🪴 Introduction to Layered Clothing Systems

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Base layer - touch your skin and collect sweat. Must fit snug. NEVER wear cotton as a base layer. Wool is best. Should fit tight, the tighter it fits the more moisture it can wick. Lighter layers wick and dry faster. Merino wool is nice (no smell) it will dry slower and can be wear quickly if on the outside. Synthetics will stink but can be better at wicking but may feel clammy. Silk is best in cold but worst at drying.

Mid layer - capture warmth by trapping air. Usually fleece or wool. Somethings down. Should still be breathable to prevent sweating.

Light Wind layer - moderate rain protection mostly used with a outer shell would be overkill.

Insulation layer - when dry weather this is the outer layer. Light down is good but will loose effectiveness when wet. Hoody can work here.

Outer shell layer- water resistance is the main purpuse. Soft shells allow for more breathability and movement but will not be water proof. Hard sheels keep more rain and wind out but can cause over heating and limited movement.

Having layers allows you to tune your body heat based on conditions. Jackets that combine too many features in one layer can have limited use as conditions change.