The Three Layer System
This section deals with the Layering System used when going to places with extremely cold weather. This important because you cannot simply wear any type of clothing. You need something that will protect you from conditions such as Hypothermia. Extreme conditions need extreme levels of protection. Read on and learn more!
The Layering System
In general, there are four types of layers:
- Base Layer: The task of the base layer is to maintain a dry and comfortable microclimate next to your skin. The base layer will therefore absorb all the moisture from your skin and then spread it out over the surface of the base layer where it will be evaporated via the other clothing layers. Typical base layer fabrics are: CoolMax® , Polartec® PowerDry®, Patagonia® Capilene®,and Helly Hansen Lifa. This knowledge will also help you to make the right choice when buying clothing.
- Insulation Layer(s): This layer provides more warmth if the base layer and the shell layer do not provide enough insulation on their own. It traps small pockets of air in the fabric the insulation layer is made of which slows down the loss of heat. Typical insulation fabrics are: Polartec® Classics® ,Berber pile, and Windstopper®.
- Shell Layer:The shell layer provides protection from wind, rain, sleet, and snow, without allowing the build-up of condensation inside the clothing system. It protects while allowing moisture vapor to pass through. Shell fabrics are Gore-Tex, Hyvent, Aqua-Dry, and Dri-Lite.
- 'Super' Insulation Layer. It is enough for most people to have the first three layers. However, in extremely cold conditions, you will need to add a large amount of insulation as a fourth layer. Down and Polarguard can both be ussed for this layer.
We will go through this layering system in detail as it is essential for surviving in the mountains. Also notice the links at the bottom of each type of gear - these will link you to our shop where you can immediately buy your gear!
In our special section, you can read more on High Performance Fabrics.
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- Thermal Body Shirt
Depending on the temparature (make sure to check this), you will want to use thermal underwear as a first level of clothing. It will keep you warm and dry by transferring moisture to the next layer.
- Thermal Pants
Depending on the temparature (make sure to check this), you will want to use thermal underwear as a first level of clothing. It will keep you warm and dry by transferring moisture to the next layer.
- Socks
To keep your feet warm, dry, and padded against hard impacts, you will want to use thick socks, preferably special Mountaineering socks that will give you more specialized features.
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- Fleece Jackets or Sweater
As a second layer, you will want a Fleece or a Wool sweater.
- Shell Pants
On top of your base layer, put on your Shell Pants. Good Pants should protect from the wind, cold, and the rain.
- Mountaineering Boots
Good Boots are necessary not only to protect your feet, but also to give you good support on the long hikes.
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- Mountaineering Jacket
Finish off your upper body layering with a waterproof and windstopping jacket or top shell.
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- Gloves
Protect your hands from snow, ice, and impacts with padded gloves.
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You have seen and read in detail what makes up the Layering System. Its importance in very cold weather conditions cannot be overemphasized. So what are you waiting for? Go to our Mountaineering Gear Shop now! You will find there a wide array of Mountaineering Gear including Jackets, Gloves and a lot more!
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