Bringing the appropriate clothing to cope with the often dramatic changes in weather and temperature we encounter in the great outdoors can be difficult. Hot summer days can be followed by plummeting temperatures at night. Thunderstorms and rain can catch us off-guard. Shivering in the cold air can quickly turn to sweating after a period of sustained activity. Being prepared for these changes will keep you comfortable and conserve energy. In extreme cases, dressing appropriately might even mean the difference between life and death. In this article, we aim to teach you how to choose what to wear for all conditions.

What’s wrong with normal clothes?

The clothes we wear in day to day life, such as jeans and t-shirts are often made of materials that are inefficient at insulating, cooling and wicking sweat away from the body. You might have encountered the moniker ‘cotton kills’. Cotton (which most t-shirts are made out of) soaks up moisture. This moisture is then held next to the body and will keep you cold for longer as it slowly evaporates. Cotton is also a poor insulator when dry. Denim is similarly inefficient. In contrast, clothes designed for the outdoors wick moisture away from the body whilst keeping you insulated.

Layering

In order to withstand these changes in conditions and temperature, the solution is to wear layers of clothing. These layers trap air between them and work together to keep you at the optimal temperature. They can then be added and removed according to the conditions faced. These layering system is divided into three layers. These are the base layer, mid layer and outer layer.

Base layer

The base layer is the first layer of clothing. Comprised of the clothes that sit next to the skin, its purpose should be to wick moisture away from the skin. The base layer typically includes:

• Thermal/polyester underwear
• Thermal/polyester top
• Thermal trousers
• Socks

This layer makes a huge difference to your ability to stay warm. These items of clothing are often made of synthetic materials such as polyester. These materials wick sweat away from the body. This keeps the clothing dry and therefore far more effective at insulating. Polyester or synthetic tops and bottoms are normally available in long sleeved, short sleeved, full length trousers and a shorts variety. Choose the type that’s most appropriate for any expected temperatures.

Mid layer

The purpose of the mid layer is to insulate. By trapping warm air between the mid layer and base layer, your body will stay warm and conserve energy. The mid layer is comprised of:

• Jacket/top
• Trousers
• Gloves
• Hat

Traditionally, wool was a popular choice for this layer. The downsides of wool are that it becomes heavy when wet and can take a long time to dry out. Synthetic materials have eclipsed wool as they offer cheaper, more efficient alternatives that stay warm whilst damp and dry quickly. Fleeces, jackets and tops are available in a variety of styles and different ‘weights’ which offer a different level of insulation. Trousers are available that can be zipped off to become shorts, which are excellent for dealing with the heat. A hat and gloves will make a huge difference in retaining heat and can easily be removed when it gets too hot.

Outer layer

The outer layer should protect you from rain and wind. This layer is essentially waterproof clothing such as:

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Gaiters

This clothing should keep water out whilst simultaneously letting moisture from the body escape. Lightweight waterproof jackets keep you dry and can easily be rolled up and stowed away without taking up  much room. A hood is also essential to keep your head dry. Waterproof trousers are often overlooked, but prove incredibly valuable on multi-day trips. Once regular trousers become saturated they can be difficult to get dry and, assuming you can swap them for a second pair, are a pain to carry when they are wet and heavy. Waterproof trousers save you this trouble easily. Like lightweight waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers can be rolled up and stored without taking up too much room. Even when it hasn’t rained, grass collects dew and will quickly dampen your trousers and boots if its long. Gaiters offer a compromise that keeps your lower legs dry while leaving your upper legs breathable.

Conclusion

The layering system allows you greater control over your clothing. This ability to adjust your clothing and thus temperature is key to remaining comfortable and safe. The science behind synthetic materials has come a long way, and clothes made from such materials can go a long way in regulating your body temperature. By using the layering system you shouldn’t have any trouble putting together a simple wardrobe to withstand anything.