Dressing in Layers for Hiking
You have probably heard this phrase before – dress in layers for hiking. Does it work, yes and proven by thousands of hikers around the world. I have been testing my equipment lately getting ready for a busy fall hiking season with Hike the Highlands Festival and hiking the West Highland Way.
There are three layers – base layer, middle layer and outer layer. The base layer – next to the skin layer is probably the most important layer as it regulates your body temperature. I found this layer important in long hikes, hot hikes, and hiking in the rain. There are several products out there – silk, wool, and synthetics – Polartec Power Dry, CoolMax polyester, GoLite, REI MTS etc.
The middle layer insulates you from the cold and keeps you warm. Some middle layer products include fleece and soft shell jackets that are made of moisture wicking fabrics that also keep you dry. Outer layer protects you from wind and the rain. Generally they are waterproof and breathable. You will find out soon most products are not totally breathable. You will not get wet from the rain but rather from sweating inside. Important to buy a rain jacket with pit zips vents and of course wearing a good base layer.
Below is a short video on layering –