Spending time outdoors is a big part of the lifestyle of many Vermonters, and dressing to stay comfortable during changing weather and activity levels is important if you want to get out there and have fun doing it. Luckily, there are many trusted and well established gear brands that offer everything you need to be comfortable doing whatever you like to do outside.
Deciding what outdoor clothing you need and how to use it can be as complex as you want to make it, but if you start by learning to dress in layers, then you are well on your way to outdoor comfort. The following tips on layering will help you make the most of what you already own and make better decisions about the new gear that will make your adventures even more fun.
The key terms to know when dressing in layers are:
BASE (layer 1), MID (layer 2) and OUTER (layer 3)
BASE (layer 1) = DRY
The layer you put on first (next to your skin) should keep you dry by wicking the moisture from your skin and moving it out to the next layer (or the air, if you’re only wearing one). In warm weather this helps prevent chafing and enhances evaporative cooling. In cold weather, moisture is a conductor of heat away from your body, so drier is warmer!
Wool, polyester and polypropylene are usually best for high performance base layers because they keep the moisture moving away and stay dry to the touch. Your base layer should be snug enough to stay in contact with your skin, and prevent sliding and wrinkling under backpack straps, drink belts or tight race suits.
MID (layer 2) = INSULATION
Traps and holds the air warmed by your body which insulates you from the cold and continues to move the moisture away from your body. In warmer weather you might not need a separate mid layer, while in really cold weather, you might use 2 or more, or even skip it if you’re using an insulated parka. Depending on the weather and intended use, mid layers can range from thin fleece or knits to quilted down or synthetic. A comfy mid layer can double as a light jacket or casual wear for just hanging out.
Wool, polyester and down are most commonly used for high performance mid layers because they trap the most air per unit of volume. Down is a perennial favorite for insulating layers because it’s warm, very light and packable, but it loses some of it’s insulation value when wet. Wool or synthetic are great to consider if your mid layer doubles as a wear alone piece in wet conditions. Mid layers should slide easily over your base layer and provide freedom of movement when you swing your arms, but be trim under an outer layer without bunching or binding.
OUTER (layer 3) = PROTECTION
This is your final “armored” layer to keep the wind, rain and snow from getting in and stripping you of that hard earned layer of warm trapped air. Your outer layer also needs to be tough enough to resist abrasion and tearing from bark, branches, chairlifts, backpack and even handbag straps. Some outer layers, like ski or mountaineering parkas, even have insulation built into them to simplify getting dressed where it’s always cold.
Outer layers can have wildly varying degrees of wind and water protection, from lightweight wind and water resistant pieces that allow lots moisture to escape during high output activities, to extremely waterproof membrane systems (Gore-Tex, H20 No etc.) that keep you dry in a deluge, warm in 40mph winds, and still breathe enough to allow moisture to escape when it needs to.
You can find lots of information on the web, and on manufacturer sites and garment hang tags. If you’re not fascinated by fluoropolymers and moisture vapor transport systems (like I am), it’s always best to explain your individual needs to a trusted and experienced outfitter who can give you exactly what you need in the language you have patience for.
About Sam Hewitt: Sam works in Skirack's run and cross country ski departments and has an MS in Exercise and Sport Science from Penn State and over 20 years in R&D of footwear and materials. Learn more about Sam in his Skirack staff bio.