Ratgeber
The layering principle: dressing in layers for hiking
With the layering principle you wear three layers: a base layer that wicks moisture outwards, a warming middle layer and a windproof and waterproof outer layer. That way you adapt to changing weather by taking layers off or putting them on. Adventure is a Swiss travel agency offering advice by video call.
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Schritt für Schritt
- Choose a base layer made of merino wool or synthetic fibre.
- Add a middle layer, such as fleece or a light down jacket.
- Pack a windproof and waterproof outer layer.
- Start a little cool rather than warm, and take layers off before you sweat.
- Keep dry spare clothing for breaks and the night.
Checkliste
- Base layer, not made of cotton
- Fleece or light insulated jacket
- Rain jacket and waterproof trousers
- Hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Dry socks as a spare
- Clothing for hut and night kept separate
On trekking trips temperature and weather often change within a few hours. If you wear only one thick jacket, you sweat on the climb and freeze at the break. The layering principle solves this problem with several thin layers that can be adjusted individually. This guide explains the layers, the materials and typical mistakes. If you layer correctly, you sweat less and freeze less often, even in changing weather.
Base layer: moisture away from the skin
The first layer lies directly on the skin and should wick sweat outwards. Merino wool and synthetic fibres are suitable, which dry quickly and do not chill you even when wet.
Cotton is unsuitable for trekking, because it stores moisture and stays wet for a long time. That quickly feels cold during breaks.
Merino wool stays odour-free for longer and is therefore suited to multi-day tours. Synthetic fibres often dry faster. Both work if the fit is snug but not constricting. With merino wool, look for a fine quality that itches less. Try it out at home when you first wear it, so that there are no surprises on the tour. Underwear and socks also belong to the base layer. Choose models without coarse seams so that nothing chafes, and wear them several times as a trial before the trip.
Middle layer: storing warmth
The middle layer retains body heat. Fleece is robust and keeps you warm even when damp, light down or synthetic jackets are more compact and warmer for their weight.
Choose the thickness according to destination and season. At great altitude or on cold nights you need more than on summer walks in Slovenia.
A down jacket loses effect when wet. So pack it in a waterproof stuff sack. A thin vest can additionally warm the torso and kidneys without overheating the arms. It is easy to put on and take off and fits into any daypack. A gilet made of down or synthetic fibre is a light addition for cold mornings. It warms the torso and leaves the arms free.
Outer layer: keeping out wind and rain
The outer layer protects against wind and wet. A breathable rain jacket with a hood belongs in the rucksack on every tour, even in good weather. Waterproof trousers make sense in Iceland, in Patagonia and on Kilimanjaro.
Waterproof jackets are not fully breathable. Open the zips under the arms when you sweat, and rather take the jacket off during exertion. Check before the trip whether the rain jacket is watertight, and waterproof it again if needed. A jacket that is too tight can hardly be worn over the middle layer.
Do not forget head, hands and feet
A lot of heat is lost through the head and hands, and both can be put on and taken off quickly. A thin hat and light gloves weigh little and help during breaks and on passes.
In summer you equally need a sun hat, sunglasses and sun protection, especially at altitude. Dry socks as a spare also belong in the small rucksack. Think of a reserve for wet conditions. Dry gloves and socks are worth more on a tour with rain than one more piece of outerwear. Gaiters protect against water and dirt getting in when it is wet and snowy. In Iceland, in Patagonia or on higher routes they are a sensible addition.
Layering in the daily routine of the tour
Take off a layer before the climb, before you begin to sweat, and put one on straight away at breaks. This changing is the core of the principle.
You will find more equipment in the [packing list for trekking](/m/adventure/planen). Discuss your destination with us, so that the clothing suits climate and altitude. Practise changing layers on day walks before the trip. That way you know which combination suits which temperature.
Typical mistakes when layering
A common mistake is starting too warm. If you sweat right at the start, you have wet clothing at the first break and freeze. Rather start slightly cool and let the body warm up.
Cotton as a base layer and clothing that is too tight are also widespread. Tight layers insulate worse, because no air stays between them. Choose fits with a little room.
Changing at breaks is often forgotten. Put on a layer immediately when you stop, and pack it away again after you walk on.
