Layering Clothes for Changing Weather

Not medical advice. The cold-weather warning signs below come from Ready.gov; if someone shows them, get them warm and get help.

What it's for

Weather can hand you sun, sleet, and wind before lunch, whether you're in winter storm country, the mountains, or out on the plains. Layers let you add or shed warmth as the day changes instead of betting on one big coat. REI calls layering your "thermostat": take layers off when you heat up, put them on when you cool down.

Before you need it (practice)

• Lay out your three layers and check each one does its job (below).
• Go for a walk on a cold, windy day in your kit. Open and close vents, swap the mid layer, see what works.
• Pack every layer even if you don't start in it. REI's point: you can take off a layer you brought, but you can't put on one you left home.

Step by step

The three layers (from REI)

1. Base layer: moves sweat off your skin. In cool or cold weather, wicking long underwear keeps skin dry, which REI says helps keep you from getting chilled. Synthetics (polyester, nylon) and natural fibers (merino wool, silk) all work. Skip cotton in the cold; REI notes it soaks up water and can chill you.
2. Mid layer: holds your body heat.
   • Fleece stays warm when damp, dries fast, and breathes, but wind blows through it, so bring a shell.
   • Down is the warmest for its weight and packs small, but loses warmth when damp.
   • Synthetic insulation keeps insulating when damp. A good pick for wet weather.
3. Outer layer (shell): blocks wind, rain, and snow. REI says if wind and water get through to your inner layers, you can get seriously chilled. Waterproof-breathable shells are best for real storms; water-resistant ones suit drizzle and hard work.

Putting it to work

1. Take a layer off when you heat up and put one on when you cool down: REI's "thermostat" idea.
2. Keep the base layer dry. REI says dry skin helps keep you from getting chilled.
3. Add a layer at every rest stop. REI notes many people do this to avoid getting chilled.
4. Shell on when the wind picks up or the first drops fall.
5. Head, hands, feet: pack the knit hat, gloves, and wool-blend socks on our list.

Example (REI's cold-weather half-day hike)

Midweight polyester long underwear top and bottom, a synthetic-insulated jacket, midweight fleece pants, and waterproof-breathable rain jacket and pants. Adjust for how warm you run and how hard you're working.

Know the cold-weather warning signs

Ready.gov lists:

• Frostbite: numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin, often on the face, fingers, and toes.
• Hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. Ready.gov says a body temperature below 95°F is an emergency.

If you see these, get the person somewhere warm and dry and call for help. Ready.gov's winter weather page has its basic steps.

Common mistakes

• Cotton jeans and hoodie for a cold, wet day.
• Not shedding a layer when you heat up (REI's thermostat rule).
• Leaving the shell in the truck because the sky looked clear.
• Fleece alone in the wind. It needs a shell over it.
• Forgetting sun protection. A sun hat or bandana is on the list; see our sun-and-bug guide when it's out.

Care & storage

• Follow each garment's care label. Waterproof shells usually have specific washing directions; check the maker's.
• Store layers clean and dry in the go-bag or a labeled bin.
• Swap the bag's layers for the season (summer and winter) if your kit stays packed.

Related gear

• Layer 1: base layer · Layer 2: warm mid layer · Layer 3: rain jacket and rain pants
• Rain poncho · Knit hat and gloves · Wool-blend socks · Hiking boots or sturdy shoes · Sun hat or bandana
• See also: Winter Car Kit · Tent and Sleep System
• Category: Clothing · Role: Scout

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