2024 Authentica's Tour du Mont Blanc
You actually did it! You signed up for an adventure travel trip to an epic location. On this trip, you may spend your days trekking up to cross beautiful mountain passes, and then descending to the shelter of the tree line to stay for the night. You’re likely to encounter every type of weather, from warm, sunny trails through green meadows, to blustery ice field crossings, to rainy ascents into fog-shrouded forests.
Armed with an extensive gear list, you do what most people do. Start searching for each item online. Or maybe you wander into a gear outfitter to ask questions. Finding most of the needed gear is straight-forward . . . until you reach the clothing items. You start asking yourself questions like, “What are all these items, and do I really need them all?”or "What actually IS a midlayer?". If you haven’t spent significant time outdoors, the list of clothing items needed may seem excessive, but essentially, it all comes down to layering.
Understanding how layering systems work, and investing in a few key pieces, will help you build and customize a layering system that is best suited to your body’s needs and your personal preferences. After investing in a handful of quality layering pieces, you can essentially manage any outdoor adventure you choose. Once you have the key pieces assembled, you’ll have a wardrobe that you can take to just about any adventure location on Earth: from the Andes to the Himalayas, from the Sonoran Desert to the jungles of Central America, from the Grand Canyon to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
2024 Authentica's Peru: A Sacred Valley Adventure Trip
Layering systems work for outdoor adventures because they are versatile. You will be able to warm up, cool off, or stay dry, as needed, with the right combination of garments. With a solid layering system, you’ll be prepared for any type of weather. A layering system is especially important if you will be engaging in strenuous activities. There are three basic layers every adventurer should have in their arsenal: a Base Layer, a Mid Layer, and an Outer Layer
That sounds pretty basic but there are a myriad of options to choose from for each layer and the rest of this article will break down those options so you can make informed choices when you visit your outfitter. I do recommend that you go to a local outfitter to try items on and feel the different options.
KNOW YOURSELF
It’s very important to know your body and how it responds to activity and changes in weather. As you experience more adventures, you’ll be able to customize your layering system for your specific needs and preferences. As you read on, consider your unique body. Are you typically a cold person who always has a jacket or sweater on? Are you the kind of person that runs hot? Keeping the needs of your unique body in mind will help you make the best selections for your individual layering system.
2023 Authentica trip to Peru to hike the Salkantay Trek
BASE LAYER
Why you need it: When you’re outdoors all day doing an activity like hiking, backpacking, or snowshoeing, you are exposed to the fluctuations in weather and you are exerting yourself. Even in the coldest temperatures, you’re likely to sweat. Base layers are critical in keeping you both dry and warm in the cold, and dry and cool in the heat. Base layers are in direct contact with your skin. They manage the moisture from your sweat and regulate your temperature. Here are some options you can choose from.
WOOL
Sweat management: Wool is a natural fiber found on animals like sheep and alpaca. It has natural moisture-wicking properties by actually locking away moisture in the core of the fibers.
Temperature regulation: Wool will keep you warm if you are dry. The great thing about wool is that it will also keep you warm if the fabric is wet. Additionally, wool will also keep you cool if you are hot, so even if you are hiking in a warm climate, wool can help you feel comfortable.
Other benefits: Wool has natural anti-microbial properties. That means you can wear wool garments multiple times before you start to smell them. This allows you to pack fewer items when you travel or backpack. Wool dries fast and is very light. Wool also offers UPF protection naturally.
Considerations: The most popular wool is Merino from Merino sheep. Alpaca wool is becoming more popular and, in my opinion, has better thermoregulation properties than Merino. Most wool products will be a blend of wool and synthetic material to help the garment be more durable. Wool items will be more pricey than synthetics but the trade-off is that you will need fewer of them for the reasons mentioned above.
Wool base layers come in many weight and construction options. Which you choose will depend on your own body heat type AND on the climate you’ll be adventuring in. Base layers with zippers at the neckline allow the wearer to dump core body heat efficiently so you can cool down more quickly when you’re exerting yourself.
