Winter hiking requires a few thermal precautions. If you're cold, not only will your comfort and enjoyment suffer, but your performance will decline too. For your muscles and body to function at optimal output, they need to be in a comfort zone. That's why it's essential to dress properly before heading out to exercise in winter. The 3-layer system remains unbeatable for this, and it guarantees you'll stay warm whatever the temperature!
To protect legs when temperatures are at their lowest, it is possible to kit out with the seamless thermal bamboo and silk leggings Strategic Pant 3 H, which delivers an unmatched sensation of warmth and comfort. With a seamless design, it fits like a second skin. The silk blended with the fibres creates an immediate sense of well-being and insulates effectively!
On the winter trousers, it will be possible to opt for this Intrepide Warm trousers which has a modern, clean-cut look, is versatile and warm thanks to its 3D-Flex+ 260g weave. It also features a DWR waterproof and stain-resistant treatment.
It can be worn from autumn through to spring, delivering superior comfort and stretch — highly appreciated during hiking when the thermometer dips a little.
Finally, it's an easy-care garment that doesn't crease and dries quickly. All in all, it offers an excellent value for money that makes it an essential piece when looking for a pair of warm winter trousers!
The advantage of the 3-layer system is that it is of course adaptable. It allows you to set off well covered and remove a layer as the temperature rises throughout your activity. And at the end of your session, when your body is at rest, you can put the removed garment back on to avoid getting cold.
Furthermore, this system also eliminates the bulk (and inefficiency) of a single garment. Current synthetic membrane manufacturing techniques make it possible to create thin, lightweight garments. They are therefore easily layered and rarely uncomfortable to wear on top of one another. This allows you to keep moving while staying warm, without losing freedom of movement or feeling constricted in an overly thick garment.
The 3-layer system: effective protection
The 3-layer system is recommended for many outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers. This endurance activity requires good thermal protection for optimal muscle performance. With this technique, athletes can dress with a minimum of clothing for maximum efficiency. These 3 layers are more than enough to guarantee the necessary comfort, regardless of the ambient temperature and weather conditions encountered.The first layer
The first layer is the one in direct contact with the skin. The role of this base element is of the utmost importance, as it serves to keep the skin dry. The hiker will not feel the cold, whether it is windy, snowing or raining during the activity. This first layer must therefore have a good level of breathability to allow moisture to be wicked away, preventing the athlete from experiencing dampness caused by perspiration — dampness that can turn into an intense sensation of cold within just a few minutes. For this first base layer, the technology behind new types of garments using innovative materials has been a major step forward in offering high-quality thermal base layers. Short and long base layers are available, made from merino wool or synthetic fibre. A cotton first layer is strongly discouraged, as it absorbs moisture and dries too slowly, exposing the athlete to a genuine risk of chilling. For the upper body, one can therefore choose a thermal base layer such as the warm technical crew-neck base layer Warm Top 3F with a flattering feminine cut, delivering excellent thermal insulation and optimal moisture transfer for all your activities in low temperatures. This technical base layer features an antibacterial treatment to limit odours and bacteria.
To protect legs when temperatures are at their lowest, it is possible to kit out with the seamless thermal bamboo and silk leggings Strategic Pant 3 H, which delivers an unmatched sensation of warmth and comfort. With a seamless design, it fits like a second skin. The silk blended with the fibres creates an immediate sense of well-being and insulates effectively!
The second layer
The second layer, which can be considered an intermediate layer. It sits on top of the base layer and beneath the third layer. Its essential role is to insulate body heat, preventing the warm air generated by the body from escaping out of the clothing. This second layer is generally made from synthetic fibres, such as those found in fleece garments, or from down (as used in certain down jackets, for example). The advantage of fleece garments is that they protect against the cold even in wet conditions. They transfer moisture towards the outer layer and also dry more quickly than garments made from natural or synthetic down. It will therefore be possible to choose a mid-layer fleece which is more breathable than a heavy fleece yet warmer than a lightweight fleece, is the most versatile of the three. It can be worn as an outer layer when temperatures are mild, just as easily as it can be slipped on as a mid-layer when conditions are at their coldest.
The third layer
The final layer is a protective layer. It is in direct contact with the elements and its function is to shield athletes from moisture and wind. It also helps to wick away perspiration. This layer must therefore be above all waterproof, yet breathable at the same time. Today there are many garments featuring waterproof and breathable membranes. These new materials prevent hikers and athletes from experiencing a sauna effect during exertion and sudden chilling when they stop. Choose effective softshell or ULTRASHELL jackets to get a garment capable of protecting against external moisture and wind while evacuating moisture from within. Choosing an outer layer will lead the hiker to opt for a Dynamic hooded softshell jacket (Men's) for example. This is a benchmark jacket, combining the finest fabrics with CimAlp craftsmanship. This jacket from the "EXPEDITION SERIES" range offers flawless comfort with its 3 layers: an inner fleece fabric for thermal insulation, a waterproof-breathable membrane, and an ultra-resistant stretch fabric on the outer face. With 2 side ventilation openings, 2 large pockets, adjustable Velcro cuffs, inner protective gloves, a zip-removable hood and a waist drawcord, this modern softshell jacket packs in the details and features that firmly place it in the must-have category. Finally, its waterproof-breathable membrane — rated to 10,000 mm water column and with a real breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24h — guarantees comfort in all conditions. Weighing just 810g in size M, it's the ideal hiking companion across all regions and should make you forget autumn's chill altogether!
On the winter trousers, it will be possible to opt for this Intrepide Warm trousers which has a modern, clean-cut look, is versatile and warm thanks to its 3D-Flex+ 260g weave. It also features a DWR waterproof and stain-resistant treatment.
It can be worn from autumn through to spring, delivering superior comfort and stretch — highly appreciated during hiking when the thermometer dips a little.
Finally, it's an easy-care garment that doesn't crease and dries quickly. All in all, it offers an excellent value for money that makes it an essential piece when looking for a pair of warm winter trousers!
The advantage of the 3-layer system is that it is of course adaptable. It allows you to set off well covered and remove a layer as the temperature rises throughout your activity. And at the end of your session, when your body is at rest, you can put the removed garment back on to avoid getting cold.
Furthermore, this system also eliminates the bulk (and inefficiency) of a single garment. Current synthetic membrane manufacturing techniques make it possible to create thin, lightweight garments. They are therefore easily layered and rarely uncomfortable to wear on top of one another. This allows you to keep moving while staying warm, without losing freedom of movement or feeling constricted in an overly thick garment.
