As winter and cold arrive, we will explain why this method is so effective at protecting you from the cold during your outdoor activities in winter. It will help you dress optimally and adapt to all conditions.
How the 3-layer system works
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The 1st layer
The base layer is designed to keep your skin dry and prevent the sensation of cold. That is why this layer must be breathable — meaning it must wick away your perspiration. Avoid cotton and opt for technical base layers or merino wool. Also think about the fit of this garment. For perspiration to be effectively wicked away, the fabric must be in contact with your skin. Choose a close-fitting cut. Depending on climatic conditions, you can adjust your base layer by opting for a long- or short-sleeved model.
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The 2nd layer
The second layer, or mid layer, serves to insulate the body from the cold — that is, to retain as much of your body heat as possible. It is advisable to use garments with synthetic fibres (fleece) or down (lightweight down jackets). Synthetic fleece garments are by far the most widely used. They have the advantage of protecting against the cold even when wet, of transferring moisture and drying more quickly compared to down garments. Down, on the other hand, insulates far better for the same weight. For this second layer, prioritise a layer that wicks moisture effectively, dries quickly and retains its insulating properties even when wet during activity.
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The 3rd layer
The outer layer, in contact with the elements, must protect you against the weather. Waterproof and windproof, it completes your outfit and shields your body from the elements — rain, snow, wind — while still wicking away your perspiration. In the category of third layers you will find Gore-Tex® or hardshell jackets, which are waterproof and breathable. To make your choice, we recommend paying attention to two indicators: the waterproof rating and the breathability rating.
The waterproof rating, also known as the Schmerber rating, corresponds to the level of water resistance of your garment's fabric. A garment rated above 20,000 mm is considered fully waterproof.
The breathability rating is measured in MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) or RET (Resistance Evaporative Transfer). It corresponds to the quantity of water in vapour form that the fabric is capable of letting through. The more breathable your jacket's membrane, the better it will perform during outdoor activities and the more effectively it will let perspiration escape.
How to adapt the 3-layer system?
In certain situations, you may use more or fewer than 3 layers. That said, always respect the order of the layers. On a single outing, conditions or your needs may change (during a break, a shift in weather, at high altitude). Think about adjusting your layers in response to these changes and anticipate them by packing what you need in your bag.
Now that you know the 3-layer system, you can hit the slopes fully equipped and perfectly protected from the cold!
