Layering Clothes: How to Layer Clothes to Stay Warm and Dry

Layering clothes is an essential concept for preparedness. Whether it be just a casual hike, bugging out, or dealing with any other SHTF scenario, the ability to layer clothes on your body can make or break your success.

Let's categorize our layers into three groups; wicking (inner layers), warmth (middle layers), and weather (outer layer). The 3 Ws allow us to layer clothes and approach our everyday activities and the ambient conditions and set ourselves up for success.

First, we'll define the layers, then discuss their practical usage together. Now, read on to learn more about how to layer clothes.

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1. Wicking Layer (Inner Layers)

Our wicking layer (base layer) is what's next to our skin. Generally speaking, the primary goal of the base layer is to dissipate moisture (sweat) from our body and make evaporation happen easier.

A base layer can be very thin and lightweight for hot conditions or have more insulating properties for cooler or downright cold weather. And, for purposes of this article, base layers do not include your favorite pair of skinny jeans.

The base layer is usually a synthetic or natural fabric like merino wool. Synthetics usually wick better but often stink more when a person sweats. Merino wool has the benefit of insulating even when wet and is naturally anti-microbial.

As a general rule, I would try to stay away from cotton. While comfortable, it doesn't wick exceptionally well and doesn't insulate when wet. More on synthetic versus natural insulation later.

Wicking Layers Options:

Hooded synthetic  lightweight base layer

Merino wool base layer products

2. Warmth Layer (Middle Layers)

Our second "W" is warmth. This layer's primary purpose is to keep us insulated. While this layer may be overlooked in warm climates, I recommend having some kind of warmth layer on hand. If you're forced to be in a static position after dark, after sweating, an insulating layer may keep you comfortable and maybe even prevent hypothermia.

A warmth layer is usually fleece (synthetic) or a puffy downy layer. You may wear both if you find yourself in a frigid environment. Fleece layers, especially gridded fleece, tend to assist in evaporation with the wicking layer. The puffy down layers can't be beat for a warmth-to-weight ratio, but traditional down layers fail quickly when they get wet. Some newer treated down layers are better but still not ideal in very wet environments.

Warmth Layer Options:

Here are a couple of examples of warmth layers. These layers can be combined for added warmth if the situation requires it.

Synthetic fleece mid-layer

Down Jacket

3. Weather (Outer Layer)

The last "W" is for weather. Nothing ruins your day like being soaked to the bone and a cold wind whipping through you. Worse than a bad day, being wet and cold with a wind can kill you. Many people think hypothermia only sets in with temperatures near freezing, but it can set in with temperatures in the 50-60 degree range.

The primary job of the outer layer is to keep external weather conditions off of you. A water and windproof outer layer can be thin, breathable, lightweight, or heavy-duty depending on your activity level, outside conditions, and budget. The old adage about outer layers is that you can have it lightweight, breathable, or cheap; you can have any 2, but not all three.

Weather Layer Options:

Here are good choices for reasonably inexpensive outer shell tops and bottoms that will keep the rain and wind off you without being too bulky.