Ditch the Extra Clothes: Master Layering for Backpacking Success

For those newbies who are just getting started to the experienced trekkers who are just looking to fine tune what they carry to help manage weight and capacity this guide is meant ot help you cut down the areas where most tend to go wrong.

Many backpackers believe they need to carry a change of clothes for every day and this, while possible, is just going to lead to being overburdened and making your trip more exhausting.

You need to face it, you're going to sweat and stink with multiple days on trail. More clothing won't hide this stink, instead choose less better quality clothing like merino to cut those odors if they bother you.

Let's look into the principles to follow to get the best layering system and use them as your guiding light to make a perfect system for you.

Core Principles for Lightweight Backpacking Success

• Lightweight & Quick-Drying: Prioritize materials that dry fast and are light. Synthetic fabrics and merino wool are ideal.
• Avoid Cotton: Unless you're in a dry, desert environment, cotton is a no-go. It absorbs moisture and can lead to discomfort.
• Moisture Management: Ensure your gear moves moisture away from your skin to stay dry and comfortable.
• Fit & Movement: Clothing should allow freedom of movement without being too bulky.
• Adaptability: Choose layers that work across different weather conditions.

Baselayers: Your First Defense Against Sweat and Chill

Your baselayer refers to the foundational layer of clothing worn closest to the skin, designed to regulate body temperature and manage moisture during outdoor activities. It serves as the first line of defense in a layering system, helping to wick sweat away from the skin and prevent moisture buildup, which leads to discomfort, chafing, and increased risk of hypothermia in cold conditions.

Baselayers come in different forms, including tops (like short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts) and bottoms (like leggings or long johns). They are commonly made from synthetic fabrics (such as polyester or nylon) or natural fibers like merino wool. Synthetic materials excel at drying quickly, while merino wool is prized for its ability to regulate temperature and resist odors.

The fit of a baselayer is typically snug to ensure maximum effectiveness in moisture-wicking and insulation. The choice of baselayer depends on the weather, the intensity of the activity, and personal comfort preferences.

Baselayer Top Options

Recommendations: OV Altitude Hoodie, OV Altitude Tee, 32 Degrees Lightweight Crew Baselayer Top,

Baselayer Bottom Options

Recommendations: OV Highline Thermal Leggings, 32 Degrees Lightweight Baselayer Legging

Trail-Ready Active Wear: Your Primary Hiking Outfit

Primary Active Wear refers to the main clothing items worn during physical activities or outdoor sports, designed for comfort, flexibility, and performance. This gear is typically chosen for its ability to withstand movement and exertion while also providing breathability, moisture-wicking, and durability.

Unlike baselayers, which are worn closest to the skin, primary active wear is worn on top of the baselayer and is intended to protect from the elements while supporting active movement.

An additional key to this layer is that you would prefer it provide some SPF protection from UV radiation and minor abrasions from brush or rocks.

This category includes items such as pants (lightweight synthetic or hiking pants), shorts (either traditional, casual-style or athletic-specific), and t-shirts or sun hoodies that allow a full range of motion. The materials used are often lightweight, stretchy, and moisture-wicking, ensuring the wearer stays dry and comfortable even during intense activity.

Shirt Options

Recommendations: FarPointe Sun Cruiser

Pants Options

Recommendations: OV Skyline Trail Joggers, Decathlon MH100 pants,

Shorts Options

Recommendations: OV Skyline Trail Shorts, Zpacks Trail Cool Hiking Shorts

Strategic Add-On Layers: Staying Comfortable in Changing Weather

Additional layers in outdoor gear are designed to provide extra warmth and protection when the weather becomes colder or more variable. These layers are meant to be added on top of your primary active wear and baselayers to help retain body heat without restricting movement. 

Active Insulation: Stay Warm While Moving

Active insulation refers to materials that provide warmth while still allowing moisture to escape, making them ideal for high-output activities like hiking, skiing, or climbing. These layers are typically lightweight and breathable, ensuring you stay warm without overheating during physical exertion.

