The Theory behind Layering the Right Clothes

Layering, in the context of clothing, refers to the practice of wearing multiple layers of clothing to provide flexibility and adaptability to different environmental conditions. The layering system is commonly used in outdoor activities where the weather and temperature can vary throughout the day.

The three main layers

• Base Layer: This layer is in direct contact with your skin and is designed to manage moisture. It wicks sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable. Base layers are often made from moisture-wicking materials like polyester or merino wool.
• Mid Layer: The mid layer is responsible for retaining body heat. It helps to insulate and trap warmth close to your body. Common materials for mid layers include fleece, down, or synthetic insulation. The thickness of the mid layer can be adjusted based on the temperature and activity level.
• Outer Layer: The outer layer serves as a protective barrier against external elements such as wind, rain, and snow. It helps to keep you dry and shields you from harsh weather conditions. Outer layers are typically made from waterproof and windproof materials, providing a barrier without trapping moisture inside.

The advantage of the layering system is its adaptability. As the weather changes, you can easily add or remove layers to regulate your body temperature. For example, if it's cold, you can add a mid-layer for insulation; if it's warm, you can remove layers to prevent overheating. This versatility makes layering a practical and effective approach for staying comfortable in various outdoor conditions.

Knowing how to layer (in addition to what clothing to layer) is important for keeping you warm and dry.

In summary, layering is not just about putting on multiple garments; it's a strategic approach to dressing that considers the dynamic nature of outdoor conditions and the body's response to physical activity. Choosing the right materials and understanding how to layer effectively contribute to staying warm, dry, and comfortable in a variety of outdoor scenarios.

What are the different layers?

Now that you know the basics of layering clothing, let’s talk about how to layer clothing to keep you and your kids comfortable in colder weather specifically.

I am not affiliated with any of the mentioned brands but mention those only as they are our personal tried and trusted go-tos.

Base-layer Clothing

Your base layer is the first layer of clothing you put on after your underwear. It is supposed to fit snugly and directly on your skin, and its purpose is to keep you dry and warm from the inside.

Base layers come in two materials: wool or synthetic (or sometimes a hybrid). Wool is natural, has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio and is incredibly odor-resistant. Synthetic, on the other hand, offers better moisture-wicking and is less expensive. The best material for your base layer will depend on what you want out of your base layer.

Personally, our family’s go-to base layer is merino wool because it has kept us comfortable in warmer as well as cold weather. (REI Merino base layer top with ¼ zipper).

 

Especially the natural anti-bacterial properties - think odor-resistance - come in very handy when your kids go to an outdoor school and have to wear it every day, all day long. We could get a whole school week out of it without having to wash it. 

Why not Cotton you say? Even Though it is a natural material, Cotton is not the material of choice when it comes to cold weather base layer. The main reason is it does not keep heat when wet. If you break into a sweat while outside, it will not wick the moisture off your body but will stay wet and you will get cold no matter the other layers you wear. Cotton takes longer to dry, and it will not keep you warm in cold, wet, windy conditions.

In conclusion, the choice of base layer material is crucial for maintaining comfort and warmth in colder weather. Merino wool stands out for its natural properties, but the decision ultimately depends on personal preferences, specific activity requirements, and the expected weather conditions. Layering effectively, starting with the right base layer sets the foundation for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience in colder climates

 

Mid-layer Clothing

As said above, the mid-layer supplies insulation and holds your body heat. The weight of this layer will depend on the temperature outside and your activity level. This is the layer, you might want to double up when the next polar vortex hits. On the top, the most common mid-layers are either fleece sweaters or puffy jackets. On the bottom, hiking parts are typically worn as a mid-layer. Even if you don’t think it’ll get cold, bring a mid-layer if you’ll be out for more than a few hours.

Our favorite, the Patagonia Better Sweater makes for an excellent mid layer. Here the full zipper has the advantage of 3 pockets vs. the ¼ zipper with only 1 pocket (light blue and mauve in the photo, with OAKI rain pants over hiking pants, rain jackets and bogs boots). Plus, it is a bit more versatile because you can unzip it to cool off a little instead of having to take the sweater off completely.

Alternatively, Fleece is warm, dries quickly and can be very lightweight. Puffy jackets, either down or synthetic, are also great mid layers. They can be incredibly warm and pack down very small. (blue from REI in the picture above sherpa from Patagonia and under a REI rain jacket.)

What you go with will come down to your preference. On long days outside with low activity, we might bring both, and if it gets too cold, we would wear the Better Sweater underneath a puffy jacket for two insulating layers.

