket?
No. Ski jackets carry snow-specific details: a snow skirt, wrist gaiters, a helmet-compatible hood and a pass pocket. A general waterproof shell may keep rain out but will not protect you the same way when you sit in snow.
Is renting ski clothing hygienic?
Shops wash garments between uses and serious operators say so on the listing. Bring your own base layer and socks and the question largely disappears.
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