Fleece

One common type of active insulation is fleece, a synthetic fabric known for its warmth-to-weight ratio and excellent breathability. Fleece is soft, lightweight, and quick-drying, making it an excellent choice for layering. It's also highly breathable, allowing sweat to evaporate, which helps maintain a comfortable body temperature. Fleece jackets or pullovers are often used as mid-layers because they provide warmth without adding too much bulk, offering flexibility for a range of outdoor activities.

Recommendations: Decathlon MT100, Alpha™ 90 Hoody by LEVE, Zpacks Octa Fleece Hoody

Breathable lofted insulation

Breathable lofted insulation is a type of material, like Primaloft or Thermolite, basically combining warmth with breathability. Lofted insulation traps air to provide warmth, but it also allows moisture to escape, making it ideal for active users who need warmth without the risk of overheating. This insulation is lightweight, quick-drying, and highly compressible, which makes it easy to pack down when not in use.

Recommendations: OV Ventus Hoodie, EE The Outcast Jacket, EE Torrid Pullover

Hybrid insulation top

A hybrid insulation top combines the benefits of both insulation and active wear. These tops often blend materials like fleece with lofted insulation in specific areas, offering targeted warmth where you need it most, such as the chest and back, while keeping the arms or side panels made of more breathable fabrics.

Hybrid tops provide flexibility, breathability, and warmth, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor activities where movement and temperature regulation are essential. These layers provide a balance of warmth, moisture management, and breathability for the dynamic needs of active outdoor pursuits.

Weather-Proof Protection: Defending Against Rain and Wind

Protective layers are essential in outdoor gear, especially when facing unpredictable weather conditions like rain, snow, or strong winds. These layers are designed to shield the body from the elements while still allowing for moisture management and breathability, ensuring you stay comfortable during your outdoor activities.

Essential Rain Gear: Stay Dry When Skies Open

Waterproof breathable (WPB) rain jacket

Rain gear is a key component of protective layers, with waterproof breathable (WPB) rain jackets being a staple. These jackets are made from materials that are both waterproof (to keep you dry during rainfall) and breathable (to allow sweat and moisture from your body to escape). This dual functionality is crucial for maintaining comfort, as it prevents you from becoming drenched in your own sweat while also keeping the rain out.

Please note that all jackets will eventually wet out in rain, there is no magic involved and sometimes its just bad enough you were never going to stay dry.

WPB jackets are typically made with membranes like Gore-Tex or similar technology, which provide waterproofing without sacrificing breathability, making them ideal for active outdoor pursuits like hiking or cycling in wet conditions.

Recommendations: OV Tushar Rain Jacket, OR Helium UL, EE Visp Rain Jacket

WPB rain pants

WPB rain pants offer the same benefits as the rain jacket, providing waterproof protection for the lower body while still allowing moisture from sweat to escape. These pants are essential for preventing your legs from becoming soaked in wet conditions and can be worn over other layers for added warmth and dryness. They are usually lightweight, easy to pack, and can be put on or removed quickly in response to changing weather conditions.

Recommendations: OR Helium Rain Pants (Womens),

Optional: Rain skirt or Kilt

For those seeking even more versatility, a rain kilt can be an optional addition. A rain skirt offers similar waterproof protection for the lower body, typically being more breathable and lightweight than full rain pants. It’s an excellent option for hikers or trail runners who want to keep their legs dry without the extra bulk or restriction of full rain pants.

Recommendations: EE Rain Wrap

Wind-Blocking Layers: Preventing Heat Loss in Gusty Conditions

Wind protection is another key aspect of protective layers, especially in windy conditions where the chill factor can make cold weather feel even more uncomfortable.

Lightweight Windbreaker

A lightweight windbreaker is designed to block out wind, helping to maintain body warmth without being overly insulating. These jackets are typically made from thin, wind-resistant materials that are lightweight and compact enough to pack away when not needed. Windbreakers offer a great balance between protection and breathability, as they shield against wind while allowing moisture to escape from the body.

