Introduction to Layering: How to Dress for the Outdoors

When venturing outdoors, you can expect to encounter unpredictable weather and variable temperatures. Whether you’re hiking the Larapinta or backcountry skiing in the Snowies, it’s important to be prepared for all potential scenarios. The best protection against these forces of nature is your clothing. Clothing acts as a barrier against the elements – insulating you from the cold, shielding you from the sun, creating a barrier against the wind, and keeping you dry when it’s wet.

Choosing the right clothing to wear and pack will depend on both the expected (or unexpected!) weather conditions, and the activity you’re undertaking. Particularly in harsh weather conditions, having the appropriate clothing can be the difference between suffering miserably and returning home with a smile on your face. Wearing the wrong clothing can also lead to a number of more serious problems, such as hypothermia, sunstroke, or worse. Here in Australia, the conditions you may encounter can be quite extreme, from -15°C blizzards in the Australian Alps to blistering heat waves exceeding 40°C. 

Ultimately, the clothing you wear outdoors is really important. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together a helpful guide to the Layering System. We believe that if you follow these basic principles (as well as draw from your own experience) you’ll spend much more time enjoying the outdoors rather than simply enduring it. This article draws on both proven and time-tested knowledge, as well as some of my personal preferences and experiences.

The Layering Principle

Layering up with technical clothing can initially seem a little overwhelming. But in reality, layering is a surprisingly simple and well proven principle for dressing outdoors. Fundamentally, you wear more light layers of clothing rather than a couple of thick bulky layers. This has several great benefits. The most advantageous for most people is the versatility. You can tailor your layers to suit any climate, weather and activity. Likewise, whilst you are out there enjoying the outdoors you can add or remove layers as necessary, responding to changes in the conditions or the activity. Then there’s warmth. For cold conditions, air is trapped between and inside these layers to create a higher level of insulation. There are numerous other factors to consider, such as weight, durability and even style. But let’s first establish what each layer is.

Most clothing can be grouped into four basic categories: Base Layer, Mid Layer, Insulation Layer & Outer Layer. Of course there are exceptions to this rule and a lot of clothing will fit into several of these categories. Firstly, we’ll focus on the upper body layers, but keep in mind that much of this information is also relevant for the legs. The picture below illustrates a typical cool-to-cold weather layering system.

Pictured: Base – Icebreaker Oasis Crew. Mid – Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan. Insulation – Patagonia Down Sweater. Outer – Arc’teryx Theta AR GTX

1. Clothing Base Layers

Considered by many as the most important layer, the base layer is what you wear right against your skin. In most cases, this is the layer you put on in the morning and take off at the end of the day (or, for those who prefer longer adventures, put on at the beginning of a trip and peel off 2 weeks later). Thoughts on personal hygiene aside, why is a base layer so key? Base layers perform the very important task of keeping you comfortable by wicking the sweat from your skin, then dispersing it to the next layer where it can eventually evaporate. Water is an excellent heat conductor, so a wet next-to-skin garment can draw vital heat away from your skin as much as 20 times faster than a dry one. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is only an issue when in cold conditions either. Even in above-freezing conditions, rapid heat loss can trigger a dangerous drop in your body’s core temperature, potentially leading to hypothermia.

In terms of materials, you have a choice between two main fabrics: merino wool or synthetic based garments. Merino is a highly favoured option because it’s soft, regulates temperature well, and is highly durable. It’s also remarkably stink-free due to naturally occurring antibacterial properties (read more about the benefits of merino here). Icebreaker are my personal go-to, as they produce a range of high-quality merino garments. Polypropylene is another common base layer material, and is also more cost effective than merino – XTM Performance base layers offer great value for money. It’s worth bearing in mind that poly-pro garments will get smelly more quickly, however many synthetic base layers now feature antimicrobial treatments such as Polygiene to maintain freshness for longer. For gram counters, a synthetic top for layering will be comparably lighter than merino, but you may need to pack more of them (or just suck it up and wear stinky layers!).

