As the weather cools and you continue to explore the outdoors, whether on a day hike or a camping trip, making smart clothing choices and mastering layering is one of the most important steps before heading outside.
Longtime outdoor guide and owner of Revel Treks and Tours in Alaska Kierre Childers explains that effective layering helps regulate temperature, manage moisture and block wind, while also preventing heat loss. “Air temperature alone can be problematic, but cold air coupled with moisture or wind can create the perfect ingredients for hypothermia.”
Layering improperly can lead to excess sweating, which soaks your gear. “Sweat-drenched gear that doesn’t have good drying properties stays wet for a long time. Wet gear plus exposure to cold temperatures creates a problem because it’s very difficult for the body to get warm if you’re in wet and cold gear,” says Childers.
A well-planned layering system keeps you comfortable and adaptable in any weather, and it’s especially useful in ever-changing environments like the mountains, helping your body adjust quickly. Here’s everything to help you stay warm.
A lightweight accessory that can be worn in over 12 different ways
Made from 100% merino wool, the Buff Merino lightweight multifunctional neckwear naturally resists odors, wicks moisture and helps regulate temperature, making it a versatile companion for a variety of outdoor activities. It can be worn in more than 12 ways, including as a neck gaiter, headband or balaclava, so you can adapt to changing weather and activities. Lightweight and breathable, it’s easy to toss in your pack for extra warmth, and it comes in six colors.
A base layer that’s part merino wool and part polyester
The base layer, the one worn directly against your skin, does most of the heavy lifting in the layering system. Both synthetic materials, like polyester, and natural merino wool make solid choices, with merino having the added bonus of being naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant.
The Smartwool Intraknit thermal Merino crew base layer top comes in plenty of options. Women can choose from seven colors, including black, charcoal and terracotta, in sizes XS through XL, while the men’s version comes in four shades, including black, blue and a mossy green, in sizes S to XXL. Designed with a slim, contoured fit, it hugs the body to help maximize thermoregulation.
The bottoms that make it a set
To keep your legs just as warm outdoors, grab the matching Intraknit thermal Merino base layer bottoms. The women’s style comes in three colors, including black, navy, and terracotta, in sizes XS to XL, while the men’s version is available in black and charcoal in sizes S to XXL.
A 100% merino wool base layer
For a full merino wool option that’s super soft and odor-resistant, the versatile Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis long-sleeve thermal top is a best-selling base layer. In women’s, it’s available in eight colors including black, heather gray and navy in sizes XS to 3X, and in men’s, it’s available in seven colours, from sizes S to XXXL.
An equally soft legging to complete the set
The women’s icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis thermal leggings come in four colors, including black, heather gray and navy, in sizes XS to 3X. For men, the 200 Oasis leggings with fly are offered in three shades, including black, heather gray and olive green, in sizes S to XXL.
An insulating mid-layer with grid-patterned fleece
The mid-layer goes right over your base layer and is all about insulation, trapping body heat to keep you warm while still letting moisture escape. With its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and moisture-wicking performance, the Patagonia R1 pullover is a popular mid-layer for everything from skiing to winter hikes. The gridded design helps trap heat without adding bulk, making it a solid choice for high-output activities like climbing or snowboarding. The women’s R1 pullover comes in three colors, sizes XS to XXL, while the men’s version is available in four colors, ranging from XS to XXXL.
A down jacket that’s water resistant
The North Face ThermoBall insulated jacket uses clusters of synthetic fibers that mimic the loft and warmth of down. It’s lightweight, easy to pack and even stows into its own pocket for travel.
For women, the jacket comes in black in sizes XS to XXL, while the men’s version is available in three colors, including black, navy and a muted green, in sizes S to XXXL.
A PFAS-free down jacket
A three layer shell that’s fully waterproof
The shell layer is the outermost layer in a layering system, protecting you from wind, rain and snow while still allowing heat and moisture to escape from your body. “Depending on the conditions you’re adventuring in, the shell may not always be necessary to wear, but it’s a critical piece of gear to have with you at all times,” says Childers, noting that Gore-Tex, or similar, is phenomenal.
Designed to handle tough conditions, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L jacket is a durable three-layer shell that’s both fully waterproof and breathable. It’s made with a 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric that resists tears, so it’s built to last. Thoughtful details include a microfleece-lined neck for added comfort, hook-and-loop cuffs and an adjustable drawcord hem to keep the elements out.
The women’s version comes in eight colors, including white, dark ruby and black, in sizes XXS through XXL, while the men’s version is available in eight colors, including a forest green, gray and red, sizes XS through XXXL.
A shell designed for snowsports
If you’re after a shell built specifically for snowsports like skiing or snowboarding, the North Face Dragline jacket is a solid pick for its durability and top-notch weather protection. It’s loaded with practical features, including plenty of pockets for stashing snack bars, a helmet-compatible hood, pit zips and a powder skirt with gripper elastic to keep the snow out. (Pit zips are crucial for regulating body temperature when it's cold outside, allowing you to ventilate your outerwear if you're sweating.)
The women’s version comes in two colors, sizes XS to XL, while the men’s is also available in two colors, sizes S to XXL.