Recommendations: OV Nebo Windbreaker, Zpacks Ventum Wind Shell, EE Copperfield

Camp Insulation: Maximum Warmth When Not Moving

Static insulation refers to layers designed for use in cold conditions where you're not actively moving, such as when you're stationary during rest or sleeping. These layers are intended to provide maximum warmth and help retain body heat when you're not generating your own warmth through activity. They are essential for maintaining comfort during outdoor activities in cold environments, particularly when you're camping, resting, or sleeping.

Lofted Insulation Jacket

A lofted insulation jacket is a type of static insulation designed to trap heat efficiently. The term "lofted" refers to the material's structure, which contains air pockets that act as insulators, providing warmth while keeping the jacket lightweight. These jackets are typically made from synthetic or down materials and are designed to be worn in cold environments when you're not moving.

Synthetic or down insulation jacket

Synthetic insulation jackets are durable, moisture-resistant, and retain warmth even when wet, making them a great option for damp or variable conditions. Down insulation jackets, on the other hand, offer superior warmth-to-weight ratios and are incredibly lightweight, but they lose their insulating properties when wet. Lofted jackets, regardless of the insulation type, are designed to provide warmth while being compressible, allowing for easy packing when not in use.

Recommendations: OV NovaPro (Womens), OV NovaUL (Womens), Zpacks Goose Down Jacket, OV Vario Jacket (Womens), OV Ventus Hoodie (Womens)

Sleeping Set

When sleeping outdoors in cold conditions, a sleeping set is critical for staying warm and comfortable. This typically includes a synthetic or merino wool top and synthetic or merino wool bottom. Both synthetic and merino wool materials are excellent choices for sleeping sets because they are moisture-wicking, warm, and breathable. Merino wool is especially valued for its ability to regulate temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather but cool when temperatures rise, and it also resists odor.

Synthetic materials, like polyester, are also great options because they dry quickly, retain warmth even when wet, and are more affordable than merino wool. A combination of these materials in the sleeping set ensures warmth, moisture management, and comfort during extended periods of rest or sleep in chilly conditions.

Recommendations: OV Highline Thermal Leggings, UA HeatGear Armour Leggings, Capilene® Midweight Bottoms, Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom

Specialized Gear: Complete Your System with These Key Additions

Additional layers to consider in your outdoor gear are essential for further customizing your clothing to adapt to different conditions, ensuring full protection, and enhancing comfort. These layers are often designed for specific needs, such as sun protection, warmth in extreme conditions, or additional versatility in your clothing system.

Head Protection: From Sun Shields to Winter Warmers

Headwear is an essential component for protecting your head, face, and neck from the elements.

Lightweight, moisture-wicking cap for sun protection

A lightweight, moisture-wicking cap is ideal for sun protection, especially during activities in hot weather. These caps typically use materials like polyester or nylon, which help wick sweat away from the skin while shielding your face and neck from harmful UV rays. They are breathable, lightweight, and easily packable, making them great for hiking, running, or cycling.

Recommendations: TBD

Warm beanie/wool hat for cold conditions

For cold conditions, a warm beanie or wool hat is essential. Made from materials like wool or synthetic fleece, these hats provide insulation to retain body heat. Wool, in particular, has the added benefit of regulating temperature and remaining warm even when wet, making it a great choice for winter adventures. Beanies are versatile and can be worn under a hood or helmet for added warmth in frigid temperatures.

Recommendations: TBD

Optional: Buff or neck gaiter for versatile protection

Additionally, a buff or neck gaiter can provide versatile protection from both sun and cold. These multi-functional accessories can be worn as a headband, face mask, neck warmer, or even as a hat liner. Made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials, they are easy to pack and offer protection from wind, sun, and cold conditions, making them an excellent addition to any outdoor gear kit.

Recommendations: BUFF CoolNet UV Neck Gaiter, Nike Dri-Fit Wrap

Glove Systems: Keeping Fingers Functional in Any Weather

Hand protection is vital for keeping your hands functional and comfortable in various conditions.