Base layers come in a variety of weights to meet the demands of different activities. A lightweight layer is generally suitable for milder conditions or for activities with temperature fluctuations. Heavier weight base layers are more suitable for very cold conditions or cold, low-output activities (such as snow camping). For most people, a midweight base layer is a good place to start, since it offers the best versatility. In Icebreaker terms, this means that the weight of the garment should be anywhere between 150 and 260 gsm (weight).

Finally, consider style and fit. A base layer should be snug but not restricting – it shouldn’t feel like a compression garment. And remember, base layers are not just underwear. You will often find yourself hiking, climbing, skiing or simply lounging around in your base layer, so it’s gotta look good too!\

2. Clothing Mid Layers

Next up is a mid layer. This is a fairly ambiguous term, but generally a mid layer can be categorised as something you wear over your base layer when the conditions call for a bit of extra warmth. Usually this will be in the form of a men’s or women’s fleece. A mid layer will usually feature a zipper for additional temperature regulation, with the option of a half zip for less bulk or full zip for more ventilation options. Mid layers can be worn alone over your base layer in milder conditions, or layered underneath your outer layers for additional warmth in colder temperatures. The mid layer you choose should be comfortable, lightweight and more robust than your base layer clothing. For me, a lightweight fleece with a half or full zip works for most activities. I heat up rapidly when working hard, so in dry/cool conditions I will often wear a base layer under a 100 weight fleece.

3. Insulation Layers

Reserved for the coldest conditions, insulation layers are designed specifically to provide additional warmth. Insulation layers are typically worn whenever your inner layers are not warm enough for the current conditions. The insulation you use should be warm, lightweight and as low bulk (or compressible) as possible, with a degree of breathability that allows sweat and body heat to escape and thus regulate your core body temperature. To slow heat loss, this layer must also be capable of retaining the warmth that is generated by your body. In cool-to-cold conditions, synthetics and wool are well suited for this purpose because the structure of the fibres creates small air spaces that trap molecules of warm air. Full length front zippers, or areas of finer insulation, are designed to allow venting in milder conditions.

Insulation layers are filled with either down or synthetic, with some fills even featuring a hydrophobic treatment for water resistance. Though down insulation is the champion of warmth retention, synthetic filled garments are rapidly catching up. But for now, nothing can compete with down’s loft capabilities, which offers incredible amounts of warmth for very little weight and bulk. Of course all down isn’t created equal – and neither are all down jackets. A lighter, high-loft and highly compressible down jacket will be ideal for most conditions, whilst a big jumbo puffer will be your saving grace in extreme conditions.

When it comes to moisture management though, synthetics are the winner. Synthetic fills are generally lighter in weight and absorb less water than down, allowing for faster evaporation. When down gets wet it loses its insulating properties, whilst synthetics retain almost all of their thermal efficiency when wet. So, if you’re going somewhere that’s likely to be very wet, consider a synthetic option. Insulation is a big topic; if you want to learn more, check out our guide to choosing a down or synthetic insulated jacket.

4. Outer Layers in Clothing

The primary job of the outer layer (or shell) is to protect you from the wind, rain, and snow. If you’re unsure whether to pack your outer layer, the answer is almost always: yes. Nothing will save you from unexpected changes in weather like a good shell. Whether you’re stuck in sudden storms, faced with drastic drops in temperature, or cresting a ridge to find yourself in high winds, your outer layer will come to the rescue.

Your outer layer needs to be somewhat breathable, to allow sweat and body heat escape. For drier conditions, a breathable, non-membrane based windshell may be all you need. But for most people, especially given our wet climate here in Australia, a waterproof-breathable jacket will provide more versatility. Waterproof-breathable garments are usually full-zip, hooded, and constructed using breathable membrane fabrics such as GORE-TEX or eVent. This hardshell layer will give you protection from wind and rain, as well as allowing water vapour (or sweat) to escape. For a more detailed look at outer layer shell jackets and some tips on selecting the best one for you, check out our choosing a waterproof jacket article.