Products I like for women:
Products I like for men:
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino BL 1/4 Zip
SYNTHETIC
Sweat management: Synthetic fibers in base layers are designed to wick sweat away and transfer the moisture to the outer part of the fabric. Synthetics do a great job of this and tend to dry faster than wool because they aren’t trapping the moisture into the fibers.
Temperature regulation: Synthetic garments will keep you warm as long as moisture is not next to your skin. If they get wet, they won’t keep you warm like wool. Synthetic base layers work better for someone who tends to run cold, or doesn’t sweat as much as others.
Other benefits: Synthetic garments are more durable than wool. They generally cost less than wool too.
Considerations: Synthetic base layers are a great option for people with allergies or for those who do not want materials made from animal products or by-products. Synthetic garments lack the natural anti-microbial properties of wool so they will trap odors more easily. That means your clothes are going to get stinkier faster.
Products I like:
REI Midweight long sleeve base layer-synthetic
SUN SHIRTS & HOODIES
Sweat management: Sun shirts and hoodies are synthetic and designed specifically for warm to hot temperature climates. They are excellent at sweat management because, not only are they moisture-wicking, they are extremely lightweight.
Temperature regulation: Sun shirts and hoodies are excellent at keeping your body cool, but they are not designed to have warming properties. It is a layer of fabric that will provide some warmth, but they are not designed for that purpose.
Other benefits: Sun shirts and hoodies provide superior UPF protection. When you are at high altitudes or trekking above tree line, the sun can be brutal. Sun shirts provide protection from UV rays without the need for sunscreen where the garment covers you. Hoodies will also provide protection for your neck and head, and most will have long sleeves and thumbholes to provide protection for your hands too.
Considerations: Sun hoodies are not good base layers for keeping you warm. If you want to use them for their sun protection properties but you will be in a cold environment, consider wearing a sun hoodie over a warming base layer. People who run hot may find them to be sufficient base layers in cold temperatures if they have a good, insulating mid layer.
Products I like for women:
Products I like for men:
REI Sahara Shade Hoodie
MID LAYER
Why you need one: Your base layer provides your first layer of comfort for being out in the elements. Unless you are hiking in a climate that is warm from beginning to end, base layers are not enough. For most adventurers, you will be exploring areas that will have wide ranges of temperature and weather, and so you need to be prepared with a layer that will provide additional warmth. There are a wide range of options for mid layers and it will mainly come down to experimentation and personal preference as to which mid layers work best for you. Whatever you choose as a mid layer, be sure that it is insulating and breathable. The two main types of insulated mid layers are fleece and “puffy” jackets.
FLEECE
Breathability: Fleece layers are made of synthetic fibers. Breathability varies but as a whole, they are more generally more breathable than puffy jackets.
Performance when wet: Fleece sheds moisture well so if you are caught in a light rain with only a fleece on, it’s possible to stay mostly dry. Fleece also dries very quickly.
Weight: Fleece is heavier than puffy jackets it has more volume, so it will take up more space in your pack.
Other considerations: Fleece is a good choice if you know you will be sweating from your activity but need an extra layer of warmth. There are a wide variety of fleece jackets and they vary from lightweight technical waffle or grid styles to garments with more bulk.
Products I like for women:
Products I like for Men:
Kuhl Revel 1/4 Zip Fleece
“PUFFY” JACKET (DOWN)
Breathability: Puffy jackets are usually made out of nylon fabric with lofted insulation inside the panels. Some puffy jackets use down as the lofted insulation, others use synthetic materials, and there are even some with a combination of both down and synthetic loft. Puffy jackets are breathable, no matter what they are filled with.
Performance when wet: A down puffy jacket will not keep you warm if it gets wet. The feathers will clump together and lose their insulating properties. Once a wet down puffy dries, it should regain its insulating properties but you may have to put it in a dryer at low heat to get the down redistributed and lofted properly.
Weight: Down puffy jackets are the lightest mid layer available. They pack down to nearly nothing. Backpackers like to use them for this reason.
