Winter Hiking Clothes Layers

A layering system is really just a set of good hiking clothes.

Winter hiking clothes layers.

Middle layer insulating layer. While assembling a wicking base layer insulating mid layer and waterproof windproof shell is the foundation for a layered clothing system experienced hikers employ a number of temperature regulation techniques beyond adding or removing their shell or mid layer to avoid sweating or getting cold as their level of activity changes during a hike or snowshoeing trip. Retains body heat to protect you from the cold. Layers can be removed and added as needed throughout the day.

Here s how to stay warm and safe on the trail during winter. There s one certainty about the clothing layers we use in winter. It s important that all of your base layers by synthetic or wool and not cotton because they ll dry faster. Once you have a few winter hikes under your belt you ll see how much heat your body generates and then you can adjust your cold weather hiking clothes accordingly.

For winter layering you ll want a next to skin base layer a mid weight insulating layer a fleece or puffy and a weatherproof shell. Even if you don t wear all three layers at the outset it s a good idea to take all layers on every outing. Home appalachian trail at continental divide trail cdt pacific crest trail pct. Shields you from wind and rain.

The layering system is most useful in cool to cold weather in warm weather a light top and bottom usually suffice. Layering clothes in winter backpacking is crucial. Layering is a three part system that includes a base layer that wicks perspiration away from your skin a mid layer that insulates you from the cold and a shell layer that keeps wind and moisture out. While a rain shell or puffy jacket may rarely or even never come out of our pack on a summer hike or climb we almost invariably wear every article of clothing we carry when backcountry nordic or downhill skiing snowshoeing snowboarding climbing or trail running in winter.

Do not layer clothes with two layers. You can peel off layers if things heat up but you can t put on layers that you didn t bring along. It is supposed to keep you safe and comfortable in a broad range of temperatures and environmental conditions wind rain sleet and snow. Layering for winter hiking is vastly different than any other time of year.

Outer layer shell layer. We get our money s worth out of them.