What's involved:

BASE LAYERS & INSULATION

OUTER LAYERS

ACCESORIES & SEASONAL EXTRAS

Base Layers & Insulation

What to look for:

Base layers and insulation are all about temperature control.

1 - Material:

Merino wool offers warmth, breathability, and odour resistance. Synthetic layers dry faster and are usually more budget-friendly

2 - Weight & Warmth:

Lightweight layers suit active hikes, while mid-weight or insulated layers are better for cold conditions or slower-paced walks.

3 - Moisture Management:

Good base layers wick sweat away from your skin, preventing chills when you stop moving.

4 - Fit:

Base layers should sit close to the body without restricting movement. Insulated layers should allow room for layering underneath.

Outerwear:

What to look for:

1 - Waterproofing

look for jackets and trousers with a proper waterproof rating (ideally 10,000mm or higher). Fully taped seams are essential to stop water leaking

2 - Breathability

If outerwear doesn't breathe well, sweat builds up quickly, leaving you damp and cold. Fabrics like GORE-TEX or similar waterproof-breathable membranes help moisture escape.

3 - Wind Protection

Even on dry days, wind can strip away body heat fast. Windproof layers help regulate temperature on exposed ridges, summits, and coastal paths.

4 - Weight & Packability

Lightweight, packable shells are ideal for changeable weather. Even if you don't wear them the whole hike.

5 - Layering Compatibility

Your outer layer should fit comfortably over base layers and insulation without feeling tight.

ACCESSORIES & SEASONAL EXTRAS

What to look for:

Accessories help you fine-tune your clothing system and adapt to different weather, terrain, and seasons. While they're often small items, they can make a big different to comfort,

1 - Warmth vs Breathability

Accessories should keep you warm without causing overheating when you're moving

2 - Weather Resistance

Waterproof or windproof materials are especially important for gloves and hats.

3 - Packability

Items should be easy to store in your pack when not in use.

4 - Seasonal Use

Some accessories are essential in winter, while others are useful year-round,

Check out the other gear guides here:

Built with systeme.io