Understanding The Layering System

Two Layers of thin is warmer than one layer of thick. The Principle you've learned in the high school with the murky face is still the driving idea behind the Clothing System in the Trekking, Hiking and Mountaineering World.

"There is no bad weather only bad clothing. "

Be it raining, Snowing or, you are on a summit push on a super cold windy morning in a narrow valley, with proper layerings you can beat the weather and can be the most comfortable guy out there.

To understand layering system during Backpacking, it is important to understand what's the function of each layer and also you must know a little about the materials they are made of (so, that you can shop better). At the end we will learn other variations of Layering System.

Trekking in Bad Weather thegreatoutdoorsmag.com

The Standard Layering System Consists of 3 Layers :

1. The Base Layer [Next to Skin Layer/ Moisture Wicking Layer]
2. The Mid Layer [Insulation Layer/ Loft Layer]
3. The Outer Layer [Shell Layer/ Protection Layer]

Do not go in Mountains without these three layers,for sure the obvious exception is the hot, desert mountains or, similar.

Let's start.

1. Base Layer [Moisture Wicking Layer]

Merino Wool Base Layer | alpkit.com

The primary function of the Base Layer is to let the moisture(your sweat) pass through it and it should be comfortable to skin(everyone hates that itchy feeling). It must be stretchable enough to let the body have full range of motion.

It doesn't need to make you warm essentially, but a warm feel next to skin feels nice.

Material :

We have a wide range of Material choice for Base Layer. From Polyester, Nylon to natural fibers like wool silk, cotton and many more newly engineered materials. Between these Merino Wool is the Favorite choice. It absorbs very less water, dries quickly, even when it's wet it doesn't weigh a ton like cotton, and the best perk is it doesn't feel cold or soggy to skin like other materials when wet. Merino wool can have its own different chapter to talk about.

Merino Wool Base Layer | icebreaker.com

Merino Wools are little costly so, cheaper option can be synthetics. They are also great choice But environment cautious and sometimes the feel of it may drive people away, otherwise they are also great options. Different companies have different brand name for the material, but don't get too deep into them. Now a days many synthetic fabrics are there which are very comfortable to skin.

Rather care about the Quick Dry Capabilities, odor retention and also check for Durability. Finally the feel of the fabric have the ultimate call for most of the people.

Color :

Unless you are going for a Wildlife Photography, Choose darker and bright noticeable colors. They are easier to spot and also darker color absorbs more sunlight and dries quickly.

Length :

Full Length or, Half Length? We usually prefer full length base layer, for little extra warmth and PRotection to skin from UV Exposure, Bushes and Branches. But in some conditions like hot climate with steep climbs in low altitude where chances of sunburn are low we prefer half, lighter and maximum breathable garments.

Warning :

Cotton is a Big No for cold weather, it absorbs water from the body like sponge and becomes heavy. Whenever you are gonna have your little rest after a steep climb, it will drain heat from the body like crazy, and can make you hypothermic. Cotton is one of the biggest reason of hypothermic deaths in Mountain. But you can use Cotton in hot climates.

2. The Mid Layer [Insulation Layers]

Mid Insulation Layer |Down Jacket

The way insulation Layers work is by trapping the warm air inside. The more air-gap you have more warmth you can have. This is the layer you can repeat to add more warmth to the Layering System.

We have only two major good choices for Mid Layers.

1. Fleece
2. Insulated Jackets

Fleece :

Fleece is a Human Engineered Product which resembles coat of a sheep. Yes, fleece is no natural product, it's a fabric design made of Polyester. It's lighter than wool, even durable. It was 1970 when Malden Mills developed this technology and then partnered with Patagonia to infuse outdoor Knowledge to make one of the greatest product for Outdoors. Around 1990, fleece became worldwide popular, Malden Mills owner Aaron Feuerstein did not patent this, to keep it inexpensive and easily available. Currently they sell this under Polartec Brand name.

Recycled Fleece Mid Layer | www.plasticsoupfoundation.org

it's cheapness, durability, lightweight, ability to stay warm when wet, made fleece world wide popular. We generally add fleece next after the base layer, due to it;s flexibility and warmth and comfort feel. You can even repeat fleece layer to add more warmth, without compromising movement cause our next option is insulated Jacket, which can not be repeated.

Insulated Jackets :

Insulated Jackets are second type of Mid Layer or, Insulation layer. You can use it as add ons to Fleece, if more warmth is needed. or it can be used as single.

There is two type of Insulated Jackets depending upon the fill type.

1. Natural Filling : Down & Feather
2. Synthetic Filling : PrimaLoft, Plumafill, Coreloft

Feathers & Down :

The Down Jacket would probably the most costly and fancy of all Layers. It has the highest fill power. Fill Power is the measure of loftness. The usual fill power is around 500-700. This means one ounce of Down can expend to 500-700 cubic Inches. for higher Altitude or, too cold Climate Expeditions will need fill powers more than that.

