Layering for Winter Hiking
The cold weather is coming (if it’s not already here for you) and that means it’s time to stay inside and hide in blankets…right? NOPE! It’s time for winter hiking. The key to staying comfortable in the cold is layering for winter hiking. Layers can really make or break your cold-weather hiking experience.
So, where do you start?
Base Layers
Base layers are the building blocks of a warm and versatile system. Base layers are the clothes closest to your skin. In winter sports these are often long sleeves and long pants (like long underwear).
The best base layers are made of moisture-wicking materials. Although it’s cold, you will still sweat and that sweat needs to go somewhere. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “cotton kills”, this is where that comes into play. Cotton is not a good base layer because it absorbs moisture. The moisture or sweat will be absorbed and it just hangs out on your skin keeping you cool which is the opposite of what you want in the winter. Moisture-wicking materials keep the sweat off of you which allows your body to stay warm.
Some good fabrics are Marino wool, bamboo, silk, and synthetic fibers.
Mid-Layers
Mid-layers are essential in layering for winter hiking because they do a lot to keep you warm. These are things like fleece, soft-shelled jackets, and things of that nature. Mid layers insulate you and keep your body heat close to you.
If you’re in a wet area, these are not your last layer. If they get wet, all of the good they do can be canceled out if it gets wet (particularly if your mid-layer is made of down). If you live in a dry place, a lot of times you will be cozy in the sun with these.
Often times a mid-layer is focused on your core and is commonly found in tops. Mid-layer bottoms can be harder to come by.
Outer Layers
These are your shells. They are waterproof or water-repellent. For these, picture snow pants and a ski jacket or even a rain jacket. The purpose of the outer layer is to keep the wind and the rain/snow off of you.
A great example of the mid and outer layering system is a 3-in-1 jacket- there is an insulating jacket that zips into a waterproof jacket. Independently each layer serves a different function. The inner is a lightweight jacket to help keep you warm but not too warm and the outer jacket is waterproof/water resistant and helps block the wind. When you add the two layers together you stay quite warm.
Other layering options for winter hiking
When you think of layers don’t just picture your torso and legs. Your hands can also benefit from a layering system. Glove liners protect your skin from the elements and when paired with either mittens or gloves, you get waterproof protection without sacrificing the ability to use your devices, tie your shoes, or generally use your hands when either you warm up or when you need to momentarily take off the outer layer.
Another item you won’t want to forget in your winter hiking clothing collection is a hat or ear covering of some sort. A hat will do a better job of keeping your heat in but, if you’ve ever tried to have your hair in a ponytail or bun and wear a beanie, you know that’s a struggle. A headband or earmuffs will help protect your ears from the elements and shouldn’t be forgotten.
