Layering Basics | The Best Clothing Options For Fall – Arizona Hikers Guide

*Note*: This article was written first as a guest post I submitted to www.hikingthetrail.com.  Adam Nutting, the creator of Hiking the Trail, shares a wealth of knowledge on his site and I highly encourage you to check out what he has to offer!

As the weather begins to shift from summer to fall it is time to start unpacking those sweaters, long undies, and gloves in preparation for cooler temperatures. But before you go out on your next adventure there are a few simple layering techniques that can really make or break a good time on the trail. Follow this layering basics guide to help maximize your comfort in the outdoors.

In the fall and winter seasons I use a 3-layer system approach. Each layer has a specific job and it is important to understand the function behind each piece of clothing. First is the base layer which serves as a moisture wicker. The purpose of the second layer, or insulation layer, is to keep you from freezing to death if the temperatures begin to drop. The third layer is your shell layer and helps to protect you against what I call “the nastiness”. Nastiness is wind (often cold, cut you to the core wind), rain, snow, and all the other things Mother Nature can throw at you.

*Note: There are also 2-layer and 4-layer systems. I live in Arizona and the 3-layer system seems to work best for me. It keeps me warm enough, dry enough, and light enough. You may want to modify your own layering based on your location and comfort level.

This is the layer that touches your skin. The most important aspect of this layer is the type of material your piece of clothing is made out of. Since this layer’s job is to manage your skin’s moisture it is important that you choose a fabric that wicks moisture away from the body. Some good options include synthetic materials like polyester (REI), merino wool (Smartwool), and even silk for casual hikers.
Typically there are three types of base layers and are labeled as such on the articles of clothing. These options include lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight or expedition layers. Lightweight is for high levels of activity like trail running, skiing, and rock climbing. Midweight is for hiking in cooler temps and more moderate activity levels. Heavyweight options are for extreme weather. If you know it’s going to be cruel out there in the wild while you are ice fishing or sleeping on the frozen tundra then this is your layer.

What I wear: Depending on the weather conditions I typically wear a wicking pair of briefs or long underwear and a polyester mid-weight shirt. Other examples include thermal underwear, tights, fitness tops, and any other snug fitting clothing.

What not to wear: Have you ever worn a cotton shirt hiking? It sucks. You start off looking cool in your new tee and by the time you work up a sweat your shirt is soaked and you feel clammy and gross. Cotton is a bad choice for fabric.

The purpose of this layer is to keep your heat in and is worn directly over your base layer. The trick with this layer is to find the right amount of warmth without all the bulk and weight. Classic fleece sweaters are always a good choice because they are lightweight, breathable, and are usually inexpensive. For colder temperatures down jackets seem to be all the rage these days. Not only do they look cool but they have an awesome weight to warmth ratio. The type of activity you are preparing for will help make this decision.

What I wear: I wear one of two items. For warmer temps I wear a long sleeved Patagonia layer with a hood or a North Face fleece.
For colder temperatures I use an REI jacket with Pertex Quantum down material which is good but not great (I can’t afford those cool Patagonia down jackets…).

What not to wear: Don’t wear a cotton sweatshirt or a giant puffy jacket like the one George wears on Seinfeld. There’s no need, plus you look ridiculous!

The job of this layer is to protect you from the elements so durability and performance are key. There are a variety of options when picking out a shell but I break it down into two main priorities; waterproof and breathability. There are several options that provide either waterproofing without breathability or the other way around but I don’t suggest any of them. I only recommend water-resistant clothing to the very casual hiker because they don’t really serve the purpose of protecting you if the weather turns (which it always seems to do!).
The shells that offer both waterproofing and breathability tend to be expensive but in my experience are worth their weight in gold. I look for options that are both lightweight and durable. Most items will be categorized as rainwear, outerwear, or mountaineering wear. My final suggestion about the shell layer is the fitting. The shell should fit comfortably and you should be able to move around freely. I mention this because some materials, like Gore-Tex, can often be restricting and loud so it is something to be conscious of.

What I wear: I wear a Marmot Precip Rain Jacket and I take it on every hiking trip no matter the weather. It is a lightweight shell and has been my go-to jacket for four years.

What not to wear: If you want to stay dry on the outside and dripping wet on the inside then wear any old school rain gear that is waterproof but not breathable. It’s like wearing a portable sauna, it’s gross.

Well there you have it, my 3-layer formula for comfortable hiking experiences. Although this system works for me you may need to adjust it to fit your own needs. Now that you know how to dress for the season, get out there and see the beauty that fall and winter always bring!
One final suggestion: Companies are really good at marketing you products you don’t need. They offer all kinds of bells and whistles, colors, and extra thingy’s that you just sound useful but in reality never are. Look for items that are reliable, comfortable, and long lasting.

Let me know what clothing options you wear in the comments below.