What base layer should you wear when hiking? How to choose one and our recommendations!

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Layering is important for a comfortable mountain climbing experience.

Basically, you will wear three layers: a base layer, a mid layer, and an outer layer.

The bottom layer is the base layer.

Base layers are important not only for their functionality, but also for their comfort, as they come into contact with the skin.

This time, we will introduce the role of base layers, how to choose them, and recommended products from Teton Bros.!

Let's start with the basics of layering! What is the role of base layers when hiking?

Layering means wearing multiple layers of clothing, and is an essential part of mountain climbing.

The reason is to protect the body while adapting to various mountain conditions.

When climbing mountains, your body temperature is likely to change drastically due to sweating and sudden changes in the weather.

In particular, when your body gets wet from sweat or rain and gets cold, it uses energy to maintain body temperature, making you more likely to get tired.

Also, if you leave it wet, you could get hypothermia.

The role of layering is to "keep the inside of your clothes dry and maintain your physical strength without having to take them off and put them on frequently" by layering clothes with different functions.

The basic principle of layering is to wear three types of clothing: a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer.

We will introduce the role of each layer.

Base layer

The base layer is the underwear worn underneath.

It quickly absorbs sweat and removes moisture from the skin, preventing chills from sweat and keeping the skin dry at all times.

In winter, you can add warmth by wearing a base layer such as merino wool.

The base layer is an important item that determines your physical strength and comfort when hiking.

Mid layer (middle layer)

A mid-layer is an intermediate layer worn between the base layer and the outer layer.

There are two types: active wear and thermal wear (thermal layer).

Activewear absorbs moisture transferred from the base layer and releases moisture, while thermal clothing maintains body temperature by trapping warm air.

outer layer

An outer layer is the outer layer that protects you from rain, snow, and wind.

This includes waterproof and breathable rainwear and jackets for snowy mountains.

Layering is also explained in " What is layering? What it means, how to choose your clothes, and the basics of layering for mountain climbing ."

Please feel free to use this as a reference.

Check out how to choose the right base layer for mountain climbing, including materials and features!

The base layer plays a vital role in maintaining body temperature.

If you're going mountain climbing, you want to choose something that will function well.

We will introduce the types of base layers, their materials and functions, and how to choose them.

Base layer materials and functions

We will introduce the different materials and functions of base layers in order.

Base layer materials: 1. Natural fibers

Merino wool and silk are often used for base layers, and are soft to wear, have excellent heat retention, and are resistant to odors.

The price is often higher than synthetic fibers.

Cotton is a natural fiber, but it does not dry easily, so we do not recommend using your regular T-shirt as a base layer.

Base layer material ② Synthetic fiber

Base layers are often made from polyester or nylon, which are highly breathable, absorbent, and quick-drying, allowing sweat to dry quickly.

The fabric is durable, easy to wash, and the price is reasonable.

Base layer material 3: Made with both natural and synthetic fibers

There are also garments that are made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers, and garments that use different materials on the front and back of the fabric.

It combines the warmth and odor resistance of natural fibers with the sweat-absorbing, quick-drying properties and durability of synthetic fibers, providing the benefits of both.

Base layer functions

The functions of base layers vary depending on the manufacturer, but they usually include sweat-absorbing, quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-regulating properties to prevent stuffiness and chills caused by sweat, as well as anti-odor, deodorizing, and antibacterial properties to suppress odors and bacteria.

Recently, base layers have also appeared that have heat-blocking properties to block out the heat of the sun and UV protection.

How to choose a base layer

When choosing a base layer, we generally recommend thin synthetic fibers with excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties in summer, medium-weight merino wool with warmth in spring and autumn, and thick merino wool in winter.

However, the amount of sweat varies depending on the amount of exercise, so you don't necessarily have to follow the above instructions.

For high-intensity activities like summer hiking and trail running, we recommend a zippered base layer.

It helps regulate body temperature and prevents overheating.

When climbing snowy mountains in winter or when you often wear only a base layer in summer, UV protection will help protect you from UV rays.

Other important points to consider are choosing clothes that fit snugly to your body to increase sweat absorption and quick-drying properties, and choosing long sleeves to prevent injury and sunburn.

The base layer is an important piece of layering.

Choose a garment that suits the season and activity you will be wearing it for.

Introducing our recommended base layers for mountain climbing!

Teton Bros. carries a variety of base layers with different features.

This time, we will introduce three recommended products.

① VAPOR L/S (MEN) / WS VAPOR L/S (WOMEN)

Made of 100% polyester Quick Dry, which has excellent moisture absorption and quick drying properties.

Recommended for hot and humid weather and for activities that involve high intensity exercise and continuous sweating.

In addition to its cotton-like feel, attention has been paid to details such as flat seams that minimize friction with the skin and thumb holes that cover the wrists.

② POWER WOOL GRID L/S

This base layer is made of polyester on the outside and merino wool on the inside, making it sweat-wicking, quick-drying, odor-resistant, and durable.

The inner grid structure traps dead air, providing excellent heat retention and breathability.

It fits snugly to the body for excellent warmth, and has a large drop tail at the back to keep your back covered even when bending forward.

③ ELV1000 S/S TEE (MEN) / WS ELV1000 S/S TEE (WOMEN)

This short-sleeved running jacket is made from lightweight mesh material, weighing just 90g per square meter, and has an ultra-water-repellent (Dry Action) finish.

It features excellent breathability and a grid structure for a comfortable, non-sticky feel.

The material does not retain water and dries quickly.

It is also recommended for high-intensity activities and water activities.

In addition to functionality, the fit and comfort of the base layer, which comes into contact with the skin, are also important.

Be sure to find one that suits your purpose.

Wear the right base layer for your purpose and enjoy a comfortable climb!

Layering when hiking is important as it helps protect you in a variety of conditions.

The base layer, in particular, is the most important layer in layering, as it quickly absorbs and dries sweat to prevent hypothermia and excessive energy consumption.

Base layers are available in a variety of materials, including natural fibers like merino wool and silk, synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, and blends of natural and synthetic fibers.

Each product has different features, such as sweat absorption and quick drying, as well as odor resistance, antibacterial properties, heat insulation and UV protection, so choose your favorite one according to the season and activity.

As an outdoor brand, Teton Bros. offers a variety of base layers perfect for mountain climbing, so be sure to take advantage of them!