Find the layering that's right for you

Yuzuru Handa is a professional skier and backcountry guide who represents ZAOC, a company that plans and manages outdoor activities mainly in Zao, Miyagi.

I received a column about how to layer depending on the situation.

Yuzuru Handa http://www.zaoc.org/

As part of my activities, I also give backcountry training courses for beginners, and when I do so, I always tell them that "sensible temperature varies from person to person" when it comes to layering clothing.

It is important to know the basic theory of layering, but ultimately, everyone has different tastes in hot and cold, so I believe that "you have to find the layering that suits you."

Another thing I secretly value is being stylish no matter what layer I'm in. Whether it's hiking up after taking off my shell, skiing, or coming down the mountain and taking off my layers to go to a hot spring, I want to be stylish at all times.

The reason I choose the FARALLON SHIRT as a mid-layer in the high season is not only because of its functionality, such as the warmth of wool and the breathability of the synthetic fibers blended in an exquisite ratio, but also because it looks stylish when combined with the TB PANT when you take off your shell.

For the same reason, I wear the HOBACK KNEE PANT on my lower body. It has excellent heat retention and the ventilation linked to the TB PANT cools me down deep inside the garment even when it's hot.

The soft, stretchy fabric is comfortable to wear, not only while out in the backcountry but also after coming out of a hot spring, and it looks smart too.

Next up is the issue of hoods, a topic that doesn't often come up in discussions about layering, but it's actually quite hard to ignore.

It's hard to imagine a backcountry shell model without a hood, not just from Teton Bros. However, the problem with layering is that the mid-layer and base layer also have hoods. In some cases, three hoods can make the area around your neck feel crowded.

Some people may say that a shell hood is enough. However, hoods on mid-layers and base layers are quite good and can be very comfortable if used properly. The key point is, "Which layer should you wear a hood on?"

When hiking up a snowy mountain without taking off your shell, you'll want some kind of hood to delicately adjust the temperature around your face and keep out the wind. So, you have to choose between a mid-layer or a base layer hood.

I often wear the FARALLON SHIRT as a mid-layer, but when hiking for a long time or when I often need to take off my shell, I use the hooded active insulation SLICK HOODY (spring/summer model). In that case, my base layer is the MOB WOOL L/S. In spring or when there is still snow remaining, I choose the spring/summer model AXIO LITE L/S.

Conversely, when the weather is nice but the temperature is low, I wear the FARALLON SHIRT as a mid-layer and make good use of the MOB WOOLHOODY hood as a base layer.

It's a subtle difference, but the former, which utilizes a mid-layer hood, is a layering style that prioritizes water repellency and breathability as well as dynamic warmth, while the latter prioritizes warmth and breathability over water repellency.

By the way, the MOB WOOL HOODY is a great product and can be used as both a balaclava or a neck gaiter depending on how you fit the hood, so when combined with the FARALLON SHIRT it is perfect for when you're skiing on the slopes and need warmth.

There are many different combinations of layering, but choosing one based on appearance is also an option. When you think, "I really want to wear this!", what other layers can you combine with it to create a functional layering? Why not try searching for your own stylish and functional layering, including the issue of hoods?