How to dress in layers when its cold outside

With cooler weather and being outdoors, what you wear is important.  The way to dress for whatever the weather throws at you is by layering your clothing.  You need to dress for the elements.  The layers apply to summer and winter, but we are going to focus more on keeping warm.

And this is the guide to help you do it right!

There are 3 key layers 

- The base layer
- The mid layer
- The outer layer



The layers are working on the system that multiple thinner layers are going to keep you warm and protected rather than say, just one big jacket.  You wear layers that are comfortable, practicable and adaptable to the conditions.  

The air is trapped between each layer, given you insulation.  Remove a layer, some of that insulation goes, and you cool down.   Add a layer, increase the insulation and warm up.

Get this right, you can save yourself a bit of money by not going out and purchasing multiple articles of clothing - just get the key items right from the very start.

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The Base Layer

 
This is the layer closest to your skin.  You may hear the base layer referred to as 'thermals'.  

It needs to keep you warm, plus draw away moisture from your skin.  And it needs to dry quickly (so anything cotton is a big NO.  Cotton stays wet and you will have wet fabric against your skin for a long time.  Avoid cotton.).   Drawing moisture away from your skin is known as 'wicking'.  And this is important because, if your skin is damp, you get cold.

The colder the temperature the heavier the base layer.

What sort of fabric is good as a base layer?

Synthetic or wool are your options and your choice is going to depend on how much you have to spend, durability and what sort of fabric feels best for you. 
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• Synthetic means material like polypropylene, silk and polyester.   Synthetic is generally cheaper but can get smelly faster.
• Wool is generally merino wool which is thin and lightweight (and not itchy).  Even when damp, it still retains insulation properties. And wool base layers are just not for cold weather - merino wool remains comfortable in warm weather too.   A big plus is that due to its antimicrobial properties, even after a lot of exercise and sweat, it doesn't stink.

These base layers also come in different weights.  You will see the terminology of lightweight, midweight or heavyweight.  The heavier the weight, the thicker the material.  But the base layer isn't meant to be about the warmth, it's all about the wicking.   The next layer - mid layer - is where the warmth factor is important.

Need some advice on a base layer, have a look at these as a good starting point.  

Our affiliate - Wilderness Wear - an Australian company, has a big range of base layers for men, women and children.  We have their base layers, and whilst the majority of their layers are merino, they also do have Polypro (which is  a cheaper fabric but still does a good job).

Mens Light Merino 170 Thermal

Womens Polypro+ 190 Thermal

The Mid Layer

The mid layer is going to capture warmth. So any heat you have generated, and it has made it through your base layer, is going to be trapped.  This is the layer for insulation.  Depending on the weather, more than 1 mid layer could be a possibility.

​This layer is going to be something like a fleece, soft shell jacket, down puffy jacket (for cold conditions)  or a thick wool layer.  Whatever you choose, you want this mid layer to be breathable and any moisture that has come through from the base layer, can escape.  The choice of this layer is going to depend on the weather but your own body temperatures and what you need.   I personally feel the cold a lot, so my mid layer tends to be a puffy jacket, whereas everyone around me seems to only need a fleece.  Or sometimes, I have had to had more than 1 mid layer.  

Your choice of a mid layer might come with or without a hood.  Having a hood is a good option as it provides that extra bit of warmth.


For a big range of hoodies and fleece, check out The North Face.  We like their gear because it looks good even when not hiking/camping - it's sort of the gear you can wear when not being all outdoorsy.

​Full range of men's hoodies and fleeces are here
Full range of woman's hoodies and fleeces are here
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And the jacket I am now wearing, whether I am camping or not is pictured below!  (photo from The North Face)

​The Outer Layer

This is the layer to protect you from elements like wind and rain.

It's a garment that is water resistant/waterproof and quick drying.  When things go bad when outdoors, you are wanting this layer to make life a bit less miserable. 

What sort of garment is an outer layer?

- Hard shell jacket - a serious jacket which might not be as breathable, but will keep the water out with taped seams, waterproof zips.  It's designed to face the elements head on.

- Soft shell jacket - a lighter jacket, that won't be 100% waterproof but keep most of the water off you. It will be more breathable than the hard shell jacket.

Non breathable shell jackets are not ideal. If you work up a sweat, that perspiration has nowhere to go, and you end up all wet under the jacket. If you are sitting around the campsite, or doing no activity, then this sort of jacket will be OK but if you are doing any activity, look for at the minimum, a water resistant soft shell jacket

Getting your clothing right for your hiking and camping adventures will make your time outdoors more comfortable.  Sometimes, outlaying a little money at the start for good gear will save you money in the long term (as opposed to buying some cheap gear that just doesn't do all it promises to do).  We do believe you get what you pay for.

Enjoy your outdoor adventures.
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