Lightweight liner gloves for mild conditions

For mild conditions, lightweight liner gloves are a perfect option. These gloves provide a light layer of warmth without restricting dexterity, making them great for tasks that require fine motor skills. They are often made from thin materials like merino wool or synthetic fibers, which are breathable and moisture-wicking.

Recommendations: Zpacks Conductive Brushtail Possum Gloves, Any lightweight merino

Insulated and waterproof gloves for cold environments

When temperatures drop, insulated gloves become essential. These gloves are designed to provide more warmth through added insulation, often using synthetic fibers or down, to protect hands in colder environments. They are a good choice for activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, or mountaineering, where your hands need to remain warm but functional.

Recommendations: TBD

Waterproof shell mittens/gloves for extreme weather

For extreme cold or wet weather, waterproof shell mittens or gloves are necessary to protect against wind, rain, and snow while keeping hands dry. Waterproof mittens are particularly useful in extremely cold conditions, as they help maintain warmth by keeping out moisture and wind.

Recommendations: Vertice Rain Mitts, Visp Rain Mitts

Performance Underwear: The Unsung Hero of Comfort on Trail

Underwear may seem like an afterthought, but it's a crucial part of your layering system.

Synthetic or merino wool underwear

Choosing synthetic or merino wool underwear ensures that moisture is wicked away from the body, preventing chafing and discomfort during physical activity. Both materials dry quickly, regulate temperature, and are breathable, making them great options for outdoor adventures. Merino wool, in particular, is naturally odor-resistant, which makes it ideal for multi-day trips where access to washing facilities may be limited.

Recommendations: ExOfficio

Consider both brief and boxer styles

It's also important to consider brief and boxer styles depending on personal preference and activity. Brief-style underwear tends to offer more support for active pursuits, while boxer-style may be more comfortable for extended wear or relaxed activities. Regardless of the style, the key is choosing moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics to stay dry and comfortable.

Recommendations: ExOfficio

Hiking Sock Strategy: Preventing Blisters and Cold Feet

Socks play a vital role in keeping your feet comfortable and dry during outdoor activities.

Lightweight synthetic or merino hiking socks

Lightweight synthetic or merino hiking socks are perfect for warmer conditions or high-intensity activities. These socks wick moisture away from the skin, preventing blisters and keeping feet dry during long hikes or runs.

Recommendations: Darn Tough Men's Run No Show Tab

Midweight socks for colder conditions

For colder conditions, midweight socksprovide additional warmth without compromising breathability, making them great for cooler climates or moderate outdoor activities.

Recommendations: Darn Tough Hiker Midweight Micro Crew Sock

Thick expedition-weight socks for extreme cold

In extreme cold conditions, thick expedition-weight socks are necessary. These socks offer maximum insulation and warmth, often using thick merino wool or synthetic blends. They are ideal for cold-weather activities like mountaineering or winter camping, where protecting your feet from the cold is critical.

Recommendations: Darn Tough Mountaineering OTC

Liner socks for additional moisture management

To prevent blisters and provide additional moisture management, you can use liner socks as an inner layer. These thin socks help wick moisture away from the skin and can be worn underneath thicker socks for extra comfort and dryness.

Recommendations: Injini

Gear Upgrades: Small Additions with Big Comfort Impact

In addition to the main layers, there are several optional technical additions that can provide extra comfort and protection.

Lightweight arm sleeves for sun protection

For sun protection, lightweight arm sleeves are another excellent addition. These sleeves cover your arms without the need for a full shirt, providing extra UV protection during sunny days. They are often made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, ensuring you stay cool and dry while still blocking the sun’s rays.

Recommendations: Nike Pro Dri-Fit Sleeves 4.0

Lightweight bandana/multi-use cloth

A lightweight bandana or multi-use cloth is another versatile piece of gear. It can serve as a headband, sweatband, neckerchief, or even a makeshift towel. These items are compact, multi-functional, and can be used for various purposes during outdoor activities, making them an invaluable addition to your gear list.

Recommendations: Cooling Bandana, etc

Each of these additional layers offers flexibility to adapt your clothing system to specific environmental conditions and activity levels, ensuring maximum comfort and protection during your outdoor adventures.