Cold Weather Layering Isn't This Simple... is it?

In this video, I take you through the principles of my layering system, the layering I use for cold weather and some of the biggest mistakes people make when layering in winter.

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[marcohanig]

One of the best bits of layering advice I got is about outer shells. If you're hiking and comfortable in your base+mid layers, and you have to put on the outer shell because of rain, make sure to remove the mid-layer or you will overheat. Amazing how well a base layer + outer shell can work when you're active.

[ReeferCheifer]

Merino wool base layering has changed my life.

[tovubek]

A key point is that air pockets between layers are really important for staying warm when sitting still. The warm midlayer should not fit tight into the base layer. It allows for a better barrier between the heat your body are generating. You wannna percerve every little amount of heat when not moving.

[thomasrobertfitness]

I went for hiking yesterday in Switzerland and I was wearing a cotton t-shirt, a pullover, also made from cotton and I had a 550 Nortface jacket on. The trail was consider as moderate however I was drenched end the end of it. Literally full wet. It was cold and snowy however I was sweating like hell. If I opened my jacket I felt the wind, if I zipped it, I was hot. I literally have no idea how to go on a hike 😂

[MarkoCoomo]

Great vid! As a Brit, my waterproofs live at the top of my pack, not the bottom! 😉

[DJunclepaulnd]

Well done. You are the only outdoor/camping YouTuber to mention live plucking of down. So many people promoting cheap Chinese bags/quilts. And even the certified stuff is not really trustworthy. Farms only checked once a year with it being an arranged visit. I bought a cumulus quilt, I trust the poles more and it's a smaller industry.
More needs to be done to raise this awareness

[daphne]

Norwegian wool sweaters are awesome for winter activities 🤗 It’s used often while cross country skiing 😝 You only need a waterproof layer over it if it is actively snowing but otherwise the sweater over a base layer is plenty warm enough 🤗

[daenerystargaryen]

Thank you for caring about animals and mentioning cruel practices. ❤️
Since I don't buy animal products and am an active caver/climber, I found it quite hard to find quality products that will keep me dry and warm. But there are more and more new materials that very successfully mimic down and real skin, and thrifting and buying second hand is also great, not just for the animals but also the environment.

[joel.wuestehube]

Comon Chase be real with us, you didn't get the Salewa mid because it was cheap. You got it because it's the most banging mountain drip 🔥🔥🔥 nice video ❤️

[YouTubeLate]

This video changed the way I see the clothes in my wardrobe. Now not everything is a “layer” and merino wool has became a staple. Thank you! 👍

[donniebel]

If you are one who sweats a lot, like me, then look into Brenje fishnet base layer. I’ve found nothing that moves moisture better. It all I need down to freezing temps under a synthetic sun type shirt when backpacking. I soak straight Merino and once saturated it takes forever to dry out Merino synthetic blends are better option for me but not nearly as good as the Brenje. I also find Alpaca to be much better choice for me over Merino- has many of the same qualities but holds much less moisture and breathes better. If it’s a bit under freezing, wear alpaca hoodie with above layers. If it’s windy, a light weight shirt as a wind layer works great to slow the wind down. Alpaca is surprisingly warm- they claim the fibers are semi hollow. The downside is alpaca and Brenje is quite expensive but if your like me and need max moisture movement fabrics then it’s worth it to be comfortable.

[WillieStephenson]

That vintage mid-layer fleece is incredible

[lochlainnmaguire]

I heard a good saying in regards to outdoor clothing which helps alot when helping customers in a outdoor store, "Cotton kills" it retains moisture really good and if it gets wet you lose 85% of your heat.

[andrewbollard]

Chase, great video as always. I think it's particularly important to make the point that you can get away with a cheap or second-hand mid layer and saving your money for a better base or outer layer is the way to go. There's lots of places in the world where the climate has lots of rain throughout the year but it's not necessarily so cold that you'd require a mid layer when hiking or climbing, and so investing in both a quality base layer to wick sweat away and a quality outer layer that is reasonably balanced between breathability and waterproofing is really vital to enjoying the mountains whether you're in a hot or cold climate.

[macmurfyjka]

The only additional information I would add is the poly-wool blends are often harder wearing and easier to wash than pure wool base layers. They really tend to be the best of both worlds.

The other is that fashion sweaters like the fine thin Marino wool and cashmere sweaters meant to be used in more formal attire are some of the best thin mid layers a person can buy if they are being active. When I cycle commuted for school that was usually all I would wear between my outer and base layer and that was down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit ( -10 degrees Celsius). Sometimes it rained enough to soak through everything and even at 25 degrees F (-4degrees C) they tended to comfy.

They are low bulk, and super breathable and the Cashmere is very warm for its weight. AND it’s soft. AAND AND They are also pretty easy to find second hand.

(Warning, apparently the Cashmere sweaters may have issues with durability as the fiber can be brittle. One could ware holes in the clothing using it for hiking.) Edit made for information. See comments below.

[Unitedstatesian]

Many years ago I added a thin vest/windbreaker to the mix (the kind made for runners without arms and with breathable backs to compensate for the backpack). This is a game-changer. While active, it is often all I need over my base layer and leads to a less sweaty back and chest.
It is also suitable as a light mid-layer while wearing an outer shell and a base layer. They are usually relatively cheap, lightweight and versatile.

[Talis]

The best hiking gear and guides channel there is. No question, best of all of youtube mate.

[Jonny]

Watching this from my London flat preparing for winter 2022.

[anitasyvalahti]

Merino wool is my favorite. It´s cold in the Scandinavia countries in winter. Great video, thanks Chase.

[bruce-le-smith]

good stuff, love wool base layers. I grew up in Manitoba and would cross-country ski in the winter at -20 to -30 plus windchill. cotton is definitely the worst. also love the simple 3 layer system: wool base, zippable mid, and wind-breaking outer.