Alright, y’all, let’s talk about layering – a must-have for outdoor winter adventures. It keeps you comfortable by regulating body temperature and adapting to changing weather conditions.

If you are going to play hard in the cold weather, layers are essential for warmth, comfort, and looking like a pro winter adventurer.

Let me break down why layering is crucial, share my go-to layering approach, and throw in my product recommendations for both guys and gals.

Why is layering crucial?

Layering is crucial for body temperature regulation and comfort during winter activities for several reasons:

Insulation: Layering allows you to trap and retain heat close to your body. Each layer creates a pocket of air that acts as insulation, preventing heat loss and keeping you warm in cold temperatures.

• Versatility: Winter weather can be unpredictable, with fluctuations in temperature throughout the day. Layering provides the flexibility to adjust your clothing based on changing conditions, ensuring you stay comfortable in varying climates.
• Moisture Management: Physical activity, even in cold weather, can lead to sweating. Moisture-wicking base layers help move sweat away from your body, preventing dampness and the chilling effect that comes with wet clothing.
• Adaptability: Different layers serve different purposes. A moisture-wicking base layer manages sweat, insulating layers retain heat, and an outer shell protects against wind and moisture. This adaptability allows you to tailor your clothing to the specific needs of your winter activity.
• Temperature Regulation: By adding or removing layers, you can regulate your body temperature more effectively. During periods of high activity, you can shed layers to prevent overheating, and when at rest or in colder conditions, you can add layers to retain warmth.
• Comfort: Layering enables you to customize your outfit for maximum comfort. It prevents the discomfort of being too hot or too cold, allowing you to focus on enjoying your winter activities without distraction.

In essence, layering is like having a thermostat for your body. You can fine-tune your clothing to match the external conditions and your activity level, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable winter adventure.

My Go-to Layering approach

So, here’s the lowdown on my go-to layering game and product recommendations for both guys and gals.

Layering Basics

I have a standard go-to layering outfit combo that consists of basic, good-quality items: Wool base, insulating jacket, and outer shell.

These things are expensive, so you need to make sure these items perform well together and look together.

Trying on layers simultaneously ensures they work together, not just for comfort but also for functionality. If you can move freely and strike a yoga pose without feeling constricted, you’re on the right track.

You don’t need a closet full. One complete set. One of everything.

And as time goes on, you can add color and style. Or not. Keep it rugged and plain. Your choice.

Acquiring your layers

You may not be able to acquire a full layering set at one time. They really are expensive and it’s tough to buy everything at once.

Begin gradually and prioritize what you need the most in your wardrobe strategy. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of your gear too (e.g. backpack). Order your layering items and pick them up one at a time.

You might want to start with a wool top and then later (maybe next season?) pick up an insulating jacket. Or the other way around. Your choice.

Pick a versatile item that you will wear the most to be your first purchase. And pick items that you do not already have or that cannot be temporarily substituted.

Maybe you have a fashion jacket that isn’t quite insulating but works. This can suffice and you can hold off on a jacket purchase till later.

I truly cannot remember what my first pieces of cold-weather clothing were. But if I were to make a suggestion, I would advise you to pick up a wool top first.

Another way to keep the shopping process from being overwhelming is to be mindful of your choice of activities.

If you don’t have soft-shell items yet, avoid very cold locations and avoid the threat of snowfall and rain.

If you are trekking out for a snow hike on a bright blue day, a wool top will probably suffice.

Everyone will have their own level of cold tolerance, so pick your adventures according to the clothing items you currently have. Work your way up from there.

Acquisition Strategy

Now, the acquisition strategy. REI sales, Christmas, birthdays – they’re opportunities to snag more layers.

After getting your essential layers and completing your initial layering set, you can add colors and accessories to add a bit of flair. Adding a second Smartwool top to the rotation is a great choice because of the colors available. Beanies and accessories? Always a fun way to add color and variety. Or not, keep it simple. Your choice.

Compatibility

Let’s talk compatibility. Leggings need to slip under your cold-weather pants. Tops should cozy up under your jacket, and that jacket needs to cozy up under your outer shell.

Socks? Not too chunky, make sure they fit into your shoes/boots and are not too loose or tight or just downright irritating, speaking from experience.

Pants need to go over your boots or tuck them into your socks/boots. Your choice, but pick one or the other.

Add or remove layers

As the weather warms up throughout your day, strip off one of the layers and toss it in your pack or your truck.

When you take a break from activities, you’ll probably need to replace a layer to fend off the chill.