Other considerations: Down jackets are a great option if you need the additional warmth at camp or while taking a break along your hike, but it’s not a mid layer to wear during activity. Puffy jackets come in different fill densities. The colder the weather, the higher the density count. Also, of the mid layers, down puffy jackets typically have higher price tags.
Products I like for Women:
Products I like for Men:
Patagonia Better Sweater Down Hoodie
“PUFFY” JACKET (SYNTHETIC)
Breathability: The synthetic loft in puffy jackets is designed to be breathable and does a better job at it than down.
Performance when wet: Synthetic puffy jackets will still insulate you if wet, so if it gets wet from rain or sweat, you can still count on it to keep you warm.
Weight: Synthetic puffy jackets are lighter than fleece, but heavier than down puffies.
Other considerations: Like fleece, synthetic puffy jackets are a great option for additional warmth when you’re getting sweaty from exertion.
Products I like for Women:
Products I like for Men:
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie for Women
VEST VS. FULL SLEEVE
Most of the mid layers you find will have long sleeves, but there are mid layer options that are vests, or sleeveless. Whether you choose a vest or a long sleeve mid layer is a matter of personal preference.
Why choose a vest mid layer?
If you are someone who runs hot and you want to keep your core warm, but you don’t want to overheat too quickly.
You want a freer range of motion in your shoulders, for example if you plan to run or cross-country ski.
You expect temperatures to be warm but want to pack a light insulated layer, just in case.
OUTER LAYER
Why you need one: We want our base and mid layers to have breathability. While that breathability gives us comfort, especially right against our skin with our base layer, it comes at the expense of full protection from the elements. That’s where the outer layer comes in. The outer layer of clothing provides protection against rain, snow and wind.
(for more detailed information about hiking in the rain, check out the blog post linked here)
WATERPROOF
Breathability: Waterproof jackets are constructed in a few different ways. Some have a waterproofing substance sprayed on them-DWR (Durable Water Repellency). Others have a durable liner that keeps water out. Waterproof jacket will have taped seams so water does not get in through tiny holes created where the garment was sewn together. They’ll also have waterproof zippers. All of this sealing to keep water out also makes the jacket have limited breathability.
Performance when wet: Waterproof jackets are very good at keeping water out. But they are also good at keeping water in–like sweat. People who run hot, or who will be exerting themselves during activity, should be keep this in mind when wearing this type of outer layer. A hiker may think that they're experiencing "wet through" or a failed waterproof jacket, when in reality, it could just be an accumulation of their sweat inside the jacket.
Weight: Waterproof jackets tend to be heavier than the breathable waterproof jackets, but far lighter than insulated waterproof jackets.
Wind protection: Waterproof jackets provide solid protection against wind. If you run hot and encounter chilling wind, wearing a waterproof jacket directly over your base layer may provide all the additional warmth you need.
Other considerations: Look for jackets that have zippers at the armpits (pit zips) to help with breathability. Waterproof jackets with generous pit zips can help to offset the jacket’s lack of breathability. If you run cold and getting wet makes you chilled, a waterproof jacket might be best for you. Waterproof jackets come in at the lowest price point when it comes to outer layers.
BREATHABLE WATERPROOF
Breathability: Breathable waterproof jackets, like the name suggests, are the most breathable outer layer. It will not be as breathable as your base or mid layers because it needs to achieve its main goal–to keep water out. Breathable waterproof jackets are made out of materials like Gore-Tex and Pertex. A few other breathable alternatives to Gore-Tex are on the market as well.
Performance when wet: Breathable waterproof jackets provide good protection from the rain but will “wet out” more quickly than traditional waterproof jackets–that means that rain will soak through the jacket more quickly with a breathable waterproof jacket, but this would only be a concern in downpours.
Weight: Breathable waterproof jackets are the lightest outer layer option.
Wind protection: Breathable waterproof jackets provide wind protection on par with traditional waterproof jackets.
