Military, experienced tourists, travelers are well aware of the principle of multi-layering in clothing. It is thanks to it that you can be comfortable in different weather conditions and temperatures.
The concept of multi-layering is a system that allows you to adapt clothing to different levels of physical activity and climatic conditions.
Instead of one set of clothing, several layers are used, each of which has its own function:
- moisture removal,
- heat preservation,
- protection from precipitation and wind.
This principle makes it possible to control the microclimate of the body, remaining dry and comfortable even during a long stay on the street, in the mountains, while performing combat missions at temperatures from +10 to -40 degrees
Multi-layer clothing provides not only comfort, but also functionality in real field conditions.
Main advantages:
Maintaining a stable body temperature - regardless of activity.
Protection from hypothermia after physical exertion.
Ability to quickly adapt to the weather: add or remove a layer.
Less weight of equipment: instead of a bulky jacket - several light elements of clothing
Quick drying of materials.
Ease of care and transportation.
Three basic layers of clothing:
1. Base layer - moisture wicking (thermal underwear)
The first layer is in contact with the skin.
Its task is to wick away sweat and keep the body dry even during intense exercise.
When moisture is retained, the body quickly loses heat.
Therefore, the base layer is a key element of the entire system.
Materials:
- polyester,
- polypropylene,
- merino wool.
Not suitable:
cotton - it absorbs sweat, dries quickly and cools the body quickly.
2. Insulation layer - heat retention (fleece jacket or insulation)
The second layer creates an air layer that retains heat, but at the same time allows excess moisture to pass through.
Fleece or microfleece is suitable for active activities, synthetic insulation for long stays in positions.
Materials:
- fleece, Polartec, synthetic insulation.
It is important that the insulation layer “breathes”. If it is too dense or wet, the body overheats, then cools down quickly.
3. Outer layer - protection from the environment (membrane jacket or softshell)
The outer layer protects against adverse weather conditions (wind, rain, snow, etc.).
It must be waterproof and windproof, but at the same time allow steam to pass through from the inside so that the “greenhouse effect” does not form.
Materials:
- softshell,
- membranes with water resistance (3K/3K, 10K/10K and higher),
- DWR coating (water repellent impregnation).
A high-quality outer layer should be light, comfortable and compatible with equipment - body armor, unloading, equipment. Winter jackets, pants or suits with additional insulation are also used as an outer layer. Thanks to the thermal insulation layer, they ensure heat retention even at sub-zero temperatures and during low physical activity.
Typical mistakes when dressing
Cotton as a base. Gets wet, does not wick away sweat, cools the body quickly.
Excessive insulation. Overheating → sweating → hypothermia.
Closed jackets without ventilation. Moisture accumulates inside.
Lack of a spare layer. It is always worth having a dry base or light fleece in your backpack.
Poor combination of layers of different types of fabrics. If one layer does not “breathe”, the entire system works worse.