Confused about layering? With so many weights, styles, and fabrics out there, it can be challenging deciding what to get. If you can't join us in the shop, we hope this information will help you understand the basics and types of layering. There is a lot more information that doesn't exist here, but we think this is a decent place to start.

WHY LAYER?
The act of layering comes naturally. If you're cold, you grab a sweater or jacket. If you're hot, you take them off. It's not often something we think about. But when it comes to organizing our layers for a day on the slopes, a week-long trip into the wilderness, or a backcountry trip to Purple Mountain, we can get bogged down by what to wear and what to pack for maximum comfort and efficiency.

The main reasons we layer are to stay dry and comfortable, and to keep our body temperature regulated so we don't get cold and clammy or overheat. If sweat isn't released, we stay wet. Not a good place to be. Damp clothing is uncomfortable, inhibits body movement, and can aggravate a cold or viral infection. Luckily there are ways to prevent or significantly reduce these annoyances. And it's called Layering.

LAYERING SYSTEM
Generally, layering consists of three components used altogether or to suit the wearer. They are your first or base layer, your second or mid layer, and your third or insulating layer.

First Layer/Base Layer - a.k.a. next-to-skin, lightweight, silkweight
This is the first layer you wear when beginning to build (aside from undergarments, which we touch upon later) and possibly the most important. It's light in weight and touch and fits close to the body. Its primary purpose is to wick sweat from your body and pass it on to the next layer. It's not intended to keep you warm, but since wicking is the first step in keeping you dry, the first layer is key to proper insulation.

• Generally made from synthetic fabrics like Capilene and CoolMax, or Merino wool.
• Most of us at the Alpineer have drawers full of Patagonia Capilene 2 or Capilene 1; but we're also impressed with lightweight Merino wool from Icebreaker for men and women. It doesn't itch and it doesn't retain odor…really! Though it's a bit more expensive, it's a natural fiber and can last longer than synthetics with proper care.
• In winter 2006, Patagonia introduced Patagonia Wool in Wool 2, Wool 3, and Wool 4, which has proven to be a popular product.

Second Layer/Mid Layer - a.k.a. middle layer, midweight
The second layer is a bit heavier than the first layer, but some of it is light enough to wear as a first layer. It usually fits a bit looser than the first layer, but it still has a slightly form-fitting design. The second layer's primary purpose is also to wick sweat away, whether from your first layer or from your skin.

• Generally made from synthetic fabrics like Capilene, or Merino wool.
• Patagonia's Capilene3 is a favorite with Rocky Mountain hikers here, for example, because it wicks away sweat while protecting you from the sun and being generally quite comfortable. We're pretty sure that Patagonia Capilene 2 will please you as well. Icebreaker's TechTop easily straddles the first-to-second layer bridge and does not have an "underwear" look to it.

Third Layer/Insulation
After two layers of material suck moisture away from you, you want to move into a layer that actively keeps dry air trapped next to your body, which is essentially what keeps you warm. As sweat passes through your clothes, it begins evaporating, thanks to the structure of the yarns and materials of your layers. By the time sweat passes through those wicking layers, you have more dry air surrounding you. You still want the damp molecules to go away, but you now want to keep the dry molecules close by. Here we move into fleece and wool, the two primary insulators on the market. There are a lot of variations in this category and a ton of different weights. Some are loose while others are a bit form-fitting. Still some incorporate more technical components like Windstopper and Power Stretch to offer more protection from the elements.

• Generally made from fleece and wool of various weights and often incorporating more than one type of material.
• Layering systems are most efficient when like materials are used. It's not that your top-most wool layer won't keep you warm if you have some Capilene® beneath it. But the wool insulation will work best if you have finer merino wool beneath it.
• Patagonia's EW Capilene works great here, but R2, R3, and the wind-blocking R4 in the Regulator system of insulation are excellent choices, being more breathable and lighter than some comparable fleece. Icebreaker's Original Zip T and Rock Zip T are exceptional as well.
• Patagonia Capilene 4 falls into this category, but it's not as thick as Expedition Weight Capilene. It reminds us more of Patagonia R1.5 layers That's not to say they're the same product, they're just different. Capilene 4 is still denser than Capilene 3 and has a smooth jersey face for layering.

BUT WHAT EXACTLY DO I GET?
Don't worry, sometimes we get confused ourselves. There are a lot of factors that can add to the process; and sometimes there's only one reason you're looking. You should define what you need based on what it'll be used for. Do you need the lighter, wicking layers, the stuff that will keep you dry? Or do you need some heavier stuff for the cold? The scenarios are endless, but truthfully the system doesn't change much. Lightweight, wicking material goes near your skin. Midweight materials go next, or can be worn alone. Insulating materials go over the wicking layers.

WHAT ABOUT…
Performance Underwear
A lot of people are happy with their own underwear and save the expense of performance undergarments. But when you're talking about being comfortable and dry in your crotch or around your bosom, sometimes Fruit of the Loom just doesn't do the job. Both men and women can benefit with underwear bottoms that do a lot to keep bacteria at bay. And a wide variety of sports bras keep women more comfortable and dry with better support and wickability that keeps sweat from dripping down their belly. Check out our extensive line of Patagonia bodywear for women and for men. We also carry (or have on order) product from Hind, Snow Angel, SportHill, and more. If you don't find what you need, call or email so we can order it for you.

Cotton
Cotton really has no place in the layering world of the outdoor athlete. It has little wicking ability (except for absorbing enormous amounts of sweat and holding onto it) and even less insulating power. Because it retains moisture, it's more likely to accumulate bacteria and odor. Sure, it's cool and comfortable in summer, but it's best saved for your favorite t-shirts and casual wear. If you're still confused, give us a call at 800-847-0244 or drop us an email! We're more than happy to help you out!