Practising outdoor sports in winter calls for a few thermal precautions. If you're cold, not only will you be less comfortable and enjoy it less, but your performance will also suffer. For your muscles and body to function at peak efficiency, they need to be in a comfort zone. That's why it's essential to dress correctly before heading out to exercise in winter. The 3-layer technique is unbeatable for this — it guarantees you'll stay warm whatever the temperature!
The base layer is the one in direct contact with the skin. This foundational element plays a crucial role in keeping the skin dry. The hiker won't feel the cold, whether it's windy, snowing or raining during the activity.
This base layer must therefore have a good level of breathability to allow perspiration to escape and prevent the athlete from feeling clammy from sweat — a clamminess that can turn into a sharp sensation of cold within just a few minutes.
For this base layer, the development of new types of garments using innovative materials has been a major leap forward in offering thermal base layers of high quality. You'll find short or long base layers made from merino wool or synthetic fibre. A cotton base layer is strongly discouraged, as it absorbs moisture and dries too slowly, exposing the athlete to a genuine risk of getting cold.
The outer layer is a protective layer. It is in direct contact with the elements, and its job is to shield athletes from moisture and wind.
It also plays a role in drawing perspiration away. This layer must therefore be waterproof above all, 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 exercise and a sudden chill when they stop.
Choose effective softshell or ultrashell jackets to get a garment capable of protecting against external moisture and wind, while expelling internal moisture. The best ones have taped seams and display breathability ratings 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 sports in winter without risk of exposure to wind, cold rain, or even snow.
The beauty of the 3-layer system is, of course, that it's adaptable. It lets you head out well covered and remove a layer as the temperature rises throughout your session. And at the end of your activity, when your body is at rest, you can put the layer back on so you don't get cold.
Finally, this system also avoids the bulk (and inefficiency) of a single garment. Current manufacturing techniques for synthetic membranes make it possible to create thin, lightweight garments. They are therefore easy to layer and rarely uncomfortable to wear on top of one another — allowing you to stay warm and mobile without feeling restricted by excessive bulk.
The 3-layer system: effective protection
The 3-layer system is recommended for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts — from hiking and trail to running and cycling. These endurance activities require solid thermal protection for optimal muscle energy output. With this technique, athletes can dress with a minimum of garments for maximum efficiency. These 3 layers are more than enough to ensure the necessary comfort, whatever the ambient temperature and atmospheric conditions.
The base layer
The base layer is the one in direct contact with the skin. This foundational element plays a crucial role in keeping the skin dry. The hiker won't feel the cold, whether it's windy, snowing or raining during the activity.
This base layer must therefore have a good level of breathability to allow perspiration to escape and prevent the athlete from feeling clammy from sweat — a clamminess that can turn into a sharp sensation of cold within just a few minutes.
For this base layer, the development of new types of garments using innovative materials has been a major leap forward in offering thermal base layers of high quality. You'll find short or long base layers made from merino wool or synthetic fibre. A cotton base layer is strongly discouraged, as it absorbs moisture and dries too slowly, exposing the athlete to a genuine risk of getting cold.
The mid layer
The mid layer can be considered an intermediate layer. It sits over the base layer and under the third layer. Its essential role is to trap body heat by 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 layers, or with down (for certain down jackets, for example).
The third layer
