Rain-X For Ski Top Sheets
Snow build-up on your top sheets is part of backcountry skiing, and spring is the worst season for sticking snow. Warmer temperatures mean heavier snow, meaning you’re dragging more weight up the hill than necessary. K2 tried to address top sheet snow buildup with a p-tex top sheet material on their backside ski line a few years back. It helps reduce build-up, but even the p-tex top sheets benefit from some sort of additional coating to help consistently shed snow.
I have tried various things over the years to reduce top sheet snow build-up while ski touring. On the advice of a buddy, I recently began using a product called Rain-X. It’s one of the best and least expensive options I have tried. Rain-X is made for car windshields and works great at making rain bead up and disperse. Well, it turns out it does a pretty good job of keeping snow off your top sheets while ski touring, too.
Every top sheet material is slightly different, but Rain-X is easy to apply. Just squirt a small amount on your top sheets and rub it around with a cloth or paper towel. It doesn’t take much, but you must apply it daily to maintain effectiveness. The longevity of its effectiveness is dependent on your top sheet material and the snow conditions. I recommend applying it in the morning before you head out the door.
You can find Rain-X at Amazon, auto parts stores, gas stations and grocery stores. The 7-ounce bottle pictured runs around $8 and will last a couple of seasons.
Check out the new dedicated top sheet wax product: Snow Shed Top Sheet Wax