When shopping for an outer layer, it’s useful to keep in mind that there are no miracle fabrics. During vigorous activity, your body simply produces more water vapour than any fabric can disperse. The result can be a build-up of moisture on the inside of the garment, leaving you wet, clammy and cold. Wherever possible, make sure that you strip off a layer or open any ventilation zippers to prevent this from happening.

Pictured: The illustration below demonstrates another take on a 4-layer setup, featuring some women’s garments. The base layer is a 200 weight Icebreaker Oasis with a half zip and hood. The mid layer is the Rab Flux, which sits somewhere between a base-layer and mid layer, but could be used as either. The Arc’teryx Atom LT hooded insulation layer is a lightweight synthetic insulation piece, again with a hood. Hoods are a personal preference thing, but they do offer essential head insulation for minimal extra bulk and weight. The Outer Layer is the Rab Muztag Jacket, which uses a super lightweight and highly breathable 3-Layer eVent membrane. A setup like this would be ideal for someone undertaking high-output activities, such as ultra-light hiking or summer alpine climbing, where saving on space and weight can be critical.

Pants: Leg Layers

But wait, what about my legs? Most of our layering guidance for upper body layering applies to legs too, but it’s important to remember that because your legs don’t house any vital organs, they’re less likely to feel the cold. Leg base layers are similar to those worn on the upper body, for example a long pair of merino or synthetic tights. Keep in mind that you may not need to wear this layer all the time. If worn whilst engaged in a high output activity, you’ll only need to wear them in really cold conditions. They are typically more useful when you’re not moving and the temperatures plummet overnight – so don’t forget to pack them when you’re headed for an overnighter. A lot of hikers will only put on their ‘long-johns’ at the end of the day, when they’re reached camp for the night, as they also make great sleep attire.

Your most common leg layer will be a good pair of trekking pants that are lightweight, quick drying, and made from predominantly a polyester or nylon blended fabric. Pants come in many different styles, ranging from super lightweight, to heavier Men’s and Women’s softshell pants that block out the wind and provide more warmth. If the conditions call for it, you might want to add a pair of waterproof pants over the top of your trekking pants. These will offer protection from the weather similarly to your shell jacket. Look out for breathable fabrics and zippers that extend above the knee to allow getting the pants on/off over boots.

Head Insulation

Now that the body is sorted, let’s take a look at your noggin. It’s estimated that up to fifty percent of a person’s total heat loss can occur through the head. This can put unnecessary strain on the rest of your system because your body must now use additional energy to reheat the blood as it circulates.

A good beanie or balaclava will not only slow heat loss through your head, it will also make your hands and feet feel warmer because of the improved circulation. As with base and mid layers, look for beanies made from merino, fleece or polypropylene. And in extremely cold conditions, nothing protects your face or keeps you warm like a full-face balaclava. Then there are neck warming duties. Lots of people prefer the feel of a thinner neck chute, such as those made by Buff or Icebreaker, especially during high output activities. Headwear can be worn in a number of combinations (neck warmer, beanie/hat, balaclava, headband, etc), and it might take a bit of trial and error to figure out the best combination for you.

Hand and Feet Insulation Layers for Winter

In an effort to keep your head and vital organs warm in cold conditions, the heart will naturally reduce blood flow to the extremities (hands and feet). Our hands and feet don’t generate much heat on their own, so some insulation and protection is needed for colder adventures. When selecting the right handwear, you have a choice between mittens and gloves. Mittens are warmer than gloves because the whole hand contributes to the warming process, but they can inhibit dexterity. Gloves are better for activities that require greater freedom of movement, such as tying knots, but because each finger must warm up its own little compartment, it makes them less efficient for keeping your hands warm. A layering system that consists of a thin synthetic or merino wool glove for moisture transport, an insulating mitten, and a non-insulated shell mitten for outer protection will give you a wide range of temperature control. If you require more manual dexterity, try using a lined glove shell..

