Practising outdoor sports in winter requires some thermal precautions. If you are cold, not only will you have less comfort and enjoyment, but your performance will also decline. To function at optimal output, your muscles and body need to be in a comfort zone. That is why it is essential to dress properly before heading out to exercise in winter. The 3-layer technique remains unbeatable for this, and it guarantees you stay warm at any temperature!
The first layer is the one in direct contact with the skin. The role of this base element is of great importance as it serves to keep the skin dry. The hiker will not feel the cold, whether it is windy, snowy or rainy during the activity.
This first layer must therefore have a good level of breathability in order to allow perspiration to be wicked away and thus prevent the athlete from experiencing dampness due to sweating. This dampness can turn into a heightened sensation of cold within a few minutes.
For this first base layer, the technology of new types of garments with innovative materials has been a major step forward in offering thermal base layers of excellent quality. You can find short and long base layers made from merino wool or synthetic fibre. A cotton base layer is strongly discouraged, as it will absorb moisture and dry too slowly, exposing the athlete to a real risk of getting cold.
The outer layer is a protective layer. It is in direct contact with the elements and its function is to protect athletes against moisture and wind.
It also helps to wick away perspiration. This layer must therefore be primarily waterproof, yet breathable at the same time.
Today there are many garments with waterproof and breathable membranes. These new materials prevent hikers and athletes from experiencing a sauna effect during exertion and sudden chills when stopping.
Choose effective softshell or ultrashell jackets to get a garment capable of protecting against external moisture and wind while wicking away moisture from the inside. The best ones have taped seams and display breathability values of 80,000 MVP, and a waterproofness rating of 20,000 mm. These figures demonstrate total protection and the assurance of being able to practise outdoor sport in winter without risking exposure to wind, cold rain, or even snow.
The advantage of the 3-layer system is that it is of course adaptable. It allows you to set out well covered and remove a layer as the temperature changes throughout your session. And at the end of the activity, when your body is at rest, you can put the removed garment back on so you don't get cold.
Finally, this system also avoids the bulk (and inefficiency) of a single garment. Current synthetic membrane manufacturing techniques make it possible to design thin and lightweight garments. They are therefore easy to layer and rarely uncomfortable to wear on top of one another. They allow you to move freely while staying warm, without losing ease of movement or feeling restricted in a garment that is too thick.
The 3-layer system: effective protection
The 3-layer system is recommended for many outdoor activity enthusiasts, such as hiking, trail, running and cycling. These endurance activities require good thermal protection for optimal muscle energy output. Using this technique, athletes can dress with a minimum of clothing for maximum efficiency. These 3 layers are more than sufficient to guarantee the necessary comfort, regardless of ambient temperature and weather conditions.
The first layer
The first layer is the one in direct contact with the skin. The role of this base element is of great importance as it serves to keep the skin dry. The hiker will not feel the cold, whether it is windy, snowy or rainy during the activity.
This first layer must therefore have a good level of breathability in order to allow perspiration to be wicked away and thus prevent the athlete from experiencing dampness due to sweating. This dampness can turn into a heightened sensation of cold within a few minutes.
For this first base layer, the technology of new types of garments with innovative materials has been a major step forward in offering thermal base layers of excellent quality. You can find short and long base layers made from merino wool or synthetic fibre. A cotton base layer is strongly discouraged, as it will absorb moisture and dry too slowly, exposing the athlete to a real risk of getting cold.
The second layer
The second layer can be considered a mid layer. It sits over the base layer and under the third layer. Its essential role is to insulate body heat by preventing the air warmed by the body from escaping out of the clothing. This mid layer is generally made from synthetic fibres, as found in fleece jackets, or with down (for certain down jackets, for example).
The third layer
