Layering seems like a pretty basic concept. The more you put on, the warmer you are, right? But there’s quite a lot more to it than just that. Material, zipper options, use case, and more can impact when and how you wear a specific piece of clothing. This video from Helly Hansen brings former American alpine ski racer Kaylin Richardson to discuss layering on the mountain.
If done correctly, three layers really is all you’ll need. The base, mid, and your jacket are all vital pieces to ensuring you’re warm enough throughout the day without getting too hot and sweaty. A base layer is what you wear directly on your skin, and it should be made from a material that will keep you dry on the mountain (like merino wool).
The mid layer creates dead air space to keep you warm, trapping your body heat. It doesn’t necessarily need to be super thick, just super effective. The mid is often what’s removed, as well, if you’re feeling too hot. The last layer, of course, is the jacket, or outerwear. A great ski jacket should be breathable while keeping outside moisture and wind out. Windproof, waterproof, and breathable.
