3 Tips for Layering This Winter: From Your Base Layers to Your Outerwear

Winter is the season of layering for your outdoor adventures. When you love spending time outdoors, layering can make a difference in your comfort and how you move. From your base layer to your outer layer, each piece of clothing can play a crucial role in how the chilly winter weather affects you. Layers can both keep you warm and cool. It’s all about adaptability.

When it comes to each layer, you have lots of options. Certain types of fabrics or fabric blends can provide key features that optimize your comfort. You can also mix and match various clothing types, like pairing lightweight sun hoodies with heavier winter jackets. In the end, how you layer can come down to your preferences and your favorite activities. Here are a few tips to consider as you get ready for an active winter outdoors.

Comfort Starts with the Base Layer

The base layer can be your most important layer for an outdoor adventure. It’s essentially the layer you’ll wear throughout the entire day or activity. You want something that balances well with other potential layers. It should keep you warm, but not too warm. If you remove other layers as you warm up, you want a base layer you can rely on for continued warmth.

Merino wool is a popular fabric choice for base layers (tops and bottoms). However, 100% merino wool can be less durable than merino blends. It can also hold moisture (sweat) longer. It’s advantageous to search for a merino wool blend made with fabrics like merino wool, polyester, and lycra. A blend like this can promote warmth, breathability, and the moisture-wicking properties of your base layer.

Another base layer option on top is a lightweight sun shirt or athletic tee. Like a merino wool blend shirt, it can promote breathability and wick moisture away from your skin. However, due to its lightweight nature, it can lack warmth. However, mid layers and outer layers can easily make up for this. Lightweight sun shirts can be ideal for strenuous activity or days when the weather forecast shows higher temperatures.

Strike a Balance with the Mid Layer 

Your mid layer can serve several purposes. It can support the breathability of your base layer, it can offer additional insulation, and it can take over as the outer layer if needed. Mid layer options include lightweight sun hoodies (great for warmer winter days), performance fleece pullovers, and light insulated jackets, like thin puffy jackets (both synthetic and down-fill).

You can easily wear any of these options over your base layer and under your outer layer. You don’t want them too thick or heavy. However, you may want a mid-layer that can serve as an outer layer as you work up a sweat or the day warms up. You can also double-up on mid-layers, depending on conditions.

Adapt to Any Winter Weather Condition with the Outer Layer 

The outer layer can be anything from a light insulated jacket to a rain shell to a thick down parka. When choosing your outer layer, you may also consider whether you’ll wear accessories, like gloves, a beanie, and even a sun hat for when conditions call for it. After all, finding the right outer layer can take some strategizing. You want an outer layer that can accommodate your base and mid layers without being too cumbersome while still working with all your other gear.

Your outer layer should also be tailored to the activities you have planned or the conditions the forecast calls for. If you’re going skiing, a jacket that balances breathability with waterproof design can be ideal. You might also look for a jacket with vent zips for extra breathability. If you’re going for a hike, a down or synthetic-filled puffer might be the way to go. This kind of jacket is light and easy to pack so you can enjoy every moment of your hike without missing a beat.

About Outdoor Research

The Outdoor Research story started in 1980 when founder Ron Gregg realized there was serious demand for high-quality outdoor gear. That year, he developed a new kind of hiking gaiter—one that could hold up to the rigors of practically any adventure. In 1981, Outdoor Research was officially established. Since then, the brand has continued to innovate with all sorts of versatile outdoor gear and apparel. Today, you can find everything from durable, waterproof women’s and mens rain hats for even the most demanding wet-weather conditions to sun hoodies built to help keep you cool and protected on the sunniest days. As you prepare for your next adventure in the rain, snow, or sun, turn to Outdoor Research for gear you can count on every season.

Find versatile options for every layer before your next winter adventure at https://www.outdoorresearch.com/ 

Original Source: https://bit.ly/4flFbJQ