The differnce between Down and Feather | www.verolinens.com

What is down exactly?

It is harvested from Duck or, Goose, very fine filamented cluster like structure under the feather which also help the Duck or, Goose to stay Warm. It's better than the feather, cause it doesn't have the quill or, the spine.

The Natural Down is hydrophobic when attached to the Duck or, Goose, cause they naturally secret a oil to keep themselves waterproof. But after harvest the waterproof ability is gone. It has to be artificially treated.

Ethically Harvested high quality Down can be very costly. So, sometimes, feather is also added to them.

Down Jacket can be compressed to a very small size and can almost instantly regain back the original size.

The only downside is it can be utter useless and also burden in rain. It sponges a lot of water and can take days to dry. When wet it's total useless.

Synthetics :

The next budget option to Down will be synthetics. Every year research is being done to create more loft and waterproof synthetic Jackets. They doesn't compress well like the down. So, it's little on heavier side compared to the warmth given.

Synthetic Insulated Jackets | marmotau.com

Current innovations like Primaloft, Thinsulate, Thermoball, Polertech, Cirrus, Coreloft are fore front of insulation technology, developed by companies like The North Face, Rab, Arc'teryx and many others. Some of them almost mimic down, but with some obvious pros and cons,

The plus point are it's easier to use in moisty environment or, in rain. It's still usable after a slight drizzle. Dries faster than a Down Jacket. also easy to repair than Down Jacket. But the major difference which makes people to choose synthetic instead of Down is the maintenance. Synthetic Jackets can be tossed in for the laundry but with Down you need to follow step by step cleaning process, otherwise you will loose the specialty of Down overtime. though if maintained properly down may serve you longer time

Both the Synthetic and Down Jacket is packed in a synthetic Shell fabric which is most of the time treated with Durable Water Resistant(DWR) Coating.

In Comparison to Fleece, insulated Jackets provide more loft to the weight, so more warm. But here are something to note.

1. Down or, Synthetic Jackets can not be repeated, due to the synthetic shell fabric, which is water resistant or, repellant, will stop the moisture to pass further.
2. Down or, synthetic Jackets in contact with similar materials can be noisy. While two fleece won't be.
3. Fleece is highly inexpensive, compared to the Jackets.
4. Fleece doesn't need extra care like down jacket. even a small tear can make you expensive gear unusable. Even you may need to throw it out in some cases, fleece on the other side is durable, you can surely use it even after tears and wears.
5. The overall warmth provide by a really good quality down jacket is just incomparable, to the packing and weight of it. Expedition in really cold climate is hard with out a good down jacket.

A Fleece then a Down Jacket on it, is People's favorite combination. If too warm you can just compress down the Down Jacket and stuff back in your Rucksack.

3. The Outer Layer [Protection Layer]

Hard Shell Jacket |gearjunkie.com

The outer Layer or, shell Layer or, Protection Layer is the last line of defense for you, against everything the mountain can throw at you. Be it snow, rain, storm, wind whatever.

There is two type of shell Jacket.

1. Hard Shell Jacket
2. Soft Shell Jacket

Hard Shell Jackets are more weather resistant. Practically it's really hard comparable to the soft shell Jackets hence the name. More Rugged and tear resistant but less mobile and flexible. But in a technical terrain, or, in more bad weather condition you will need this.

On a lighter weather condition you will want to use soft shell Jacket, it's more comfortable and flexible similar to a wind cheater. But have DWR coating. Most of the times they are not 100% water proof but they will be water resistant, so, you will need to use it in lighter rain and snow.

On a difficult trek, or on an expedition you may want to keep both with you. Soft shell Jackets can be worn all the day, they also help to keep the warm air trapped, but the hard shell is reserved for more difficult moments.

One thing to note : There is no Hardshell Jacket which can fully prevent all that mother Nature has to throw, If fully waterproof you will sweat like a pig inside. All the Jacket have some means to let the sweat out, be it Gore-Tex or, any other clever engineer, that can be failure later. Also there is a opening for your face. so, water will go in one way, or another. But you wil be mostly dry if not the weather gets too bad.

In some countries Rain Poncho is also popular Option. lIke in India or, Nepal. But in high wind condition they become annoying and also you may step on your poncho. If gradient is high it can be a big problem, also be careful there are very prone to get caught in branches too. On the brighter side they are inexpensive and lightweight.

Rain Pant :

You may want to include Rain Pant in your List if your pant do not offer light waterproofing. And also if you are going on a trek in a monsoon make sure to carry it.