How to choose your second mountain layer
When you go out in the mountains, or do any outdoor activity, to prevent the body from getting cold and wet, it is essential to follow the three-layer system. This system allows the body to stay dry and warm. The second layer, or mid-layer, takes care of the latter function.
Wearing a second layer garment is essential to keep the body warm in cold or winter situations. In addition, today's mid-layers are designed to maintain the best body temperature while offering good breathability. Below, we will show you the types of midlayers that exist, which vary in material and fabric. Nowadays, the best mountain clothing brands divide midlayers into three general categories: the fleece linings, down jackets, and jackets with padding, and jackets softshell. The great progress that has been made in fabrics means that all three types of jackets fulfil their functions perfectly. However, there are differentiating characteristics of each type, which can guide and influence you during the purchase.
Polar fleece linings
Top brands of specialised mountain clothing choose fibre Polartec. Fleece liners are garments created as a substitute for woollen jumpers. They are made from PET, which is a type of plastic that is very common in both clothing and packaging. As the material is not patented, you can find a wide variety of fleece linings, varying in price and also in quality. When you go to buy one, look at the label to see what type of fibre it is made of.
In this regard it should be noted that merino wool as a textile has the characteristics that make it suitable for use at the same level, and even with particularities that make it very interesting. In the following article we will tell you everything about the merino wool clothing in the mountains.
Like any item of clothing, fleeces have their pros and cons. Some of the positives are as follows:
- It is soft, warm and comfortable to use. All this while being light.
- The PET used for its manufacture can be recycled plasticand can therefore be considered environmentally positive.
- It is possible to clean in the washing machineand does not require ironing.
- It does not cause skin allergies as wool can (in the case of merino wool we do not have this problem).
However:
- They do not serve as windbreaks.
- It is a magnet for pet hair and dust.
- It is a flammable fabric.
- Those that are not of good quality tend to form shavings, and wear out rather easily.
Within the polar fleece linings we can find the most classic ones, or other more innovative ones:
Classic Polars
Classic fleeces are distinguished by numbers showing their weight and thickness. We can find starting from 100 (more suitable for first layers or undergarmentslighter, softer and more flexible), Polartec200 (in light jumpers and waistcoats) and of 300-500 (the thicker ones). This type of fleece has been the best seller for years, but new materials have provided thinner, lighter, and warmer fleeces. However, they are still a good choice for everyday life or for walking. The HH Daybreaker 1/2 Zip Fleece (Click here to buy on amazon)made of 100g Polartec fabric,
Helly Hansen W Daybreaker 1/2 Zip Fleece Scarf
Helly Hansen Daybreaker 1/2 Zip Fleece Man (Get it from 39,95 euros)
New materials, micropolar
These are the thinnest and lightest fleeces on the borderline between the first and second layers. Thanks to advances in fabrics, it has been possible to create technical garments that are sufficiently warm, and with great capacity for breathability and evacuation of sweat and heat. Examples of these garments are PowerGrid, PowerDry (keeps the garment dry), ThermalPro (provide thermal insulation) . The model The North Face Hadoken (Click here to buy) is made of soft and stretchy Polartec PowerDry with superior quick-drying and moisture-wicking performance.
The North Face M Hadoken Full Zip
Fibre or down-filled jackets
This second layer with padding can be used as a second layer when the cold is intense, or as an extra layer when it is cold. third layer when the weather permits. The fibres or feathers that fill these jackets make them lighter than fleece jackets, while maintaining the same warmth capacity. They are therefore very versatile. In addition to being comfortable to wear, they also offer high foldability. These jackets can be put in small bags to make it easier to carry in the rucksackThey take up very little volume. Compared to fleece linings, loss in breathability. As a result, they are more suitable when the cold is intense or the activity is not very intense. In addition to providing warmth, padded jackets are also windproof.
Arcteryx Atom LT (see prices)
Work is still ongoing to improve these jackets and the system. Ventrix from The North Face is a clear example. This type of jacket has a fibre filling with the difference that it has micro pores that open and close depending on the situation. When you're standing still the pores will stay closed, so you can keep warm. When you start to move the perforations will open up and facilitate breathability, and consequently drying.
The North Face M Ventrix Jacket
Jackets softshell
With the intention of creating a second layer that does not require the use of a third layerjackets were produced softshell. These multi-purpose jackets are very complete. Lightweight is combined with breathability and quick drying, waterproofness, as they offer medium protection against moisture, and wind protection.
There are models that allow you to wear a third layer on top, but there are others that aesthetically mimic third layers. These jackets are ideal for when it is raining lightly, and it is not so cold, or when the snow is not so wet.
Arc'teryx (see models) is a brand that has made a strong commitment to this type of jacket. They offer models with a regular second layer design, or with a third layer design with a hat.
*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of 14/10/2020.
Second layer in the mountains. Cover photo: Hunter Bryant.