Keeping your feet warm and dry is absolutely imperative on outdoor adventures. Your choice of sock can make or break a trip, and if your feet are suffering it’s hard to enjoy anything. Synthetic, merino wool, Tencel (eucalyptus fibre), or a combination of the three is the preferred material. These materials provide the optimum balance of moisture management, warmth, durability, and cushioning. The addition of a liner sock will add warmth and speed up moisture transport from the feet to the outer layer. Whether you use a liner sock is personal preference, but if you do use one keep in mind your main sock might need to be thinner to accommodate the extra bulk.

Socks should fit snugly. If they’re too tight, circulation can be restricted and your feet will get cold. Conversely, a loose sock can slip or move around, creating pressure spots that can lead to blisters. If blisters are something you grapple with, or simply something you want to avoid, have a read of our foot care and blister tips article. For more information on choosing the right sock for your adventure, check out our sock buying guide.

Sizing & Fit

One of the most important factors when building a layering system is to consider sizing and fit. If possible, try on your layers in sequence when purchasing them, even if that means bringing your existing garments to the store. You’ll need to consider a few things: comfort, freedom of movement, arm articulation, sleeve length, hem length/overlap, and hood coverage. We usually advise that your insulation layer should never be too snug, or covered with a layer that compresses the insulation. Both cases will reduce the potential warmth of that garment. Conversely though, don’t buy layers that are too roomy. Layers that are too big will lose some thermal efficiency and will simply not be comfortable to wear.

Another factor to consider is how well the layers interact. Do the fabrics get caught on each other and cause discomfort? Or do they slide across each other moving somewhat independently? Also, keep an eye out for bulky stitched seams that could line up with each other and rub under your pack’s harness. Personally, I can’t tolerate a base layer and mid layer that cling together and pull in all sorts of annoying directions.

There are the rules, now break them.

This is not a regimented system that you MUST follow to the letter. Think of it as a place to start; a guideline. My hope is that in time you will create a personalised layering system for your specific requirement and preferences. It might take a lifetime, but be warned: layers are addictive! There’s often nothing more satisfying than wearing your favourite combination of layers on a winter hike or camping adventure. Here’s a few extraneous thoughts on mixing things up:

1. In some cases, swapping out your mid layer for a windproof or wind-resistant layer like a softshell jacket could be beneficial. This can be useful if you’re engaged in a high-output activity with a high chance of windchill. For example, an outer layer may not be breathable enough, whilst your insulation layer will be too warm. 
2. If you’re in really cold/dry environments – snow camping, winter ice climbing, high altitude mountaineering or polar dog sledding – the outer layer might in fact be an additional insulation layer that is worn over your breathable waterproof layer. This is known as your expedition parka, or, for climbers, a belay jacket.

Happy Layering!

Nothing can ruin an outdoor activity quicker than being cold and miserable. Whether you’re shivering cold and wet, or overheating and wet from your own sweat, it’s never a fun time and can impact your experience both mentally and physically. A guide in New Zealand, who has spent more days in the mountains, provided me with the best answer to the tough question: how many layers should I be wearing right now? His advice, which I’ve kept in mind ever since, was that you should aim to be comfortably cool when engaged in activity. This allows your body to be functioning efficiently and not over working to regulate your core temperature.  Once you’re stationary, then aim to be comfortably warm. In my experience, I find that it’s better to be a bit cool before setting off on a long hike, than to be already overheating and peeling off layers constantly.

Take the time to consider what layers you’re wearing and packing. It will not only enhance your enjoyment in the outdoors, but you’ll look swish too! Think of layering as dressing in a way that allows you to adjust to a wide range of conditions. Hopefully, this has cleared up some of the mystery around layering. If you have any further queries, feel free to leave a comment below.