Layering: The function and properties of each layered piece

Part of a great outdoor experience is feeling comfortable while doing the things you love. The last thing you want to worry about while you’re out in the serene wilderness is how cold you are, how overheated you feel or how you should have dressed differently. We want you to keep your mind in the moment, embracing the things you love about nature, so here are a few helpful tips to stay comfortable, warm and dry by choosing the right layers. 

 

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3

That is, your base layer, mid-layer and outer layer. In colder weather conditions, you’ll want to go for all 3 layers while in warmer conditions you can forgo the mid-layer. Ultimately, layering helps best prepare you for all weather conditions while allowing you to add or remove layers as you go about your day. 

 

Base Layer

This is the first layer you apply that fits snuggly and lies in direct contact with your skin. The base layer’s job is to wick away sweat and dry quickly so that you don’t catch an unpleasant chill. Working up a sweat and then keeping still for any length of time can render you cold when you’ve got too much moisture on the surface of your skin. A few things to note on materials: some natural fibers, like merino wool, can help keep you dry and eliminate odors. Cotton, although natural, tends to retain moisture and is therefore not ideal in your layering journey.  While synthetic materials have the potential to keep you nice and warm and can dry quickly, they are not as effective as merino wool at keeping you smelling fresh(er). Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference based on comfort and budget!

 

Mid-Layer

In order to trap body heat and provide good insulation, apply a mid-layer over your base layer. 

Go for a fleece, merino or down mid-layer that fits snuggly on top of your base-layer but still allows for some airflow. If ever you feel overheated, this is the layer you’ll usually want to remove first. 

 

Outer Layer 

Lastly, your outer layer is designed to help maintain warmth while keeping the elements out. This layering component should be waterproof, or at the very least water resistant, to keep the rain or snow from drenching your other layers and to stave off a biting wind. You still want to consider breathability in order to remove moisture away from your skin and escape into the atmosphere. This layer should fit comfortably on top of your other layers without restricting movement or adding too much bulk. 

 

When in doubt, it is better to have too many layers than too few. The beauty of layers is that they can be removed as temperatures outside change throughout the day. Your body heat balance can make or break a day so make sure you head outdoors well-prepared. Now go do the thing that you love!