How to dress for the mountains: the 3-layer system
For activities in the mountains you should wear the right combination of technical clothing. It is important to know how to dress for the mountainsusing the 3-layer systemThe equipment is designed to not only offer you comfort and convenience during the activity, but also to provide us with the necessary safety in case of adverse weather conditions.
This three-layer system has also been called the onion layer, since we are superimposing layers on top of each other.The onion, like an onion, protects us from the cold or any adverse conditions we encounter.
Wearing clothing with certain technical characteristics when we are in the middle of an outdoor activity allows us to keep the body dry and prevent sweat from condensing; it also prevents rain, snow or strong wind from coming into contact with the skin. In addition to the obvious benefit in terms of comfort and convenience, this allows the activity to be carried out more safely. We must not forget that we are often in extreme environments.
The most important thing is that, like layers of an onion, the mountain clothing be easy to remove if the level of the activity or the weather conditions force you to do so.
The objective is quite clear: provide comfortThis also requires maintaining warm to the mountaineer; breathability, lightness and waterproofness.
The following is a description of how to dress for the mountainsusing the 3-layer system. Pay close attention:
1.- First layer
Known as the second skin. It is the one that is more close-fittingIt is therefore recommended that it should not have seams, protrusions or any other feature that could cause chafing, thus avoiding any discomfort or damage, however slight, to the skin.
It is also essential that this first layer is able to absorb and expel sweat, to keep the climber dry from the moisture produced by your own body through perspiration. We need this layer to be breathable.
In the following article we explain everything about this layer.
These garments are thermal T-shirts made of synthetic fibres such as polyester, chlorofibre or polypropylene. A good option may be a T-shirt with base layerthe HH LIFA Crew (buy on Amazon from 28,80 euros). If the weather conditions are hot, look for short-sleeved technical T-shirts, with good breathability, such as the Miller ALPINE TS SS (click here to view).
It is essential to avoid wearing cotton underwear at all costsThe same retains moisture and sweat, which can lead to complications during outdoor activities.
2.- Second layer
Or also known as middle layer, capable of retaining heat. It is the one that accumulates the greatest amount of air between its fibres, so that it warms up with body heat.
In this way it would be protecting the wearer from extreme cold. And some say that the thicker it is, the greater its ability to keep you warm.
However, you should not overdo the thickness because it will cause excessive sweating, which will create a feeling of discomfort.
The presses that can be used are the well-known fleece linings o fleeceOther insulating materials can also be used. In the following article we explain everything about this layer.
When it comes to fabric types, the variety is wide. The best brands in the world have used the PolarTECone of the best and most recommended synthetic fibres for the manufacture of this type of clothing. The HH Daybreaker 1/2 Zip Fleece (Click here to buy on amazon),
Made of 100g Polartec fabric,
But we can find other types, the most common of which are PowerDry (which keep the garment dry), ThermalPro (provide thermal insulation), and PowerShield (avoid water) some examples. Also widely used are the PrimaLoftThe quality of this fabric is that it offers warmth similar to that of feathers in birds and maintains the quality of insulation even when wet. As an evolution of this classic fabric, we have the model M THERMOBALL HOODIE (Click to view) North Face with PrimaLoft
Thermoball.
The thicknesses of these garments vary, in the case of Polartec we can find from 100 (underwear or first layers), Polartec200 (widely used as a second layer in jumpers and waistcoats) and 300-500 (thick).
You can include fleeces, hats and socks in this second layer, trekking trousers and gloves.
3.- Third layer
It is used to counteract the effects of the natural elements.
So protects from rain, snow and windwhich the second layer garments do not.
For this purpose, waterproof fabrics are used, most of which are usually breathable, such as Gore Tex, TexTrem y TriplePoint.
The variety of mountain jackets is very wide and so is the range of prices. We can find them for 466 euros as
the Arc'teryx Beta AR or at more affordable prices, such as the 118 euros of the Millet Trident 2.5211, or THE NORTH FACE Hyperair.
Many experts claim that it is the most indispensable layer, but it has to be breathable enough to prevent the human body from being drenched in sweat, which could cause in extreme conditions even hypothermia, which is extremely dangerous.
Another key feature is that it must be designed to tear-proofAs it is exposed to the outdoors, it will come into contact with any object in the natural setting, such as branches or rocks, or with our own tools (e.g., a tree, a tree trunk, a tree trunk, etc.).ice axescrampons).
It must contain the following:
- A hood wide enough integrated into the jacket to protect your upper body.
- Inner and outer pockets have the capacity to introduce any objects that may be required at the time of the crossing.
- Tight-fitting low-rise at waist level and a drawstring that is elastic.
- Zip in the underarm area. This is essential for cooling the body if heat builds up.
- Wide, adjustable cuffs.
- The seams The clothing must be sealed to prevent water or other substances from entering the body.
To provide direct protection from the wind, there are presses, known as windbreaks, which fulfil this function. They may be of the type softshell o windshirt. In this respect, if you are looking for good value for money, you have the Izas Makaluwith this type of fabric.
What we must take into consideration
Respecting the order of the layers is necessaryotherwise the usefulness of the system is lost.
The use of the three layers will be conditional on weather conditions. If it's a sunny day, you should only use the first one. You can take the others with you in case you need them. In a mountain activity, weather conditions can change suddenly, so consider this. If the activity is getting longer and temperatures start to drop, you can use the second layer. If you reach a mountain pass and the wind is considerable, perhaps a second and third layer will allow you to face it comfortably. The third layer will be indispensable in case of rain, snow or wind, as mentioned above.
It is also recommended to take into account the sizes. The inner layer should be snug, but not too tight, causing discomfort. The same for the other layers, too tight or too loose could cause discomfort. Buy the one that suits your requirements.
It is also necessary to always keep the completely clean clothesThis would work much better, for example in terms of breathability, without taking into account obvious hygiene issues. Be careful when using certain types of detergents, as they may damage the chemical compositions of the mackintoshes and may not work properly, causing problems. It is advisable to follow the washing and drying instructions.
What we can suggest when washing the third - waterproof - layer is that you do not wash it in a washing machine, as the machine's system could eradicate the water-repellent finish, which allows water to form droplets on top of the press. And this is a very important feature.
The three-layer clothing system for outdoor activities is indispensable.. It is the combination widely used in hiking, climbing, skiing, but also in other activities such as bird watching, cycling, adventure travel, among others. Consider the theory of the three layers when choosing your prepare your rucksack.
*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of 01/10/2018.
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