Base layer clothing

To fully enjoy a snowshoeing or hiking trip, it is essential to be well equipped. While the equipment plays an important role in making the experience enjoyable from a technical point of view, it is important to be comfortable and to stay warm and dry throughout the activity, especially in winter.

The secret lies in appropriate clothing, and the solution in using base layers. Also known as the onion strategy, this approach to dressing consists of combining three layers of clothing which can be removed or added, depending on the season, weather conditions, climate, environment, activity type and intensity level, both during the effort and while resting.

To optimize this strategy, you need waterproof, breathable and warm clothing. A combination of different types of clothing provides protection against wind, rain, or snow in addition to normalizing the body temperature during activity.

For the system to work, the concept must be understood. The multilayer system consists of three layers: the base layer, the intermediate layer and the outer layer. Each layer has its own purpose. That is why each layer is associated to a specific type of clothing. The basic rule is to always respect the order of the layers.

Step 1: the base layer

This layer is worn directly on the skin as an undergarment. Its function is to remove perspiration and moisture from the body's surface. A good base layer should be tight—but not too tight, light, strong and it should dry quickly.

Synthetic fibres are extensible, absorb very little moisture and dry quickly. They are low-maintenance and affordable. However, they absorb odours.

Merino wool absorbs moisture and remains dry to the touch. It is comfortable, warm and helps regulate body temperature, in addition to resisting odours. It has the inconvenient of being a little more expensive and taking more time to dry than synthetic fibres. Cotton should never be worn as a base layer.

Step 2: the intermediate layer

The intermediate layer is worn over the base layer. This second layer is worn for insulation purposes, to preserve body heat and to protect against the outside cold. It also contributes to distributing perspiration from the base layer to the outer layer.

A good intermediate layer should maintain its insulating properties whether wet or damp, properly remove perspiration and moisture, and dry quickly. It should be slim fitting, but not too tight to avoid impeding movements. Ideally, it should be equipped with armpit slides to promote ventilation and regulate body temperature.

If necessary, it is possible to wear more than one piece of clothing (this only applies to the intermediate layer). When stationary, it is strongly advised to add a warmer—but just as breathable—intermediate layer to remain warm.

Fleece-type synthetic fabrics are a classic. This type of fluffy fabric is by far the most commonly used. They have the advantage of effectively transferring moisture to the outer layer and maintaining their insulating power even when wet or damp. They dry quickly and are low-maintenance, durable and inexpensive. However, they are less efficient and heavier than down.

If space and weight are important factors in your outing, self-inflating synthetic insulation should be preferred. These thin down-like jackets are light and can be compressed without compromising their insulating properties. They are a good option as an additional layer than can easily be carried in a small backpack.

Down is also very popular. It is a good alternative as a warm, light and relatively thin intermediate layer. A well-kept down garment will last a long time. It should be noted that its insulation properties are highly compromised when wet and that it takes a long time to dry.

Step 3: the outer layer

The outer layer, also known as the shell, protects against the elements such as rain, snow and wind. It is used to evacuate humidity, perspiration and water vapour. It also protects the base and intermediate layers from external hazards such as cuts, abrasions, etc.

A good outer layer should include a breathable-waterproof membrane that makes it both waterproof—or at least water-resistant—and breathable. The shell should be lightweight, compressible, resistant to abrasion and durable. It should be windproof and have a head cover to better protect from the elements and the cold. The shell should be loose enough to be worn over the two first layers and provide a nice movement amplitude, without being too loose, which would lead to heat loss. Similarly to the intermediate layer, it should be equipped with armpit vents for air circulation and body temperature regulation.

Rigid shells are mainly designed to protect against the elements. These breathable-waterproof outer layers are composed of 2, 2 ½ or 3 folds bonded together. Long-lasting water-repellent treatments and sealed interior seams help increase the waterproof qualities. These shells have the advantage of being light, compressible, durable and resistant to abrasion.

Soft shells, on the other hand, are breathable, windproof and warm, while being extensible and comfortable. Although they are resistant to light rain or snow, their protection is inferior to that provided by rigid shells. Versatile, softshell fabrics play the same role as the insulating layer and the shell combined, which is suitable for almost all weather conditions.

Insulating outer layers are designed for extreme cold conditions and are usually quite heavy. If the insulating outer layer is not to be worn throughout the entire activity, the multilayer option is preferable.

Minimum clothing for maximum efficiency!

The base layer system is a versatile and adaptable solution, suitable for all situations. It allows the user to wear the perfect combination of layers for any outdoor activity and under any weather condition. Moreover, it is easily adapted during the activity, by adding or removing one or two additional layers. This base layer system is applicable to all parts of the body: top, bottom and extremities (hands, head, feet). And from a fashion point-of-view, nice colours can be easily put together to have a nice look, even in nature!