Military personnel, experienced hikers, and travelers know well what the layering principle in clothing is. It’s exactly this system that allows you to stay comfortable in various weather conditions and temperature ranges.
The concept of layering is a system that helps adapt clothing to different levels of physical activity and climate.
Instead of wearing a single set of clothes, several layers are used — each with its own purpose:
moisture wicking,
heat retention,
protection from wind and precipitation.
This principle allows you to control your body’s microclimate, staying dry and comfortable even during long periods outdoors, in the mountains, or while performing field missions in temperatures ranging from +10°C to –40°C.
Layered clothing provides not only comfort but also functionality in real field conditions.
Key advantages:
Maintains stable body temperature regardless of activity level.
Protects from hypothermia after exertion.
Allows quick adaptation to weather: add or remove a layer.
Reduces overall gear weight: several lightweight layers instead of one bulky jacket.
Fast-drying materials.
Convenient for care and transportation.
Three essential clothing layers:
1. Base layer — moisture wicking (thermal underwear)
The first layer contacts the skin.
Its job is to wick away sweat and keep the body dry even during intense activity.
When moisture stays on the skin, heat is lost very quickly — that’s why the base layer is the foundation of the whole system.
Suitable materials:
polyester,
polypropylene,
merino wool.
Not suitable:
cotton — absorbs sweat, dries slowly, and cools the body rapidly.
2. Insulating layer — heat retention (fleece or synthetic insulation)
The second layer creates an air pocket that traps heat while allowing excess moisture to escape.
For active movement, fleece or microfleece works best.
For prolonged static positions, synthetic insulation is more effective.
Materials:
fleece, Polartec, synthetic insulations.
It’s important that the insulating layer “breathes.”
If it’s too dense or gets wet, the body overheats and then cools down rapidly.
3. Outer layer — environmental protection (membrane jacket or softshell)
The outer layer protects against harsh weather: wind, rain, snow, etc.
It must be water-resistant and windproof, while allowing vapor to escape from inside to avoid the “greenhouse effect.”
Materials:
softshell,
membranes with water resistance ratings (3K/3K, 10K/10K and higher),
DWR coating (water-repellent treatment).
A quality outer layer should be lightweight, comfortable, and compatible with gear — body armor, chest rigs, equipment.
Outer layers also include winter jackets, pants, or suits with additional insulation. Thanks to thermal padding, they retain heat even in subzero temperatures and during low-activity periods.
Common mistakes when layering:
Using cotton as a base layer. Gets wet, doesn’t wick moisture, cools the body quickly.
Over-insulating. Overheating → sweating → rapid cooling.
Jackets without ventilation. Moisture accumulates inside.
No spare layer. Always keep a dry base layer or lightweight fleece in your backpack.
Poor pairing of fabric types. If one layer doesn’t breathe, the whole system fails.