Layering for 3-season adventures in the Continental US
This article is meant to describe the layering system I use on most of my 3-season adventures in the Continental US - Alaska excluded.
Why layer?
The reason is quite simple. When going on outdoor adventures (backpacking, climbing, ski touring etc...) we experience large variations in body temperatures while being exposed to a rapidly changing climate.
We go from aerobic activity to a state of rest which causes our body to rapidly cool down thanks to a simple process called sweating! Sweat is an outdoorsman’s biggest enemy. Sure, a small amount of sweat is manageable. However, building up a large amount of sweat that does not evaporates quickly can become detrimental if not dangerous.
In the continental US, temperatures in the mountains can vary between 20F to 70F in the summer. Storms and rain can happen and snow is almost always a given during Fall, Winter and Spring.
The art of navigating and thriving in the outdoors lies in the ability to effectively remove and add layers of clothing as we are on the go in order to adapt to changing factors.
For those reasons, I strongly discourage the use of heavy single-piece of clothes (such as bulky ski jackets). Not only are they difficult to pack, they will likely keep you too warm, thus trapping sweat.
When it comes to fabric, avoid cotton at all cost unless you are in a tropical region where temperatures are guaranteed to remain above 70F. Cotton is slow to dry and gets easily gorged with water when wet. Instead opt for Merino wool, synthetic and downs.
Without dwelling too much into the science of layering, here are my recommendations :
Baselayer
I recommend a half zip merino wool sweater. The half zip allows for ventilation. Merino wool is a great material that dries quickly and does not stink as much as synthetic. I like Icebreaker and smart wool. An example of what I’ve been using over the years is the Icebreaker Bodyfit 150.
Mid layer
A light synthetic fleece with a hoody is a great pick. It adds some warmth and wears well above your mid layer. Over the years, I have become a fan of the Arcteryx 1/2 Zip Neck Hoody and the Patagonia R1.
Down Jacket
A down jacket is almost always a must. It provides unparalleled warmth while remaining extremely easy to pack and transport. I recommend the Arcteryx Cerium LT Hoody,
The only down side of down jackets is they are absolutely not waterproof and get soaked pretty easily. In order to remedy this problem, we use our final outer layer: the Hard Shell.
Hard Shell
This light piece of Gore Tex has for sole purpose to be completely waterproof while remaining light and packable. A hard shell is not meant to provide any insulation (although it will act as a wind stopper). It is meant to be layered over other pieces of gear in case of rain or heavy winds.
Once again, I highly recommend Arcteryx Beta Jacket.
Pants
They are countless hiking pants out there. This piece of gear is less sensitive since it not protecting any vital organs from the elements. My advice is to go with a synthetic pair of hiking pants.
Socks
Socks are actually a super important piece of gear. They provide warmth, protect against blisters and help keep your feet dry. I suggest you go with the Darn Tough Midnight Hiker These will likely last you a lifetime.
Boots
Boots are a very personal piece of gear. While I personally wear Zamberlan (a burly full grain leather boot from Italy), I recognize these are not for everyone. Lowa boots are in my opinion of the best and most widely accessible brand out there. If you have a narrow foot, try La Sportiva. I’ll advise on this: Make sure your boots are Gore-Tex and do not buy cheap ones (you will 100% regret it if you do). If you are not sure what boots to wear for backpacking and off trail navigation, go to your local REI and get outfitted. Once you’ve chosen your boots, make sure to go on a few hikes with them in order to break them in and ensure they work well with your feet. (REI will accept a return if they don’t work out for you, even after a few hikes). You want to put at least 15-20miles of challlenging terrain on them before you commit them to a multi-day trip.
Gloves and hats
When it comes to gloves, depending on the conditions, I will bring a pair of base layer gloves and if necessary, a pair of regular gloves. I recommend Outdoor Research for gloves and hats.
Why am I such an Arcteryx fanboy?
Yes I know, Arcteryx is one of the most expensive brand out there, but my experience has shown their gear are well worth the investment. I have ran my Arcteryx down jacket and shell for almost a decade and they are still going strong. Not only is the durability unparalleled, they provide a fantastic athletic fit and look great in town. So yes, you pay a little bit extra vs the other brands but you quickly make that return. As the saying goes, buy once, cry once.
This sums up my recommendations on layers for 3-season outdoor adventures in the Continental US.
In the future, I will write a separate article on winter layering.
Cheers.