Some days you’ll need your wool leggings and other days you won’t. You can also sleep in your wool top and wool leggings.

Either shed them if it’s a warmer day ahead or leave them on and throw your next layer over them.

Wool is an excellent fabric for extended wear because it naturally resists odors by wicking moisture away from the body and inhibiting bacterial growth.

Layer Choices

There are many active clothing choices, and it is overwhelming. You need to make choices that will result in your laying pieces lasting for years and years.

I recommend starting with basic colors, such as black, so they will always match new pieces coming into the rotation. I also recommend that you stick with classic styles. Starting with basic colors and classic styles ensures longevity in your wardrobe.

My low-rise soft-shell pants? While my low-rise soft-shell pants were trendy, they didn’t stand the test of time like a classic fit would. They look great, but they do me no favors when I bend down and the icy air blows up my bare back.

They have since been retired to the back of the dresser drawer in favor of new a pair that hugs my waist like a warm hug. I just love them. (Anyone smaller than me need a pair of snow pants?)

Don’t skimp. Invest in quality items. You may think wool items might break the bank, but they’re the MVPs of warmth. And trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you’re braving the elements.

Pick high-performing and durable fabrics. Reading gear reviews and suggestions can help make decisions. Like this one that you are reading right now.

A Final Tip About Layering – The Inevitable

As you build your perfect layering ensemble, keep in mind that these choices aren’t just about performance; they’re about comfort, adaptability, and embracing your sport.

Now, speaking of adapting, let’s address reality – you probably gain a few pounds over time. I’m sorry, but you will. It happens.

So, when you’re making a purchase, keep the future in mind.

And always try on your full outfit before the big trip. Nobody wants to be stuck in softshell pants cutting off circulation to your legs. They don’t offer much forgiveness in that regard. Been there, done that.

And sometimes you’ll gain more weight that prevents even pulling your beloved snow pants up over your bum. Been there and done that, too.

My weight loss goal is always to be able to fit into last year’s cold weather gear.

Consider having the same goal.

I have hiking pants in three colors, and three sizes each. Size 8, size 10, size 12. Brown, grey, and Black. Sure, I dream of squeezing back into those sizes 8’s, but let’s keep it real.

It is what it is.

Product recommendations

These are some favorite layering combinations that I wear pretty frequently. They have guy versions of each of these, too.

Pre-base layer tanks:

I always start with a workout-style, non-cotton tank top as my pre-base layer.

So many times, when snow hiking, I’ll start fully bundled up, but as the day progresses and I warm up, I often end up stripping down to just my tank top to enjoy the brisk air on my skin after a good uphill climb.

• Women
  • Under Armour Women’s Fly by Tank
  • Under Armour Women’s Heat Gear Racer Tank
• Men
  • Under Armour Men’s Tank Tank 2.0

Base Layer

Next, I love my Smartwool tops for a base layer because they’re great for temperature regulation.

They excel at keeping me warm when the weather is chilly and ensuring comfort as the day gradually warms up.

• Women
  • Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer Top
  • Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Quarter-Zip Base Layer Top
• Men
  • Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Quarter-Zip Base Layer Top
  • Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer Top

Isolating Med-Layer

On top of that is my Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket for a mid-layer. That is where the real warmth and coziness happens.

It’s non-bulky allowing me to move freely. When it’s time to shed layers, it packs down into a small, compact form to easily stash in my pack.

• Men and Women
  • Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

If I need something more for warmth or to block the wind, I’ll grab my Columbia rain jacket (not shown). This usually only comes out during the wind, rain, or snow. It’s a really thin layer but is perfect for protection from the elements.

• Columbia Omni-Tech Ampli-Dry Shell Jacket – Men’s

Softshell Pants

I absolutely adore these soft-shell pants. They’re super comfy, especially for those of us curvy girls.

The adjustable velcro waist is a game-changer, forgiving a little post-hike bloating after indulging in tacos. I practically live in them when I’m cold-weather adventuring— from the trail straight to dinner, they’re the perfect transition pants.

• Outdoor Research Cirque II Pants – Women’s

Ready to embrace the cold!

Rocking this layering combo, I’m all set to embrace the great outdoors with absolute comfort.

It’s my go-to for doing what I do best: playing hard, whether it’s conquering trails, facing chilly weather, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Layers make every adventure enjoyable ensuring we can focus on the fun without any discomfort or chill holding us back.

So, layer up, stay cozy, and embrace the cold weather adventures. Bring it on, Mother Nature!