Essential Winter Sambo Gear - Keep Warm on the Mats This Season

The Essential Sambo Gear to Keep You Warm This Winter

As the cold weather sets in, sambo practitioners need gear that can stand up to freezing temperatures on the mat. The right sambo gear will keep you warm and comfortable so you can focus on perfecting your moves rather than battling the cold.

Base Layers

A good base layer is essential for keeping warm. Look for sambo rash guards and tights made from moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or Merino wool. These will keep you dry next to skin by pulling sweat away from your body. Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and reduces insulation.

Opt for a long sleeve rash guard with a high neck and full-length tights to prevent any skin from being exposed. Compression gear can also help regulate body temperature. Make sure your base layers fit snugly for the best warmth.

Mid Layers

Next, look to mid layers for insulation. A sambo-specific jacket or hoodie made from fleece or PrimaLoft is ideal for practice and competitions. Look for a thicker material that allows for full range of motion. A hood can help keep body heat in. Bomber jackets and pullovers are also popular options.

For pants, try lined sweatpants, track pants with wind-resistant panels, or lightweight snow pants over your base layer tights. Look for ankle zips to get them easily over shoes or wrestling boots.

Outer Layers

Your outermost layer should block wind and repel moisture while allowing heat to escape. Sambo-specific parkas are designed to move with you while grappling. These come lightly insulated or ready for a removable liner.

For feet, look for special sambo or wrestling boots with insulation or try layering thick thermal socks under your regular shoes. Some prefer insulated snowboard boots for the ankle support.

Finish your winter sambo gear with accessories like beanies, headbands, gloves, and neck gaiters. Look for moisture-wicking materials and strategic coverage to avoid overheating.

Other Considerations for Cold Weather Sambo

In addition to your gear, keep these tips in mind for winter sambo success:

• Warm up thoroughly before hitting the mats to get your muscles and heart rate elevated
• Stay hydrated and fuel up on easy-to-digest carbohydrates for energy
• Apply petroleum jelly on exposed skin for protection from wind and mat burn
• Have extra gear for changing in case your first layers get too damp
• Plan to shower and change immediately after training when your body temp drops

By strategically layering the right performance fabrics and planning ahead, you can stay toasty and keep progressing with your throws, pins, and submissions all winter long. Don't let the cold keep you from the mats this season!

FAQs

What are the best base layer materials?

The best sambo base layer materials are polyester, Merino wool, and synthetic blends designed to wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry and warm. Avoid cotton base layers.

Should my winter sambo layers be tight or loose?

Your base and mid layers should fit snugly to better retain body heat. Outer layers can be a bit looser to allow air circulation but not so baggy that they impede movement.

Can I wear my regular sambo gear in winter?

Regular sambo uniforms are often made of thin materials that won't stand up to frigid temps. Special cold weather sambo gear uses insulated and heat-trapping fabrics to keep you warmer.

What shoes work best for snowy weather sambo?

Look for wrestling/sambo boots with insulation and traction or try layering thick thermal socks under your regular shoes. Insulated snowboard boots also provide warmth and ankle support.