| Outdoor clothing can be rather intimidating | | | | of walking shirts, fleece jackets, or walking |
| especially if you're just trying out hiking or | | | | trousers or shorts. You should also have headgear |
| backpacking as a hobby. Hiking enthusiasts | | | | that will keep you from losing body heat through |
| recommend that you should be prepared with | | | | the head. It also protects your face and head |
| your outdoor clothing because weather could be | | | | from the sun. |
| unpredictable. To make sure that hikers are | | | | Weatherproof Outer Layer |
| protected from the harsh elements, the principle | | | | The weatherproof outer layer is essential |
| of layering was invented. Here we explain the | | | | especially if you're thinking of hiking or trekking for |
| basics of the layering principle which will prepare | | | | extended periods of time. The outer layer serves |
| you for any weather. | | | | as your protection from the weather. You must |
| The Layering Principle | | | | wear your outer layer to shelter you from the |
| The layering principle is customisable according to | | | | wind, heat, or other elements. |
| your insulation needs. Since not all people are | | | | Outdoor enthusiasts often have to look for the |
| created equal in terms of body size, temperature, | | | | perfect combination of breathability and ability to |
| and fitness, perfecting your layering technique | | | | repel water in their clothing. Waterproof fabrics |
| may require several tries. However, a balance | | | | are not the most breathable fabrics in the |
| between keeping you warm and dry while allowing | | | | universe, but they do make a good job of helping |
| air to circulate must be met. | | | | you stay dry. If you want something that's more |
| Base Layer | | | | breathable, another option is water-resistant |
| Since it is the closest to your body, the base | | | | outdoor clothing that will provide protection from |
| layer's main aim is to keep moisture away from | | | | the wind, but not the rain. |
| your body while maintaining an even body | | | | If you choose waterproof jackets or trousers, |
| temperature. The base layer consists of your | | | | always remember that these fabrics do not allow |
| underwear. Lightweight fabrics that allow for | | | | for your perspiration to evaporate. Because of |
| moisture wicking without being abrasive are the | | | | this, you must keep your physical activity to a |
| best. Some recommend polyester, wool, or silk | | | | minimum to avoid being drenched with sweat |
| depending on your comfort levels. Your decision | | | | inside. You may also choose wearing a rain poncho |
| on your base layers must rest on where you plan | | | | which protects you from the rain and could be |
| to hike and the kind of weather that you're | | | | stored in your backpack until you need it. |
| expecting. | | | | Now that you know about the three layers of |
| Insulation Layer | | | | outdoor clothing, you'll be more prepared to face |
| Like the base layer, the insulation layer also keeps | | | | whatever the outdoors have in store for you. |
| you warm while keeping the moisture away from | | | | Making sure that you have the base layer, |
| your body. Depending on the location of your | | | | insulation layer, and weather-proof outer layer will |
| outdoor activity, you may have only one or more | | | | prepare you for any eventuality, be it a storm or |
| insulation layers. The insulation layer is composed | | | | the wind. |