The Layering System

YOU hear about this all the time, and I know some folk will know all about this but others won’t. You never know you might learn something. Lets clear up this phrase for all you ‘fellas’!

The layering system is natural, but with some refinement you can become invincible to changing weather. That sounds nice doesn’t it.

1/. Baselayer

Claire in her Under Armour Coldgear baselayer. UA make quality gear ideal for mountain days!

It’s all about starting with a baselayer. So it’s the age old wool versus synthetic debate.

It’s down to personal preference. I’ve got one or two wool baselayers such as the True Mountain Sportswool baselayer and a few synthetic tops too; some find the wool type uncomfortable so prefer the synthetic kind.

I like both and it depends on what I’m doing and the time of year. I tend to go towards the wool mix in winter as the merino adds warmth.

Yet synthetics offer a more sporting fit and are less restrictive. I use these during the rest year for protection next to my skin.

They both wick away moisture and keep me comfortable and warm.

I don’t recommend a normal cotton t-shirt as a baselayer due to cotton’s performance when wet. They soak up sweat massively then start to take heat away from your body.

The weather doesn’t have to be extreme before hypothermia can set in during this condition, so avoid these at all costs.

2/. What’s next?

My Berghaus Jorasses Soft-shell, loads of pockets and a hood make this my go to mid layer.

Next it’s your mid layer. This garment’s job is to trap in the warm air around your body and keep you comfy. This layer can be made up using a soft-shell, fleece or a thin down/insulated jacket such as the Alpkit Filoment or the Quechua X-Light.

In the summer months I tend to opt for my soft-shell and through winter I’m all over the down jackets – you can’t beat the extra warmth!

3/. Windshell

True Mountain's Stretch Windshell Smock kills the chill.

On top of your fleece or other mid layer you can add a lightweight versatile windshell. These thing little tops may not look like they will add much in terms of warmth, but looks can be deceiving.

They have been designed to cut out the wind chill factor, which results in you keeping that hard earned warm air.

These also normally have a degree of protection against showers so these are a good addition to your outdoor arsenal.

These also pack down small and light so if you are counting the grams and ounces for a trip, these are an excellent go to for some extra protection.

4/. Insulation

I know this is a little bit Michelin but my Berghaus Popena is unbeatable in sub-zero temperatures.

We have already briefly touched on insulation in the mid layer but for when you are doing cold weather activity it is ideal to take an extra jacket with some insulation to protect you from the cold during stationary/ passive periods of time.

Down jackets are ace for warmth, I love my Berghaus Popena, other alternative  jackets like the Páramo Torres are a really beneficial option.

5/. The outer shell

Berghaus Mera Peak II, my hard shell that has seen too much rain.

The outer shell or hard shell is where most people spend the most money with regard to outdoor clothing.  But we think all the layers prior to this are equally worthy of investment.

The job of the outer one is to keep out water and wind. Using coatings, membranes and other techniques these jackets hold off the wet stuff so your central heating inner layers can get to work.

The most common membrane today – Gore-Tex is the benchmark for waterproofness, some are arguably better, some are better suited to specific niches, but without beating around the bush you can’t go wrong with Gore-Tex. Just to use another cliché, it does exactly what is says on the tin.

To conclude, the colder and wetter the weather, the more of these layers you need and the warmer and calmer it is the less you wear. It’s that simple. So go forth and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your efficient and smart layering system.

Cheers,

#TeamFell