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LAYERING EXPLAINED

The Layering System Explained

Why Create a Clothing System?

Clothing should be selected on the basis of keeping the body at a constant temperature throughout the
day. The three most dangerous factors are moisture, wind and extremes of temperature. No Single
garment can protect against all three factors.  Therefore a layered clothing system is recommended.

The insulating
mid layer provides most of the warmth. However, in order for it to insulate properly it must
be protected from being penetrated by wind and moisture - which is achieved by the outer or shell layer of
waterproof clothing. The
base layer is next to the skin, and keeps it dry by wicking away moisture caused
by sweating, as well as providing the initial warm thermal layer.

The body has to be kept at a constant temperature. (Boring science stuff) The core of the torso contains
most of the vital organs, and along with the brain is automatically kept at 37ºC, its most efficient operating
temperature. The outer areas of the body (limbs and extremities, scalp, skin and muscle) fluctuates
more, but is usually around 3ºC cooler. Any blood circulating to these areas will return to the core cooler.
By altering the balance between the volume of blood circulating the core and the cooler surface, the body
can precisely maintain the temperature of the essential organs.

The Layering System - EXPLAINED

There are three layers to this system: The base, mid and outer layers. Each layer is explained below.

Base Layer       
                                                
It is important to avoid having moisture next to the skin as this causes rapid cooling as well as a clammy
and uncomfortable feeling. Therefore Base layer garments should have the ability to wick moisture away
from the skin. As well as having this wicking ability they should be fast drying, have flat seams on the
shoulders and on legwear, and have a comfortable feel.

Base layer clothing can be found in a variety of fabric weights, from lightweight, stretchy polypropylene
suitable for high activity sports where sweating is commonplace, through to mid weight layers which are
also suitable as stand alone lightweight active shirts, and are styled accordingly. Finally, there's the
thicker expedition weight garments which are suitable for static activities or very cold conditions. These
too are most often styled for use as a stand-alone garment when the weather permits. Many Base layer
tops can be worn by themselves, in hot weather they are ideal - but remember to carry enough warm
clothing for the rest periods or a chance deterioration in the weather.

Mid Layer
                                
Mid Layer garments provide thermal insulation, whilst allowing moisture to pass through (helped by the
open weave and the low absorbency of the fabric). Air is the best insulator, so the fabrics generally have
an open fleecy weave to hold as much air as possible within their structure. This air is heated by your
body to provide thermal insulation. However, the wind will easily penetrate the open weave of these
garments, replacing the warm air with cooler air. On breezy days this is a continual process, so even in
light winds a fleece worn without a Shell Layer will loose a high proportion of its insulation.

The importance of windproofing is often underestimated. For instance at 0ºC a relatively mild 15 mph
wind will have the effect of reducing the temperature by 10ºC, giving an effective temperature of -10ºC.
Stronger wind can cause even more dangerous cooling. In such circumstances additional warm (i.e. Mid
Layer) clothing is not appropriate - adding a windproof shell garment will be far more effective.

The Mid Layer may consist of more than one garment, such as a thin lightweight fleece worn with a
conventional fleece garment.

Composite Shell/Mid Wear Garments

Composite garments undertake the functions of two layers. The shelled fleece garments combine the
qualities of the insulating mid layer and the windproof/showerproof shell layer in one garment which is
ideal for Spring and Autumn walking or casual use. Remember, however, while these are sufficient in low
cloud, brief showers, or strong winds, a waterproof outer layer is still required in wetter conditions.

I
nter-linked Garments

Some waterproof/breathable shell jackets are fitted with additional inward facing zips which permit an
insulating mid layer jacket to be attached. The combined garment is thus easier and quicker to put on ,
remove, and hang on a peg than two separate jackets, making them ideal for more casual use.
Seperating the jackets and using them independently gives great flexibility for use on the hill.

Outer (waterproof) Layer
                                                  
The outer Layer provides essential protection from the wind, rain and the snow, allowing the base and
mid layers to work more effectively. Breathable fabrics allow body moisture to escape, whilst keeping the
elements out. For these breathable garments to work most effectively, undergarments should be worn,
ideally made from synthetic fabrics; natural fibres such as wool and cotton absorb condensation before it
has a chance to permeate through the outer shell garment for evaporation.