Why dress in layers for cold weather activities? Layering allows you to manage moisture, manage heat, and protect yourself from the elements. A layered approach is often more versitile in that it covers a wider range of temperatures. To implement a layered system effectively, you have to understand the purpose of each layer.
Most typical is a three layer approach consisting of:
- Base Layer – Next to skin, to wick sweat. Can also be a thin thermal layer.
- Mid Layer – The insulation layer, consisting of wool, fleece, or thicker technical fabric.
- Outer Layer – The shell, meant to block wind, rain, and snow.