Clothing:The Layering System:

Active people in the great outdoors know about layering. They know that it provides comfort and protection. One of the values of layering is that you can add and remove layers as your activity changes. For example, when ice climbing you're extremely aerobic when climbing and within minutes you're stuck standing still as you belay and become VERY cold. That's where the wicking layers becomes really valuable; pulling moisture to the surface. So, when you put on another, you're not trapping moisture, leading to wet down and big trouble on the next belay. So, carrying extra layers and interchanging them frequently is really valuable. 
Usually 3 layers are used; enabling total comfort in most temperature and weather conditions.

1. Base Layer = Next to Skin Layer. Most importantly, this layer is not-cotton. Never use "killer cotton" for this layer- see later. It should also fit tightly, for the best wicking effect.
2. Middle Layers = Insulative Layer - Provides warmth and should vary according to the nature of the activities/temperatures experienced.
3. Top Layer = Element Layer - Wind and water rob the body of warmth, therefore, choosing garments that are both wind and waterproof will be of most benefit.

Using a non-cotton Base Layer cannot be stressed enough. Many ski-patrollers will tell you that the best recipe for hypothermia is to wear jeans and a T-shirt while skiing. Cotton absorbs water readily and takes a long time to dry. This makes it dangerous to use as a base layer because it can actually accelerate body heat loss. Merino Wool or synthetic base layers are readily available; and have the ability to wick, or pull moisture away from the skin, keeping you warm and dry. Also, most synthetic fibers dry quickly. Often, body heat is sufficient to dry them completely.

This next to skin layer ( base layer) is perhaps the most important layer and should be wicking and hydrophyllic or water loving. This layer should keep the skin dry; which is vital for comfort in all conditions. Capilene polyester by Patagonia, fine Merino Wool, Drylete polyester by Hind, and polypropylene are all effective at wicking moisture away from the skin.

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Middle Layers can take on many forms, and often more than one is required, depending on the activity and environment. This layer is designed to trap dead air so that an air insulation layer surrounds the body. Low exertion and very cold weather may call for a bulky down or synthetic filled garment, while high exertion and very cold weather may be dealt with by using one or more layers of fleece or wool. It is extremely important not to overheat, as this will increase the amount of moisture vapor that leaves your body. A body at rest obviously requires more insulation than an active body at the same temperature.

The insulative layer can consist of wool, polyester fleece, down, or synthetic insulation materials, exactly like those found in sleeping bags. Fleece is lightweight, easy to care for, sometimes recycled, and extremely soft and cozy. Wool is commonly used as an insulative layer, with the newly developed very fine Merino Wool products being the best.

Some fleece is actually windproof, the result of sandwiching an impermeable laminate between the inner and outer layers of the garment. This type is a weight and space saver because two garments, a windbreaker and insulator are combined. The lightest, most compressible insulation material known to man is down, nothing synthetic or natural has even come close to the warmth to weight ratio that down offers. The only drawbacks to down insulated garments are the initial expense and the risk of water saturation. Water will render a down garment worthless as far as warmth is concerned, but the item must be completely saturated to be in this condition. For extreme cold weather low energy activities, down is an excellent choice. However, for the fair weather backpacker or day hiker, most down garments are simply too warm. Synthetic filled garments are capable of providing warmth to the user even in wet or humid conditions, because the synthetic fibers do not absorb very much water. In fact, a saturated synthetic filled garment can be wrung out and worn until dry while still providing warmth, making it a good choice when travelling to rainy locales. When choosing insulative layers, try to match the insulator to the activity, keeping in mind that two thinner garments offer more flexibility and comfort range versatility than one thick, bulky one. Also be sure to keep rain and or wind gear easily accessible so that these vital components of the layering system stay dry.

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The Top Layer prevents major heat loss. This heat loss occurs in 3 different ways:

• Convective heat loss occurs when wind removes the thin layer of body temperature air around us, forcing the body to expend precious energy to re-warm this lost air.
• Conductive heat loss occurs when the body is in contact with a cooler object. This can be the rock you are sitting on or wet clothing- the main reason why cotton is so dangerous.
• Evaporative heat loss occurs when wet clothing is drying out. This is beneficial on a hot day but can be life threatening in subzero temperatures.

The Top layer is so vital because it can reduce all three types of heat loss, sometimes making the difference between life and death.

The element layer is vital to keep the rest of the clothing system functioning properly; wind and water being the enemies. Many unfortunate adventurers might still be alive today if they had taken the time to select and pack adequate wind and waterproof gear. One thing to keep in mind is that it is much better to have a waterproof layer than just a windproof one, because any garment that is waterproof is also inherently windproof. A great variety of top layers exists, and sometimes consulting with a trained, knowledgeable salesperson is the best way to narrow the choice down to garments that will perform adequately for your activities. For example, a backpacker in the Galapagos Islands will definitely want a different top layer than a skier in the Rockies.

Certain coatings and laminates do have limitations and often a simple, coated nylon shell is the perfect balance of price, function, durability, and weight. Often, the expense of waterproof/breathable clothing is a limiting factor, but many non-breathable waterproof jackets have features that enable them to breathe "mechanically," even if the material itself is not. Pit zips allow hot air to escape, or a mesh-lined chest pocket allows fresh air to enter the jacket as the user moves about. Also flaps that cover mesh panels are effective in creating the "chimney effect," pumping out hot air and pulling in cooler outside air.

Make sure the top layer is large enough to accomodate all underlayers. Waterproof/breathable jackets are necessary for those who engage in aerobic pursuits. Do not plan on being both active and comfortable while wearing a non-breathable waterproof jacket unless it has some type of mechanical ventilation features. You may find it worth investing in a Gore-Tex or other waterproof/breathable jacket or parka.

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