Hiking in winter requires some thermal precautions. When experiencing cold, you will not only less comfort and pleasure, but you will also see your performance deteriorate. To function at optimum performance, your muscles and body must be in a comfort zone. So, it is essential to dress properly before going out to play sports or hiking in the winter.
We have designed the 3-layer technique which remains unstoppable in this situation, and it guarantees you to be warm at any temperature while hiking!
The 3-layer System: Effective Protection
The 3-layer system is recommended for many outdoor enthusiasts, such as for hiking, camping, skiing, and more. This basic activity requires good thermal protection for a good energy yield of the muscles. Thanks to this technique, you can dress with a minimum of clothes for optimal efficiency even in extreme winter.
Whatever the ambient temperature and the atmospheric conditions encountered, these 3 layers are more than enough to guarantee fundamental comfort and effective protection.
First layer
The first layer is the one that is in direct contact with the skin. The role of this basic element is very important insofar as it serves to keep the skin dry. The hiker will not feel the cold, wind, snow, or rain during the exercise of this activity.
This first layer must therefore have a good level of breathability in order to allow perspiration to escape and prevent you from dampness because of sweating. This wetness can turn into a very increased feeling of cold after a few minutes.
For this first base layer, the technology of new types of clothing with innovative materials has been a big step forward in offering high-quality thermal underwear. There is therefore short or long underwear made with merino wool or synthetic fiber. However, a cotton first layer garment is strongly discouraged. Because it will absorb moisture and dry too slowly, then expose the athlete to a real risk of cooling.
We can therefore choose thermal underwear for the upper body such as warm technical underwear with round necks. Warm Top 3F with a beautiful feminine cut that provides excellent thermal insulation and optimal moisture transfer for all your clothes activities in low temperatures. This technical underwear also has an anti-bacterial treatment to limit odors and bacteria.
To protect the legs when the temperatures are the lowest, it will be possible to equip yourself with the thermal seamless bamboo and silk underwear Strategic Pant 3 H. It will offer you a feeling of heat and incomparable comfort. With a seamless design, it acts like a second skin.
Silk mixed with fibers causes an immediate feeling of well-being and effectively insulates!
Second layer
The second layer which you can consider an intermediate layer. It comes over the base coat and under the third coat. Its essential role is to isolate body heat by preventing the air heated by body heat from escaping outside the clothes.
This second layer is generally made with synthetic fibers, as found in fleeces, or even with down (for some down jackets for example). The advantage of fleece-type clothing is that it protects against the cold even in humid weather. These transfer moisture to the outer layer. They also dry faster than clothes that are made from natural or synthetic down.
However, it will be possible to choose an intermediate fleece that is more breathable than a large fleece. And it provides more heat than fine fleece and is more versatile than the other two. It can also be worn as an outer layer when the temperature is mild, just as it can slip into a mid-layer when the weather is cold.
Hibelle Outdoor Thermal Fleece Jacket
Third layer
The last layer is a protective layer. It is in direct contact with the outside and the function of this garment is to protect athletes against humidity and wind. It will also participate in wicking away perspiration. This layer must therefore be above all waterproof, but breathable at the same time.
Today there are many garments with waterproof and breathable membranes. These new materials prevent hikers and athletes from feeling a sauna effect during exercise and sudden cooling when stopped. So make the choice of effective softshell or ultra-shell jackets to have a garment capable of protecting you from outside humidity and wind and evacuating humidity from inside.
The best have taped seams and display breathability values of 80,000MVP and a waterproof value of 20,000 mm. These figures demonstrate total protection and the assurance of being able to practice an outdoor sport in winter without risking exposure to wind, cold rain, or even snow.
As for pants for winter, it will be possible to choose these Intrepid Warm pants which have a modern and refined look. They are versatile and warm thanks to their 3D-Flex + 260g weave.
Warm pant also has a waterproof and anti-stain DWR treatment. It can be worn from fall to spring and gives you comfort and superior stretch, which is very appreciable when hiking and when the thermometer is a little low!
Finally, it is an easy-care garment that does not wrinkle and dries quickly. In the end, it offers excellent value for money, which makes it a must when you want to equip yourself with warm pants for winter!
INBIKE Winter Fleece Thermal Pants
Final Thoughts
The advantage of the 3-layer system is that it is of course scalable. It allows you to leave well covered and remove a layer as the temperature changes during your workout. And at the end of the activity, when your body is at rest, you can put the removed clothing back on, so as not to catch a cold.
Finally, this system also avoids the heaviness and ineffectiveness of a single garment. Current techniques for manufacturing synthetic membranes make it possible to design thin and light garments. They are therefore easily stackable and rarely uncomfortable to wear on top of each other. They allow you to be able to move while being warm and without losing ease of mobility, or feeling stuck in too thick clothing.
FAQs
What should I consider for the Base Layer?
The base layer should be moisture-wicking and snug-fitting to effectively move sweat away from your skin. Materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics work best. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture.
Should I Adjust Layers During the Hike?
Yes, it’s recommended to adjust layers based on your activity level and changing weather conditions. When exerting more energy, you may want to remove a layer to prevent overheating. Conversely, during rest breaks or in colder conditions, add layers for insulation.
Can I Use the 3 Layer Technique in Mild Winter Conditions?
Absolutely. The 3-layer technique is versatile and can be adapted to various winter temperatures. In milder conditions, you can opt for lighter fabrics and adjust the thickness of each layer accordingly.
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