How to Dress in Layers

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Layering your clothing is a tried-and-true way to ensure your comfort in the outdoors. The beauty of this simple concept is that it allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and changes in the weather.

Each layer has a function. The base layer (against your skin) manages moisture; the insulating layer protects you from the cold; the outer or shell layer shields you from wind and rain. You simply add or subtract layers as needed.

Your Base Layer: Moisture Management

This is your next-to-skin layer. More than any other layer, the base layer helps regulate your body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin. Trapped inside your clothing, perspiration can leave you chilled or damp no matter how well your outer shell fends off rain and snow.

Keeping dry is important for maintaining a cool body temperature in the summer and avoiding hypothermia in the winter. If you've ever worn a cotton T-shirt under your raincoat while you hiked, you probably remember feeling wet and clammy, even though you weren't getting wet from the rain itself. Cotton is an example of a fabric that retains perspiration and can leave you vulnerable to unwanted chills.

As an active outdoor enthusiast, your base layer should use materials such as silk, merino wool or synthetic fabrics such as REI MTS, Capilene, Polartec, PowerDry and CoolMax polyester. Rather than absorbing moisture, these fabrics transport (or "wick") perspiration away from your skin, dispersing it on the outer surface where it can evaporate. The result: You stay drier even when you sweat, and your shirt dries faster afterwards.

Examples: Base layers can be anything from briefs and sports bras to long underwear sets (tops and bottoms) to tights and sport shirts. For hot weather, the wicking layer often consists of a loose fitting, mesh garment. For cooler conditions, thermal underwear is available in light-, mid- and expedition-weights. Choose the weight that best matches your activity and the temperature.

Note: Some base layers are designed to fit snugly for better performance, range of motion and easier layering.

Shop REI's selection of men's underwear or women's underwear.

Your Middle Layer: Insulation

The insulating layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Polyester fleece vests, jackets and tights are classic examples of insulation ideal for outdoor activities. They not only trap air but are also made with moisture-wicking fibers to help keep you dry.

Natural fibers such as wool and goose down are excellent insulators. Wool sweaters and shirts (especially the new generation of merino wool products) offer soft, reliable warmth and keep on insulating even when wet. For very cold and dry conditions, goose down is still an excellent choice. It offers an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible. Down's one drawback is that it must be kept dry to maintain its insulating ability.

Classic fleece such as Polartec 100, 200 or Thermal Pro polyester and other synthetic insulations such as Thinsulate provide warmth for a variety of conditions. These are popular insulators because they're lightweight, breathable and insulate even when wet. They also dry faster and have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than even wool. Classic fleece's main drawbacks are wind permeability and bulk (it's less compressible than other fabrics).

Like thermal underwear, fleece garments are available in 3 weights for different uses:

• Lightweight for aerobic activity or mild climate
• Midweight for moderate activity or climate
• Expedition-weight for low activity or cold climate

Examples: For high-energy activities such as cross-country skiing, biking or running, choose lighter-weight fleece to avoid overheating. Tights or tops made of Polartec 100 or Polartec PowerDry are excellent for this. For very cold conditions, try thicker fleece such as Polartec 200 or 300.

Wind fleece such as Polartec WindPro polyester or Gore WindStopper adds a high level of wind resistance to fleece. It accomplishes this via a hidden membrane that does not affect breathability or the other things we love most about fleece.

Shop REI's selection of men's fleece or women's fleece.

Your Shell Layer: Weather Protection

The shell or outer layer protects you from wind, rain or snow. Shells range from pricey mountaineering jackets to simple windproof jackets, but most are designed to block precipitation and hold in your body heat while allowing water vapor to escape. Most are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to make water bead up and roll off.

An outer shell is an important piece when you're active, because if wind and water are allowed to penetrate to your inner layers, you begin to cool off. Furthermore, without proper ventilation, perspiration can't evaporate but instead condenses on the inside of your shell.

Fit is another consideration. Your shell layer should be roomy enough to fit easily over other layers and not restrict your movement.

Shells can be lumped into the following categories:

Waterproof/breathable shells: These are usually the most functional (and more expensive) choices. They'll keep you comfortable in any weather, and are especially suited to wet, cold climates and alpine activities. Waterproof fabrics (typically a laminated membrane or a fabric coating) include Gore-Tex, eVent, REI Elements and a wide variety of other branded choices. These shells are categorized by REI as either rainwear, which emphasizes low weight and packability, or mountaineering wear, which is more abrasion-resistant and has additional features.

Water-resistant/breathable shells: These are best for mild weather, light precipitation and high activity levels. They're usually made of tightly woven fabrics (such as mini ripstop nylon) that block wind and light rain.

Soft shells: While many offer good wind and rain resistance, soft shells emphasize breathability. They are usually designed to offer both shell and insulative properties, so they in effect combine 2 layers into 1. Most feature stretch fabric or fabric panels for added comfort during aerobic activities. As this category has grown in popularity, styles have become specialized by season, so you'll now find cold- and mild-weather options.

Waterproof/non-breathable shells: These economical shells are typically made of a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon which is water- and windproof. They are ideal for rainy days with light activity (e.g., fishing, sports viewing).

Insulated shells: Some outer shells have a layer of insulation built in, making them suitable for cold conditions, but not as versatile for layering in a variety of temperatures.

For more information on outer shells, read the Expert Advice article on How to Choose Rainwear.

Shop REI's selection of men's rainwear or women's rainwear.

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