The layer system: This is how you layer outdoor clothing

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Now that spring is finally on the horizon, we have updated our guide to the shift system and learn how to best adapt your clothing to all outdoor conditions

Spring is just around the corner and with it the moody weather conditions come that determine the season. Mark Twain once said: "In spring I counted one hundred and thirty -day weather types within twenty -four hours."

Here in Great Britain, the spring weather, which is so often referred to as "mixed" or "unpredictable", essentially everything, essentially everything, from perfect mountain hiking conditions with a blue sky, sunshine and a cool breeze to treacherous conditions full of mud, stormy sky and hurried winds.

While I am preparing for my first expeditions of the year, I use the following layer system, a proven method to adapt layers to all outdoor conditions.

The layer system

Although this is a widespread system, there is no patent recipe for perfect outdoor clothing. However, the only thing the layer system offers is versatility. The aim is to cope with all variables that are associated with fluctuating physical exertion with fluctuating weather conditions.

So never shy away from adapting or doubleing the system if the conditions require it. During my aconcagua ascent, I wore two middle classes on most days and on the summit day I wore an additional down jacket over my light down jacket. Overall, I had six layers up to the summit, but I needed them!

The general rule of thumb for the layer system is: basic layer + middle class + outer layer = comfort. By adapting your basic, medium and outer layer, you remain comfortable in constantly changing conditions.

basic layer

The Baselayer is the bottom layer and is worn directly on the skin. A Baselayer has two main functions: it should regulate the body temperature and derive moisture from the skin.

This is important to me because I sweat a lot. When sweat is stuck on my skin, I quickly get too cold as soon as my physical exertion subsides. Sometimes I use an ultra -thin and quickly drying synthetic vest together with a base layer to derive the moisture away from the skin as quickly as possible.

A hiker in a long-sleeved baselayer Soloviova Liudmyla/Shutterstock A base layer can be long or short-sleeved

synthetic materials such as polyester and polypropylene perform moisture excellently and help her to evaporate quickly. Wool is also an effective material and a popular choice for hiking and skiing.

Merino wool in particular does not scratch, leads and isolates well and does not hold any body odor as it can - great for longer expeditions that affect personal hygiene!

middle class

The middle class is often referred to as an insulation layer, since the heat is created here in the layer system. Depending on your activity and the conditions you expect, there are different types of middle classes that all aim to include your body heat and at the same time remain breathable if the activity rates rise and cooling is required.

fleece, softshells and isolated jackets are popular middle classes. As with the basic layer, a rapid drying and breathable material is ideal, so that the same options are available.

Peter wears a midlayer fleece as part of his Shift system Atlas & Boots Peter on the Trek to the Everest base bearing with fleece as a middle class

In addition, duck or goose is an excellent insulator because they have an excellent heat weight ratio. This can be very effective in extremely cold and dry conditions.

For me, my reliable fleece has proven to be ideal for most activities in Great Britain, but a soft theater or light down jacket are also excellent middle classes.

Finally, don't be afraid to double the middle class, either with a long-sleeved additional base layer underneath or a thicker softshell or down jacket outside.

Another mid-layer option Atlas & Boots doubling on medium layers

external layer

The outer layer is the first and last defense against the elements in its layer system. A good exterior layer or case prevents the penetration of lashing rain or howling wind, while body heat and moisture can escape, avoiding overheating.

There are three main types of outer layers: hardshells, softshells and isolated jackets.

waterproof hardshells are the classic outer layer and my personal choice in almost all conditions. Ideally, she has tapped seams, strong and reliable weather protection zippers and good breathing activity. The most popular examples of this are gore-tex or event membranes that offer excellent reliability and durability.

Peter on the summit of the elbrus Atlas & Boots My hardshell has higher bags for access when I wear a climbing belt

If you are lucky enough to know that you do not need fully waterproof clothing, softshells are an option for the outer layer. Just as you act as a middle class in cooler weather, you can act as an outer layer in warmer weather. Softshells offer improved comfort because they are stretchy and flexible, offer wind protection and are more breathable than even the best waterproof items of clothing.

Finally, in very cold conditions or when climbing, an isolated synthetic or down jacket as an outer layer can be very effective, but other shift options are essential. If you need a down jacket, you can assume that the weather conditions or your activity level will probably fluctuate considerably.

Peter on the summit of the aconcagua in seven layers Atlas & Boots Peter at the summit of Aconcagua in seven layers!

layer system error that needs to be avoided

Start to Heißda's first, which was taught me years ago at a winter mountaineering course, was to start the day uncomfortably cold. After a few minutes of activity, you should start warm up. If you don't warm up enough, you can still put on layers.

If it gets too hot for you, you will finally sweat into your layers and get wet from the inside, which runs the risk of being cold, moist and uncomfortable all day.

I get too hot the hotth of me is particularly relevant for me because I sweat a lot. The biggest problem in cool weather is not necessarily that it gets too cold - it is actually too hot and sweaty. In cold conditions, this can bring them into serious difficulties.

As soon as you stop moving, the hypothermia can occur in less than five minutes in winter conditions. The solution is simple: As soon as you start sweating, you should put layers immediately to regulate your temperature.

too little wearing are not tempted to wear thicker and less layers. As I said, I sometimes wear an additional base layer, but I would never consider less or thicker layers. Your layer system should consist of at least a basic, medium and outer layer, which you can then scale up and down on the go.

wearing cotton avoiding the use of cotton layers. With base and midlayers, it captures moisture and is never waterproof. Look to polyester, polypropylene or merino wool.

Set

fashion in the first place, just don't do it. Trendy colors, cool patterns and a casual look are great for the Whole Foods frozen compartments, but you will not save your life in the wilderness. Your layer system must be close to your skin and leave space for additional layers. Always choose substance about style and never say "blatant".

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