{"id":141786,"date":"2020-02-17T14:23:52","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T22:23:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=141786"},"modified":"2024-11-16T10:39:49","modified_gmt":"2024-11-16T18:39:49","slug":"material-science-layering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/snowsports\/material-science-layering","title":{"rendered":"Material Science: The Art of Layering"},"content":{"rendered":"

A version of this story appeared in the winter 2020 issue of\u00a0Uncommon Path<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A layering system tends to incorporate three pieces: a base layer, a mid layer and an outer layer. Worn closest to your skin, the base layer <\/b>should have a snug fit; it wicks perspiration away from your body to prevent your core temp from cooling. Next, the mid layer <\/b>acts as your insulation, or your warming item. Last, the outer layer<\/b> blocks wind, rain and snow. Use this guide to create the perfect layering system for your winter activity.<\/p>\n

Layering for Snow<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Low Intensity<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Ice fishing, belaying, hunting in a blind, an easy walk around the block<\/p>\n

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From left: Kari Traa<\/a> Lokke Half-Zip Base Layer Top (Women\u2019s), $120; Patagonia Los Gatos Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover<\/a> (Women\u2019s), $109; PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING<\/a> Seattle Bib Snow Pants (Women\u2019s), $219; Mountain Hardwear<\/a> Direct North GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER Down Jacket (Women\u2019s), $400<\/p><\/div>\n

Materials<\/strong><\/h4>\n

<\/a>Merino wool<\/strong> has one of the best warmth ranges of any fabric, thanks to the natural crimp (or zigzag) of its fibers. It traps air in tiny pockets, which warms up fast from body heat.<\/p>\n

Synthetic fleece<\/strong> is usually made of polyester. It\u2019s highly breathable and dries fast, and because it typically isn\u2019t bulky, you can easily slide it between other layers.<\/p>\n

Down<\/strong> is the fluffy stuff between the bird\u2019s body and feathers. It creates tons of pockets of air (an ounce of down can have as many as 2 million filaments) for the best warmth-to-weight ratio when it\u2019s dry. (It loses loft when wet.)<\/p>\n

Mid-Low Intensity<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Resort skiing, building a snowman, a moderately paced walk<\/p>\n

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From left: Smartwool<\/a> Intraknit Merino Quarter-Zip Base Layer (Men\u2019s), $150; Arc\u2019teryx Atom Insulated Hoodie<\/a> (Men\u2019s), $300; Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Snow Pants (Men\u2019s), $200; Arc\u2019teryx Beta AR Jacket<\/a> (Men\u2019s), $600<\/p><\/div>\n

Materials<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Body-mapped base layers<\/strong> use a construction that places different weights of fabric across the garment. Heavier materials go where you require more insulation, like your torso, while lighter materials go where you sweat, like your back and underarms.<\/p>\n

Synthetic insulation<\/strong> is composed of man-made threads that are spun to create pockets of air, mimicking down. It\u2019s not as compressible as down, but it\u2019s warm when wet, dries quickly and is usually less expensive.<\/p>\n

Waterproof\/breathable shells<\/strong> (like GORE-TEX) often use a three-layer sandwich: The interior liner wicks sweat off your skin through a membrane, and the face fabric repels moisture.<\/p>\n

Mid-High Intensity<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, fat-biking, ice climbing, a snowball fight<\/p>\n

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From left: REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Crew Top<\/a> (Men\u2019s), $54.95; Norrona Lofoten Alpha 120 Zip Hoodie (Men\u2019s), $159; Outdoor Research<\/a> Hemispheres Bib Snow Pants (Men\u2019s), $599; Dynafit<\/a> Radical GORE-TEX Jacket (Men\u2019s), $499.95<\/p><\/div>\n

Materials<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Synthetic base layers<\/strong> are often lighter and more breathable than wool, making them great at wicking sweat from your skin and drying quickly. But they aren\u2019t as resistant to body odor.<\/p>\n

Hybrid mid layers<\/strong> take the best of your base and mid layers to create breathable insulation. Typically, down or synthetic insulation is used around your core, while the remaining areas are constructed with thinner, more breathable fabrics.<\/p>\n

Performance waterproof\/breathable shells<\/strong> let sweat escape and repel moisture. This one uses GORE-TEX C-KNIT, a three-layer sandwich with a more breathable and stretchy internal liner.<\/p>\n

High Intensity<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Running, cross-country skiing, any cardio workout<\/p>\n

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From left: Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Base Layer Top<\/a> (Women\u2019s), $59; The North Face Winter Warm High-Rise Tights<\/a> (Women\u2019s), $85; Salomon<\/a> Agile Wind Print Hoodie
(Women\u2019s), $90<\/p><\/div>\n

Materials<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Nylon<\/strong> is highly abrasion-resistant and strong enough to be worn alone (unlike a base layer). Its fibers have solid elastic-recovery behavior and wick sweat.<\/p>\n

Ultra-breathable synthetics<\/strong>, like Capilene from Patagonia, sacrifice heat retention in the name of breathability, wicking and quick-drying capabilities.<\/p>\n

Polyester<\/strong> on its own isn\u2019t waterproof (and barely water-resistant), but it excels at blocking wind while allowing sweat vapor to escape. Plus, it\u2019s light enough for cardio activities.<\/p>\n

Layering for Dry Weather<\/h2>\n

Cool Weather<\/h4>\n

Hiking in temperatures between 30\u00b0F and 50\u00b0F<\/em><\/p>\n

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