How

to

Dress

in

Layers:

Guide

to

Outdoor

Clothing

How does layering work?

The whole purpose of layering is to combine various layers of clothing which can be put on and taken off whenever you need, depending on the weather and temperature. Usually, these layers are made from different materials and come in various levels of thickness. While we are already using this way of dressing quite intuitively on a day-to-day basis, it’s worth spending some time on putting together the perfect outfit for hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities. Because once you’re outside and getting sporty, all these layers need to bring their A game: from protecting you from the rain to wicking away sweat. Typically, the layering system is applied to the upper part of the body, but the same layering system can be used for the bottom half as well.

The layers explained

When dressing in layers, the magic number three is your guide. These are the layers you need:

Base layer

• Look for: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Synthetic fabric or wool-based fabric is best (no cotton).

Mid layer

• Look for: Fleece or lightweight insulation – provides warmth and is 
easy to stow.

Insultion Layer

• Look for: Warm, insulated materials (down or synthetic fill).

Outer layer/hard shell

• Look for: Wind and waterproof protection.

The base layer is the first thing to put on, and is in direct contact with your skin. It wicks sweat away from your body while keeping you warm and dry. On top of that, it should keep you cool in the heat, neutralize odors, and feel as comfortable as possible against your skin. So make sure to choose a breathable and quick-drying material to prevent you from freezing when you’re exploring the highest summits.

Functional base layers made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or polyamide make for the perfect first layer: They are water-repellent, quick-drying and won’t make your skin itch. Clothing made from merino wool is also a firm favorite. While wool does absorb moisture, it still insulates perfectly against heat and cold – even when wet.

At Mammut, you’ll find long-sleeved, short-sleeved and sleeveless base layers ↗ made from recycled polyester or merino wool with integrated HeiQ Fresh Technology to help effectively prevent unpleasant odors from developing. Breathable mesh placements under the arms and on the back help circulate the air better. When dressing the bottom half of your body, leggings or tights ↗ made from polyamide or merino wool are the way to go. You can quickly identify base or first layers by the letters “FL” in the product name.

Mid layer – the insulating layer

The middle layer, also referred to as the insulating layer, protects you against the cold by maintaining your body heat while wicking away moisture. Your mid layer should be tight-fitting to ensure you’ve got plenty of room for adding extra layers on top – and that you can move without restrictions. What type of mid layer you need entirely depends on the weather conditions and temperature, as well as your chosen outdoor activity. In cooler temperatures, a fleece jacket or sweater ↗ is a great choice, as it retains the heat while also wicking away moisture. Light jackets made from synthetic fibers are an equally great option, as they keep you warm while being compressible and easy to clean. Sometimes, it can be necessary to add another layer for insulation: This could be an insulated jacket ↗ worn over a base layer and fleece sweater.

At Mammut, you’ll find mid layers ↗ like fleece jackets as well as base layer tops made out of polyester and polyamide – hood optional. As the mid layer is still lightweight on top of effectively keeping you warm, you won’t even feel the extra weight when it’s stowed away in your backpack. Softshell pants ↗ will keep you warm while giving you full freedom of movement. Good to know: You can quickly identify mid layers by the letters “ML” in the product name, while insulated jackets are marked “IN”

Hard shell – The outer layer

The outer layer is your first shield against all types of weather. As such, it needs to be wind- and waterproof. Keep an eye out for outer layers with a breathable membrane, which will help you in maintaining your ideal body temperature. Your hardshell consists of either 2, 2.5 or 3 layers. At Mammut, you can recognize those hardshell products by the letters “HS” in the product name, like in all our waterproof jackets. ↗

Depending on your planned activities, your outer layer can also be a softshell jacket ↗, a wind breaker ↗, a down jacket ↗ or a skiing and snowboarding jacket ↗. Further down, waterproof pants ↗ or skiing and snowboarding pants ↗ make for a great outer layer. 

The finishing touch: Other clothing and accessories

To be ready to tackle any kind of weather, you’ll definitely need the one or other accessory in addition to your three layers. The items below should be a part of any outfit you put together:

• Hat: Whether you’re fighting your way through the deepest snow or enjoying the warm summer sun, no outfit is complete without a hat. Hats and headbands ↗ will keep you warm, while caps ↗ will protect you against the sun.

• Scarf or neck warmer: Regardless of how perfectly thought out and well put together your outfit, once the cold wind creeps in through your collar, you’ll be feeling the cold pretty quickly. Always keep a neck warmer or scarf ↗ close by when out and about in cooler temperatures.

• Gloves: Naturally, your hands need to be protected against the cold as well. Hard-wearing gloves or mittens ↗ made from wool, leather or fleece will keep your fingers warm and toasty at all times. 

How-to: Layering for different seasons

The number of layers you need entirely depends on what time of year you head out into the great outdoors. There is no such thing as the perfect outfit for a specific weather, mind – after all, everyone experiences cold and warmth differently. So when it comes to layering up, your own experiences over time will ultimately tell you what it takes to make you feel comfortable. However, the pointers below may give you a better idea about what you really need to wear for what type of weather: 

How to layer in the summer

When it’s warm outside, two layers are usually enough. A short- or long-sleeved base layer top ↗ will provide the breathability you need, while a light windbreaker jacket ↗ will keep you warm at night. Zip-off pants, i.e. long trousers that can be turned into shorts by undoing the zip, are particularly useful in the summer – like our Runbold Zip Off Pants ↗. To protect yourself from the sun, you should also put on a hat or scarf.

How to layer in between seasons

On colder days with frequently changing weather, you can use long(-sleeved) base layers made out of polyester to create a warming bottom layer. A light fleece jacket ↗ on top will keep you warm, while a light rain jacket and pants will ensure you stay dry at all times. Add a hat or headband to protect your ears from the wind.

How to layer in winter

Especially in winter your layers can make all the difference. Choose a T-Shirt or long-sleeved shirt as your base layer, then add a fleece top. Depending on the temperature, you may want to add an extra insulating layer like a primaloft jacket. For the outer layer, opt for a soft or hard shell jacket. Leggings or tights ↗ will keep your legs warm, especially when combined with waterproof pants. For additional warmth, simply put on a scarf, a hat and gloves.

One for the road

Now that you’ve got all the basic info, putting together your outdoor outfit is going to be a breeze. 

If you’re not entirely sure if what you’ve picked out will work, go for a more layered look to be on the safe side. After all: Taking clothes off is always an option, and it’s always better to have an extra back-up layer in your backpack rather than freezing. Want more tips and insights into life in the great outdoors? Our Mammut Stories and Guides ↗ have it all. Or have a look at our layering system overview. ↗