The 1-2-3 Of Getting Layering Right For Clothing, No Matter The Weather.

How to layer up and defeat the weather 

Why dress in layers?

It’s no secret that to make sure you focus on the outdoor experience rather than the weather, you need to invest some time in thinking about what you wear and how you wear it. With a little bit of effort and focus, it’s easy to dress correctly for what you’ll face when you step outside, dressing in layers means you’ll stay warm and dry—and that means more time (and fun) outside.

Using the layering system when getting dressed for the outdoors gives you three main advantages: 

• It removes moisture away from your skin 
• It helps you conserve heat   
• It protects you from the elements, and whatever the weather throws at you   

Employing the layering system gives you the flexibility to adapt to both changing activity levels i.e. more effort = more heat and weather conditions, by being able to remove or if needed add layers, thus keeping you comfortable all day long. And while we’re talking about comfort, another benefit worth mentioning is that layering garments enables them to move over each other easily so that you, in turn, can move freely without any chafing.

The classic 3-layer system

The classic, three-piece layering system is the most common one and it consists of a base, a mid-layer, and an outer shell. However, depending on the weather, you might consider increasing it to four pieces by adding a second mid-layer. But a general rule is quality over quantity. 

Base Layer

A base layer is a thin inner layer that keeps you dry. For optimal functionality make sure to choose a lightweight base layer whether than be your underwear, socks or vest.

Primary function:

Wicks away sweat, dries fast, regulates your body temperature, great for when you are on the move and putting in those extra efforts – and makes sure when the weather turns nasty your clothes are not wet and clammy.

Common materials

When it comes to materials, your primary choices are synthetics, wool, or a synthetic-wool blend (which can give you the best of both worlds).

Synthetic base layers:

• Efficiently wick away sweat and give you the driest feel
• More durable than natural materials, but we still feel you can’t beat merino wool
• Synthetics over time can develop an odour

Wool (especially merino wool) base layers:

• Offers more warmth
• Regulates body temperature to prevent you from sweating
• Naturally odour resistant
• Moderately durable
• Tends to dry slower than synthetic materials

Mid-layer 

A mid-layer is a thicker insulating layer that traps body heat and keeps you warm. 

A typical mid-layer is a fleece jacket or vest, or a puffer jacket filled with down or synthetic insulation. Which one you should choose depends on your activity level, you don’t want to be peeling off clothes because you are getting too hot i.e. when you’re at the top of a climb or having ot make maximum effort. For those times of ma output and effort, a lightweight and breathable fleece is ideal, while cold-weather activities that involve standing outside for longer periods might require an insulated jacket. 

Primary function: Supplies insulation that helps you stay warm

Common materials: Down, fleece, synthetics, wool 

For mid-layers, there are a lot of materials to choose from, including duck down, fleece, synthetics and wool. Again, the best choice depends on your activity level. It also depends on your comfort preferences and how much you want to spend as down jackets could be a strain on your budget.

Down (duck/goose feathers) mid-layers:

• Warmest insulation (the more duck down, and better quality the warmer it is)
• Can be packed up small
• Best for cold and dry weather 

Fleece (synthetic wool) mid-layers:

• Quick drying
• Durable
• Comfortable 

Wool mid-layers:

• Warm
• Merino wool is especially soft
• Naturally odour resistant
• Can be itchy

Synthetic mid-layers:

• Remain warm even when damp
• Breathable
• Not as compressible as down 

Shell layer

The final step for layering, is the outer shell which is typically a thin and protective outer layer that helps repel the elements, think rain and wind, and keeps all the layers underneath it dry.

Primary function: Keeps you dry and supplies weather resistance

Common materials: Synthetics

Outer shells come with in a range of different weights and protective properties. Which one you should choose depends on your activity level as well as the weather conditions you expect to face. 

Waterproof outer shells:

• Waterproof
• Stiffer material
• Protect you from heavy downpours

Water resistant outer shells:

• Lightweight
• Offer light protection from rain and wind
• Suited for higher level of physical activity

Windproof outer shells:

• Windproof
• Stiffer material 

Wind resistant outer shells:

• Water and wind resistant
• Best suited for dry conditions

Softshell outer shells:

• Stretchy and comfortable
• Breathable
• Durable
• Weather resistant

Socks

Keeping your feet dry and blister free is a key goal when you are thinking about the socks you want to wear.

It is probably best to pack two or three pairs of socks. Take them off on breaks to let your feet dry out and when the moment is right switch into your dry socks, especially at bedtime.

Gloves and Hats

Depending on the weather you are going to face, snow, rain or wind – should take a bearing on what type of gloves you’ll want to take. Mittens, which don’t have individually separated fingers, are warmer than gloves but can be cumbersome to handle anything, and gloves do provide dexterity but may not be as effective against wind and rain.