For bottoms, durable and weather resistant pants are the go to mid layer. Commonly referred to as hiking pants (though you can use them for other outdoor activities) they are loose fitting enough that you can wear a pair of base layer tights underneath and they are usually weather-resistant enough to protect against light rain and wind.

Outer Layer Clothing

The outer layers protect/shield you from the elements. There are many options for an outer layer, starting with a simple windbreaker and going all the way to fancy mountaineering jackets and quality snow jackets and pants. Almost all outer layers are treated with durable water repellent (DWR), and most have some degree of breathability. For kids, some brands offer some kind of feature to adjust the length of sleeves and legs, but we found that our kids outgrew the hip and upper leg size of the pants before they were too short, so we never had to let out any legs. We only found one brand so far that featured an adjustable length system that allowed for lengthening AND shortening of the sleeves and legs and that is Akova/ShredDog - which is definitely on the high end of snow wear.

 

Types of Outer Layers:

Breathable & Waterproof Jackets:

• Ideal for temperamental weather, heavy downpours, or snow squalls.
• Offers both breathability and waterproofing.
• Generally more expensive but provides comprehensive protection.

Wind Jackets:

• Suitable for day hikes when protection from wind is needed.
• Not waterproof, so not suitable for rainy conditions.
• Some have a little DWR treatment but may not resist water well.

Soft Shell Jackets:

• Emphasizes breathability and can withstand light to moderate rain.
• Insufficient in storms but versatile in various weather conditions.

We chose to have a decent mid-range (non-Gore-Tex) set of rain jackets for the kids. In the transitional seasons, they wear those as outer layers. During the school day, they wore rain pants (Oaki) over their mid-layer pants or even over their snow pants to keep the moisture from wet and melting snow out. 

   

It’s hard to objectively say what the best outer layers would be since most people have a strong preference for a specific brand (and most of the better-quality outer layers are all very similar).

In conclusion, the choice of outer layers depends on individual preferences, specific activities, and weather conditions. I hope this detailed insight provides valuable information for those looking to make informed decisions when selecting outer-layer clothing for themselves and their children. The emphasis on adjustability for kids and the practical maintenance tips hopefully add practical considerations to the broader understanding of layering systems.

Here is a handy little illustration of how the two materials WOOL and SYNTHETIC compare.

WOOL - good for warm, cold, wet, windy conditions

PROS	CONS
Excellent insulator in various weather conditions (warm, cold, wet, windy). Maintains insulation even when wet, unlike cotton. Efficient moisture-wicking properties. Quick-drying. Preserves body temperature effectively. Natural antibacterial properties, making it odor-resistant. Breathable and suitable for warm weather. Can retain a third of its weight in moisture before feeling wet to the touch.	Can be relatively expensive. May feel scratchy (except for merino wool). Longer drying time when saturated. Requires hand washing and flat drying.

 

SYNTHETIC - base layers; cold, wet, windy conditions

PROS	CONS
Effective moisture-wicking. Quick-drying (faster than wool). Maintains body temperature well. Durable. Machine washable and can be machine-dried. Generally less expensive than wool.	More expensive than cotton. Prone to develop odors faster. Less breathable than wool. Insulation is reduced when wet, unlike wool. Less comfortable in hot weather. Not a natural material.

 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT CLOTHING & LAYERING

 

Q1: What is the correct sequence for the three layers of clothing in hiking?

The initial layer is the base layer, worn closest to the skin. Following that is the mid layer (or insulating layer), typically a fleece sweater or puffy jacket. The outer layer (or shell), often a waterproof and windproof jacket, is the final layer.

Q2: Should the base layer be tight or loose?

The base layers should fit snugly without feeling restrictive. They should be tight but not uncomfortable, as the warmth of the base layer is maximized when it's in direct contact with the skin. Gaps between the skin and the base layer fabric can lead to a colder sensation.

Q3: How should a mid-layer fit?

A mid layer should conform to the body, leaving enough space to accommodate a base layer underneath and an outer layer on top. Typically, mid layers are designed to fit your true size. When trying on a mid-layer at a store, it's recommended to test it with a base layer underneath and an outer layer over the top to assess overall comfort.

Q4: Why is cotton unsuitable for hiking?

Cotton is unsuitable for hiking primarily because it retains moisture and dries very slowly. Since water conducts heat away from the body much faster than air, wearing wet cotton clothing can lead to rapid cooling. Additionally, cotton is thick and heavy, taking up more space in your backpack.

Q5: Can jeans be worn as a mid-layer?

Jeans, being made of denim (which is cotton-based), share the same drawbacks as cotton. Consequently, it is not advisable to wear jeans as a mid-layer for hiking or skiing due to their moisture retention and slow-drying characteristics.