How To Layer for Outdoors

Layering for Comfort In All Conditions

The strategy behind layering is to stay comfortable outdoors, no matter what the temperature or weather. Layers act as protection against the sun when it's hot, the rain when it pours, and the cold when the temperature drops. Taking advantage of layering is quite simple: peel off layers as you warm up; add layers as you become cold.

Follow these simple guides to help ensure maximum comfort:

• Hot and Sunny
• Warm with Possible Cooling / Rain
• Chilly to Snowy and Cold

Hot and Sunny

Though often overlooked, layering is an easy way to protect yourself from the heat and rays of the sun.

• Wear long or short sleeved shirts made from loose cotton or a cotton / synthetic blend. New, moisture-managing synthetic fabrics also promote air flow, so these are a good choice for the layer closest to the skin.
• For men, loose fitting pants or shorts with a built-in mesh brief are best. Cotton briefs as tend to chafe in hot weather.
• A lightweight fleece jacket and light-colored windproof / water resistant shell are good to bring along for protection and changing weather conditions.
• A light-colored hat with a generous bill or brim protects your head from heat and your face from sun damage.
• Socks should be synthetic or wool. As with briefs, cotton may chafe.

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Warm with Possible Cooling / Rain

You get the most from layering in variable conditions, so follow these guidelines to stay prepared.

• Wear a lightweight, synthetic long underwear top. If you get cold easily, add the bottoms too.
• Loose fitting shorts or long pants top off the lower extremities. A short sleeve T-shirt of cotton / synthetic blend adorns the upper body.
• A baseball-style cap tops off the ensemble. Pack along a wool cap and gloves just in case.
• When it Cools Down:
  Toss on a midweight fleece pullover or wool sweater. Light fleece pants will take the chill off of your legs.
• For Windy Conditions:
  Slip into a waterproof / breathable shell jacket and add the pants for extra protection.

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Chilly to Snowy and Cold

Cold weather brings the threat of dangerous hypothermia, and uncomfortable overheating and sweating. Smart layering can keep both these threats at bay.

• Wear lightweight synthetic long underwear tops and bottoms. Add a midweight or expedition weight synthetic underwear top for extra warmth.
• Next put on a light fleece jacket and fleece pants.
• Add a synthetic or down parka which is large enough to accommodate all the layers underneath. Extreme weather will require a waterproof / breathable shell mountain parka and shell pants with side-zip entry. Add gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots.
• You will need an insulated hat, either wool or synthetic.
• Insulated gloves or mittens are a must.
• If it's really cold, you'll want to protect your head and face with a synthetic balaclava.

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