Other considerations: New “breathable” garments have entered the market in recent years with mixed reviews. Gore-Tex is tried and true, but before purchasing an outer layer made from a different material that claims to be breathable, seek out reviews for those products before making your purchase. Breathable waterproof jackets will also cost more than regular waterproof jackets.
Waterproof Products I like for Women:
Waterproof Products I like for Men:
Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket- Men's
Outdoor Research Foray II GORE-TEX Jacket for men
INSULATED WATERPROOF
Breathability: The breathability of insulated waterproof jackets varies, but in general, they will be the least breathable of all the waterproof options.
Performance when wet: Insulated waterproof jackets will have better performance when wet, however, if the jacket is insulated with down, it will not insulate if the waterproof wets out.
Weight: Insulated waterproof jackets are the heaviest outer layer and the bulkiest.
Wind protection: They provide superior wind protection.
Other considerations: Insulated waterproof jackets should only be used if you are planning to be in extreme cold. For most adventure travelers, an insulated jacket is overkill. You will likely end up getting too hot and having to carry an oversized garment in your pack, or worse, under your arm.
LOWER BODY LAYERING
Upper body layering is most important because your core is where all your vital organs are located. Keeping them warm will help keep blood circulating to the extremities and lower body regions. That circulation will give your lower body some warmth automatically.
BASE LAYER BOTTOMS
Just like the base layers for your upper body, base layers for the lower body come in natural wool and synthetic fibers. If you run cold or if the temperature is going to be very chilly, base layer bottoms will give warmth and wick moisture from your skin. It’s not as critical to have a base layer for the bottom of your body, but this is also highly dependent on your own body and how cold the conditions are where you are traveling.
MID LAYER BOTTOMS (PANTS)
Hiking pants are the typical mid layer for your bottom half. They come in a variety of weights from super light to thick and durable. Most hiking pants are quick-drying, while some others provide a bit of water-repellency. Like mid layers for your upper body, breathability is the key for hiking pants. If you want some additional warmth but don’t want to wear a base layer, consider getting thicker pants that repel water.
OUTER LAYER BOTTOMS (PANTS)
Rain and snow pants are outer layers for your bottom half. Rain pants are waterproof and some are made with breathable waterproof materials like Gore-Tex. Snow pants are insulated and waterproof. Snow pants are typically overkill if you are hiking--even in snow. Insulated pants, unless absolutely necessary for freezing temps, limit your range of motion and stifle you when you begin exerting yourself over a mountain pass or rigorous hike.
2024 Authentica's Women Only Tour du Mont Blanc
OTHER ITEMS TO HELP KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE AND DRY
Having a good layering system, one that you’ve adapted through trial and error, will help ensure that you are comfortable and protected on your adventures. There are a few other items you should add to make your layering system as efficient as it can be.
GLOVES
Our extremities get cold the fastest. If your hands are cold, then you will feel cold all over. Bring gloves to wear in times of cold or wind to protect them.
SOCKS
Keeping your feet happy is critical to any adventure. To be sure that they stay dry and warm, invest in socks made of wool or a synthetic alternative like CoolMax.
THERMAL HAT
We lose so much heat from our heads. Having a hat to lock that heat in can go a long way to trapping that body heat to keep you warm.
NECK GAITER
Neck gaiters provide warmth and sun protection, especially if you aren't wearing a layer with a hood. A neck gaiter, like a Buff, can also be pulled up to protect your face from wind and sun.
Adventure travel puts many of us out of our comfort zones. Getting your layering system dialed in to maximize your physical comfort can go a long way in helping you overcome the challenges you’ll face in getting to that summit, or crossing that pass, or reaching camp at the end of a 10 hour trek.
2024 Authentica's Peru: A Sacred Valley Adventure
Ready to get geared up for an outdoor adventure vacation? Check out Authentica Travel and Dive’s upcoming trips. No matter where we are going, a good layering system will keep you comfortable as we explore some of the most breath-taking places on Earth. You’ll also get a complete gear list that will get you started on building the very best layering system for you.
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