Title

smart and functional

The Layering Method

First an undershirt, then a shirt, over that a mid-layer and finally a jacket - the tried and tested layering method is immensely popular with outdoor adventurers throughout the year. During cold temperatures in winter or even in spring when the mountains are still covered in snow, the layering method provides cosy warmth. When it gets warmer, the individual layers can be easily removed one after the other. So you are never too cold nor too warm during your outdoor adventures.

Maier Sports
By Maier Sports

Unpredictable weather and outdoor sports: what to wear?

Especially when the weather is variable, and during the seasonal changes of fall and spring, it is difficult to plan for the weather. In the mountains, where the weather conditions change frequently, the weather can be even more erratic during this period. This is why you may find yourself in front of your wardrobe, wondering which clothing is most suitable for the upcoming ascent to the summit or the multi-day hiking tour.

Most of these questions disappear when using the layering method because depending on how the conditions change, a layer can be added or taken off. But in which order? What makes the most sense? For the optimum performance of all layers, they should be layered in a well-thought-out way.

The first layer: creating an ideal base

The foundation of the layering method is created by well-fitting functional shirts or thermal underwear. For outdoor sports activities, moisture-wicking fabric is golden. To ensure that moisture generated during physical exertion can be wicked away well, it is important that the base layer is close-fitting.

Since functional shirts and underwear are mostly made of elastic fibres, it offers a high degree of freedom of movement, and it is pleasant to wear despite the fact that it is tight-fitting.

The second layer: ensuring sufficient warmth

Ideally, the first layer should be topped with a warm insulating layer. Depending on how sensitive you are to the cold and how strenuous your adventure will be, various shirts or even a fleece jacket may be suitable. If you are hardcore, then this second layer may not be necessary. A light mid-layer jumper made of fleece may suffice to provide sufficient warmth. In this case, it is helpful if the mid-layer

  • dries particularly well (e.g. with dryprotec technology)
  • can reliably adapt to any kind of movement (e.g. with 2- or 4-way stretch)
  • is made of an adaptable and breathable material 

Whether you're hiking in icy alpine terrain or generally prefer to be wrapped up cosy and warm, then you can throw on a thicker fleece jacket. On its own or in combination with a mid-layer shirt made from high-quality fabrics and functional technologies, this layer will provide optimal insulation from the body heat generated.

The third layer: protecting against wind and rain

To ensure that rain, cold wind or wet snow don't spoil your outdoor fun, you need the outermost layer to perfect the layering method. High-quality weather protection clothing, such as waterproof pants or jackets and ski suits, made of a hardshell material should ideally be

  • windproof
  • waterproof
  • elastic and
  • breathable

If the temperature is low, but the sun is shining, and there are no clouds in the sky, then pants or jackets made of a softshell material are often sufficient as an outer layer. The higher breathability and elasticity of the lightweight fabric usually offer far more advantages in dry weather.

However, on tours lasting several days, it is better to pack one jacket too many than too few, just to be on the safe side.

Do's and Dont's: getting it right with the layering method

Naturally, the number of layers can vary depending on individual sensibilities, the expected physical exertion, and the excursion destination's conditions. To ensure the best layering technique, the following recommendations are tried and tested:

  • for more flexibility, choose thin layers rather than thick ones
  • plan carefully, especially for longer outdoor trips
  • high-quality functional clothing is better than too many layers
  • the insulation layer is not necessary on warm days
  • avoid cotton shirts as a first or second layer

If the layers become too bulky and restrict your freedom of movement, you should reconsider the layering. It is better to pick high-quality functional clothing so that you can avoid too many layers. Cotton garments are less suitable as base-layers or mid-layers. They absorb far too much moisture and dry far too slowly.

 

In warmer weather, you can often do without the thermal layer. As a precaution, a light fleece jacket that packs down small can be stowed in your hiking rucksack. Last but not least, your outermost functional clothing should also be regularly impregnated, especially after frequent washing, because an effective outer layer is the only way to make the best use of the layering method.

Neither sweating nor freezing

Unpredictable weather or freezing temperatures - nothing can stop real outdoor enthusiasts. With well-designed clothing, careful planning and a successful method, there is no need for that. When used correctly, the layering method is an ideal way to avoid unnecessary sweating but also to prevent catching a chill while hiking through nature. Each layer fulfils different important functions. Carefully layered, the next outdoor adventure will be a complete success in any weather condition.