Careful organization for hiking in unpredictable weather is key and your clothing is almost as important to your gear as the rest of it. A good hiking layering system allows your body to ask for, and you to give, more or less heat, moisture and comfort. Knowing how to add layers to your adventure is key.
You can control your temperature, manage sweat, and shield yourself from rain and wind whether you’re tromping in a cold mountain, a hot and humid jungle or somewhere in the desert.
In this guide, you’ll learn what each layer of the layering system is, what the best fabrics to use for them are, and why Merino wool is the ideal fabric for hikers.
For all its beauty, the outdoors shouldn’t be the cause of either discomfort about your environmental impact. That’s why we offer eco-friendly solutions with Merino Protect. Lets get started.
Importance of Layering in Hiking
Weather changes quickly when you’re hiking. You can go from the sun to being caught in a chilly down pour in the blink of an eye. Layering helps you adapt to these changes so you can start or stop wearing what you need.
The research found that more than half of the hikers complained of discomfort because they wore the wrong clothes. If you know how to layer properly you can avoid this discomfort and have a better hike.
Three Essential Layers for Hiking
A hiking layering system typically includes three layers: a middle layer and an outer layer. Each layer does a different thing, and when combined, they become responsive to different weather and activity levels.
1. Base Layer: The Foundation for Comfort
The layer that’s closest to your skin is responsible for humidity control. It aids in wicking sweat from your body. This keeps you dry and keep your clothes dry and warm. Merino base layer is recommended as the base layer due to Merino wool is naturally able to regulate temperature. It wicks away moisture and reduces smells. Read More Why Merino Wool is the Best Choice for Hiking
In addition, Merino wool differs from synthetic fibers due to its softness on the skin and effective in cold and warmer climates. For warmer climates, choose a Merino wool or synthetic blend that dries quickly and can get lightweight. Midweight Merino wool is breathable in colder weather and adds warmth.
Read More: How to choose base layer
2. Middle Layer: The Insulating Core
The middle layer keeps body warmth retained and insulates. It is your main source of heat because it creates a barrier of air between you and cold outside. This layer can be loaded with fleece jackets, synthetic insulated jackets or Merino wool blends.
Down insulation is fantastic, warm to weight wise, but it's not too great once because it's wet. Synthetic and Merino wool blends, however, still keep you warm even when it’s damp.
3. Outer Layer: Your Shield Against the Elements
It shields against rain, wind, and snow. It should also be waterproof and air-tight and breathable, allowing sweat to evaporate on one side and keep moisture away from the opposite.
If you're planning to be running through extreme snow or rain choose tough shell jackets equipped with the latest technology for waterproofing.
In lighter weather, softshell jackets can provide sufficient protection and more flexibility. Consider features such as adjustable hoods, seams sealed, and ventilation zippers to increase comfort and usability.
Read More: Hiking Pants VS Leggings
Why Fabric Selection Matters?
Choosing the wrong fabric could mean you feel uncomfortable, have poor temperature control, or become very sweaty. If you understand what good fabrics do and don't do, you'll make more informed decisions leading to a better outdoor experience.
The Role of Layering
A fundamental principle in outdoor clothing is layering. This allows you to increase or decrease layers depending on the weather’s changing conditions.
The base layer controls moisture, the middle layer is meant to be a buffer and insulate from outside elements while the outer layer keeps you protected from the external elements. As a result, the right fabric for each layer is particularly important.
Base Layer Materials
The material you choose when shopping for base layers will affect your comfort level. Here are some key options to consider:
1. Merino Wool
There is natural fiber celebrated for its abilities to wick moisture, resist odors and regulate temperature.
Merino wool is an all season option as it will keep you warm cold conditions, but is still breathable at warmer temperatures. Merino wool has been shown in scientific studies to be able to effectively hold and absorb moisture without feeling wet (up to 30% of its total weight), making it an ideal active wearing fiber.
Read More: Can You Wear Base Layer on Its Own?
2. Synthetic Blends
These fabrics are quick drying lightweight, which makes them great for people on the move. But when compared with natural fibers, they may be short on odour control. Synthetic blends are great at wicking moisture but not so good for extended wear comfort.
3. Avoid Cotton
Cotton might seem nice and comfy at first, but it holds onto that moisture, takes a long time to dry and can sometimes chafe or cause discomfort when doing something physical. When you’re outdoors you should avoid cotton for a better experience.
Middle Layer Materials
The middle layer acts as a heat trap which keeps it inside while allowing amoine out. Here are some popular materials for this layer:
1. Fleece
Fleece is a lovely light and breathable material for moderate weather. It is a favorite with outdoor enthusiasts because it provides warmth without adding bulk. Also, fleece is quick drying, helping to keep it comfortable if the conditions are either too hot or too cold.
Read More: Base Layer vs Mid Layer
2. Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic material holds its warmth even when wet, such that even in unpredictable weather, this material would be a good choice. Jackets and vests often have synthetic insulation and, creepily, a reliable barrier against cold. However, brands have created lightweight and compressible synthetic materials that copy far better down insulating properties than ever before.
3. Merino Wool Blends
A middle layer of a balanced cool and moist balanced can be created through a combination of merino wool with synthetic fibers. The benefits of both materials are combined in these blends so that you are warm and dry while enjoying your activity.
Outer Layer Materials
But your first line of defense against the elements is your outer layer. Here are the main Types of material of the outer layer.
1. Hard Shells
These are maximum rain and wind protection garments. Waterproof and breathable materials make hard shells to ensure you’re dry but are able to sweat out since hard shells are usually made without venting holes. They are necessary in extreme weather sessions and are heavily used in mountaineering or heavy rain situations.
2. Soft Shells
Offering more breathability and flexibility, soft shells are suitable for a range of activities. While they may not be as waterproof as hard shells, they excel in providing comfort and ease of movement. Soft shells are ideal for activities like hiking, climbing, or skiing in drier conditions.
Merino Protect has combined into high performance hiking apparel. In their lineup, they offer base layers, mid layers, and accessories providing comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
If you know the art of layering for hiking, you can stay warm, protected, and ready for anything the outdoors has to offer. The right fabrics and adapting your layers to the conditions can improve your hiking experience.
While Merino wool has been proven to be temperature regulating and moisture wicking, it is still a favorite of hiking layers. From our range of sustainable and high performance apparel, which we offer suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, we provide Merino Protect. From season and weather to the right gear and some knowledge of how to layer for maximal performance while still being comfortable, you can hit the trails confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Layer for Hiking
Q1: Why is Layering Important for Hiking?
Layering is important for keeping you warm and release moisture as needed, as well as provide flexibility so you can change as weather conditions change. It leads you to the point of removing or adding layers as needed to ensure a keeping you comfy all the way from the start to the end of your hike.
Q2: What Materials Are Best for Each Layer?
For a base layer, we suggest moisture wicking such as merino wool or synthetic material. Fleece or down is a good insulation layer.
Q3: How Do I Know When to Add or Remove Layers?
Know your body temperature and the weather. If you start to sweat, it means you may have to take a layer off. On the other hand, if you’re feeling cold, adding a layer will prevent you from feeling cold.
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