Teton Bros. Layering Concepts for Climbing and Mountain Running
In this column, we will introduce some Teton Bros. layering ideas (Spring/Summer 2025 products) for climbing and mountain running.
What constitutes "comfort" varies from person to person depending on the mountain range you are heading to, the weather when you are out, the amount of sweat you produce, etc. Learn about the role of each layer and the functions of each product, and use this information as a reference when considering layering.
Layering for Climbing
When layering for climbing, it's important to first not restrict your body movement and not feel stressed no matter what position you're in. On top of that, make sure your T-shirt is made of a highly absorbent and quick-drying material, and your pants are tough enough that they won't tear even if you're knee-deep in a wide crack.
The climbing season is cooler, avoiding the hot summer months, so a layer of warmth and wind protection is essential for resting and belaying. A lightweight, compact down jacket won't take up much space in your backpack, and a windshell will keep you protected. The ROCK JACKET, in particular, can be put on and taken off while still hooked onto the gear rack of your harness, making it an essential piece of clothing for multi-pitch climbs.
Top left: Rock Jacket (Mens)
Bottom left: Luft Jacket (Genderless)
Top right: Vapor Pocket Tee (Mens/Womens)
Bottom right: Glacier Lite Pant (Mens)
[SHELL] Windproof
Even if the area around the climb is calm, the higher you go, the more susceptible you are to the wind. Especially on multi-pitch climbs, it is useful to have a lightweight, durable, and packable wind shell hooked to the gear rack of your harness.
The Rock Jacket's ripstop construction uses high-strength HPPE, making it a tough piece that lets you concentrate on climbing without worrying about abrasions or tears. Raglan sleeves allow for unrestricted shoulder movement, and the hem stays in place even when you raise your arms. Its packable design with a carabiner loop means you can put it on and take it off while it's still hooked onto your harness. It's perfect for wearing at belay points in strong winds on multi-pitch climbs without the wind blowing it away.
[INSULATION] When belaying or taking a break
Climbing is at its best in cooler seasons when your hands don't get sweaty. A lightweight down jacket that you can slip on quickly over a T-shirt is perfect for before and after a climb, or when belaying a teammate.
The Luft Jacket is a lightweight down jacket made with 800-fill-power water-repellent down, offering exceptional warmth and lightness. Designed as a pullover, it prioritizes lightness and portability. The lack of a zipper on the abdomen makes it lighter to wear and also contributes to a lighter overall garment.
[BASE LAYER] Does not impair upper body movement
When you're pushing the limits of your ability, even a T-shirt next to your skin can feel like a nuisance. That's where a stretchy base layer comes in. It's best to choose a synthetic material that won't cool you down even when you sweat, and one that's resistant to friction with the rocks.
This season, the Vapor series has been updated with a new material, combining two types of polyester to achieve a dry feel and moisture-wicking, quick-drying properties. This base layer series offers even greater comfort in seasons with high temperatures and humidity, resulting in heavy sweating.
[PANT] Durability
For climbing, we recommend tough pants that don't cause stress even when you raise your legs up to waist level, and won't tear even when you plunge knee-deep into a wide crack.
Designed with climbing in mind during the warm spring and summer seasons, the Glacier Lite Pant combines ease of movement with durability at a high level. This is made possible by the extremely strong and stretchable "Stretch Kevlar." The pants are roomy from the hips to the thighs, and a gusset under the crotch ensures hip ROM (range of motion). Combined with the articulated knees, they allow for unrestricted movement.
Layering for Mountain Running
The mountain running category is in the same field as mountain climbing and trekking, but it specializes in running.
The base layer and shorts are made with water-repellent fabric from the ELV1000 series, which effectively manages sweat. The windshell protects against wind and light rain and is compact enough to fit in your pocket, making it useful anytime, anywhere.
A rain shell is essential in the mountains where the weather is unpredictable. The Tsurugi Lite Jacket is a favorite among many mountain runners, as it combines excellent waterproofing and breathability with light weight and does not restrict the rotational movement of the body.
The pants we've picked out are rain pants made from a popular waterproof and breathable material that are highly breathable and allow for easy movement of the legs. 
Photo: (From left)
Tsurugi Lite Jacket (Genderless)
Breath Pant (Genderless)
ELV1000 Non sleeve (Mens /Womens)
ELV1000 5.5in Hybrid Short (Mens), WS ELV1000 Hybrid Short (Womens)
Wind River Hoody (Mens /Womens)
[SHELL] Be fully prepared for rain
● Tsurugi Lite Jacket ( Genderless )
If you are caught in heavy rain while running in the mountains, a rain shell will give you great peace of mind.
Among Teton Bros.'s rain shell lineup, the Tsurugi Lite Jacket is lightweight, breathable, and less likely to get stuffy, and its lack of a center zipper makes it comfortable to wear. The Breath Pant, a cropped mountain running rain pant made from the same waterproof and breathable material "Täsmä" as the Tsurugi Lite Jacket, is also a favorite among many mountain runners.
The Tsurugi Lite Jacket's greatest feature is its large diagonal ventilation openings, which improve ventilation efficiency, while the Breath Pant's three-dimensional cut and tapered silhouette, which allow for ease of movement, make running in the rain comfortable and light.
[WIND SHELL] A versatile lightweight windproof shell
Our best-selling windshell for spring and summer, the Wind River Hoody, is a versatile piece for running. It blocks wind, sheds light rain, is breathable, stretchy, and packs down small enough to fit in a pants pocket. The lightweight, stretchy nylon fabric is comfortable to wear over a shirt or fleece, providing just the right amount of warmth in chilly conditions. It's perfect for hiking, trekking, and any outdoor activity.
[BASE LAYER] Effectively manages sweat
● WS ELV1000 Non Sleeve (Women)
The ELV1000 series features a silhouette that follows the contours of your body for mountain running. Both men's and women's jackets allow for comfortable arm movement. The stretchy fabric is treated with an ultra-water-repellent finish, which wicks sweat away from the fabric's surface, keeping you dry and comfortable. Unlike traditional base layers, which absorb sweat and then diffuse and evaporate it, this base layer is popular with those who enjoy high-intensity mountain running.
[SHORT] The storage capacity of the pockets is also important
● ELV1000 5.5in Hybrid Short (Mens)
● WS ELV1000 Hybrid Short (Womens)
This lineup of shorts (ELV1000 5.5in Short, ELV1000 5.5in Hybrid Short, Scrambling Short) primarily uses Teton Bros.' original "PERTEX EQUILIBRIUM," which is lighter, more stretchy, and more durable than regular fabrics.
The ELV1000 5.5in Hybrid Short features a tough, water-repellent softshell material in the hip area, making it durable enough for rocky terrain without sacrificing mobility. It also features a zippered pocket in the center of the back for a windshell, and pockets on both sides for maps and gels, allowing you to move around without worrying about items getting in the way.