Layering to keep warm! Learn how to layer, how to choose layers, and how to protect yourself with accessories

Hello! We are Teton Bros., an outdoor brand.

Layering is important when hiking or other outdoor activities.

It plays an important role in protecting you from the cold, including hypothermia and frostbite, especially when climbing snowy mountains in winter.

This time, we'll answer questions such as, "What items should I choose and layer when layering to protect myself from the cold?"

We will introduce layering as a way to protect yourself from the cold, focusing on how to layer and choose the right clothes, as well as some recommended accessories for keeping you warm.

What are the essential layers to keep warm in the mountains?

Layering means wearing layers of clothes.

When doing mountain activities such as mountain climbing, body temperature is likely to change due to excessive sweating and sudden changes in weather.

If your body is wet, especially from sweat, rain, or snow, you may lose body heat and develop hypothermia.

By layering clothing with different functions, you can "keep your insides dry and comfortable and maintain your physical strength without having to take them off and put them on frequently."

This is the purpose of layering.

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

When layering to keep you warm, it's important to choose layers that are suited to the three causes of cold : temperature, wind, and moisture (sweat, rain, snow) .

We will introduce which layer corresponds to which cause of cold, along with its functions.

Base layer

The base layer is the underwear worn underneath.

It quickly absorbs sweat, which is the cause of cold, and removes moisture from the surface of the body, preventing chills from sweat and keeping the skin dry at all times.

For added warmth, we recommend wearing materials such as merino wool.

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" which is designed to be worn while active and prioritizes ease of movement through breathability and stretchy fabric, and "thermal wear (thermal layer)" which prioritizes warmth.

A mid-layer needs to be both breathable to allow the moisture produced by sweat, which is the cause of coldness, to escape, and insulating to prevent cold air from the low outside temperature.

outer layer

An outer layer is the top layer of clothing.

It protects the body from wind, rain, and snow, which are the causes of cold.

Examples include waterproof and breathable rainwear and jackets for snowy mountains.

For more information on layering, please refer to our article " What is layering? What it means, how to choose your clothes, and the basics of layering for mountain climbing ."

Stay warm by layering! Learn how to choose each item and recommendations for each occasion.

If you are layering to prioritize warmth, choose a base layer that protects against sweat, a mid-layer that protects against sweat and temperature, and an outer layer that protects against wind, rain, and snow.

We'll introduce what items to choose for each layer, along with recommendations for each scene!

Base layer

Base layers are important for preventing sweat from cooling you down and keeping your skin dry.

Choose materials such as polyester and merino wool that are highly absorbent and quick-drying.

Cotton is not recommended as it does not dry easily.

Merino wool is recommended for warm environments such as snowy mountains, while polyester is quick-drying for activities such as skiing, which requires a lot of physical activity, or hiking in the relatively mild climate of low mountains.

Hybrid materials made of wool and synthetic fibers come in a variety of proportions and thicknesses, and many products can be used all year round.

Mid layer (middle layer)

When climbing snowy mountains, choose thermal clothing that creates a layer of warm air.

We recommend fleece materials and insulation (padded winter clothing).

However, if you move around wearing insulation, you may get too hot and sweat and catch a chill, so it is best to wear it only during breaks or when you are not doing much exercise.

Recently, there is also "active insulation" which combines active wear and thermal wear.

When hiking in mild climates, such as low mountain hikes, you can wear mountain shirts and other outdoor gear.

If you wear thin and lightweight items, you can move around easily even when layered.

outer layer

When climbing snowy mountains, we recommend a hard shell (wear that emphasizes wind and snow resistance) that is highly waterproof and breathable, blocking out wind, rain, and snow and allowing moisture to escape from inside the clothing.

If you choose clothing that is a little looser than a snug fit, the thermal layer underneath will trap more air, improving its warmth.

A hard shell is often overkill for hiking in low mountains, so a soft shell (clothing made of soft material with moderate wind and water resistance) would be fine.

If you don't have to worry about getting wet in the rain, we also recommend items that are comfortable and easy to move in, such as a wind shell (a lightweight windproof jacket).

Choose layers according to the mountain altitude, weather, and activity, and make sure to keep your clothing dry and neither too hot nor too cold.

Layering is an essential way to keep warm, but if it restricts blood flow, your body will actually get colder, so make sure to wear clothes that don't restrict your body.

Choosing the right accessories to protect yourself from the cold is also important!

Parts of the body such as the hands and feet, which have many capillaries, tend to release heat easily and become cold easily.

When climbing snowy mountains, there is a risk of frostbite, so be sure to take proper measures to protect yourself from the cold, not only with clothing but also with accessories.

We will introduce cold weather protection items for the head, hands, and feet.

Head cold protection items

Cold weather items for the head and neck include hats, neck gaiters, and balaclavas.

A wool knit hat that covers your ears will provide better warmth.

If you wear a hard shell hood over this, you can prevent the hat from getting wet.

A neck gaiter is an item that covers the area around the neck.

Many of them have excellent functionality, such as UV protection, heat retention, and breathability, and types that cover the mouth and nose are recommended as they provide better insulation around the face.

A balaclava is a combination hat and neck gaiter that covers the head and neck except for the eyes.

Masks with a mesh opening or separate top and bottom types are convenient.

We have also provided more details in our article " Balaclavas are essential for winter mountain climbing! Check out the reasons and how to choose one, " so please refer to it!

Cold weather items at hand

To keep your hands warm, we recommend gloves that cover your wrists.

Generally, it is not recommended to go barehanded on snowy mountains.

Just like with clothing, layering makes it easy to adjust the warmth and functionality.

Always wear gloves as a base layer.

Gloves come in five-finger, three-finger, and mitten types, and the fewer fingers there are, the more warmth they retain.

Cold weather items for your feet

Choosing the right socks and shoes is important to keep your feet warm.

The socks are made from merino wool and are warm and insulated.

These socks tend to be thicker than regular socks, so it's a good idea to try on the shoes with socks on.

Regular hiking boots are sufficient for hiking in low mountains, but if you are climbing snowy mountains, you should choose shoes suitable for snowy mountains, such as snow boots or alpine boots.

Layering to keep warm in cold weather! Use accessories to keep warm

Layering is the act of wearing multiple layers of clothing, and basically involves layering three layers of clothing: a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer.

The key to keeping warm through layering is to choose layers that are suited to the causes of cold: temperature, wind, and moisture (sweat, rain, snow).

Choose layers according to the weather, mountain altitude, and activity, and make sure you stay dry and neither too cold nor too hot inside your clothing.

In addition to clothing, it is also important to take measures to protect your head, hands, and feet, which are prone to getting cold.

Make sure to keep your body warm by using hats, gloves, socks, etc.

As an outdoor brand, Teton Bros. offers a variety of layers that are quick-drying, warm, and comfortable against the skin, making them ideal for cold weather protection.

Please feel free to use it!