Layering Buying Guide
The goal of layering is keep you warm and dry when being active doors. There are 3 main elements to layering properly: base layer, mid layer, and shell. Depending on how cold it is you may need a couple mid-layers.
The article of clothing against your skin will be the base layer. This layer should fit tightly. The main goal here is moisture management. As you exert yourself you sweat, and without a proper base layer to wick the sweat away from your skin it can freeze making you colder. There are different weights that manufacturers will give to base layers, lightweight, midweight and heavyweight. Natural fibers to synthetics, you’ll find plenty of quality materials. Again, the main goal is wicking moisture away from your skin. The only material to stay away from is cotton as it doesn’t wick nor does it insulate. Leave your favorite band t-shirt and hoody at home.
The mid-layer, or insulation layer, is meant to help keep moisture moving away from your skin and create a dead space to help trap body heat. You may need to double or triple up on this layer depending on the temp. As with base layers there are many types of good insulating materials. Down is fantastic, provided it stays dry. Synthetic materials such as Primaloft and Polartec function well both dry and wet, but will be bulkier.
The last part will be a technical shell. This should be a thin waterproof, windproof, breathable layer. The more breathable the better as the more moisture can leave the drier and warmer you’ll be. Depending your needs there are varying levels of waterproofing and breathability ratings.
