Our technical layering system is a tried and tested method of how to dress for adventures in the great outdoors. From hitting bike trails and trekking coastal tracks to your daily commute, explore our guide to layering and create your own controlled comfort in all conditions.
3-Step Layering For Comfort In All Conditions
12.11.25
3 min read
Written by Danny Burrows
Photography by Abbi Hughes & Jack Johns
What is a layering system?
A layering system is way of dressing that both beats the cold and the heat of intense activity. Its components are a base layer, thermal layer and outer layer, each of which can be put on or taken off to create the perfect personal climate, both on and off the trails.
1) Base Layer - For Comfort
Your base layer is the one closest to your skin. It should be warm, breathable and moisture wicking to conduct perspiration away from body and prevent chilling. Although synthetic technical materials perform these tasks well, Merino wool is a natural, lightweight and ultra soft alternative, with the additional benefits of temperature regulation in all conditions and with natural resistance to odours.
Explore our merino Base Layer collection, including long and short sleeve t-shirts, long johns, boxers, neck and wrist warmers, all designed for unrestricted warmth and comfort for an active lifestyle.
Shop Men's Base Layers
Shop Women's Base Layers
2) Mid Layer - For Warmth
The mid layer is worn over the base layer and provides extra warmth when the chill of winter bites hardest. Like the base layer it is warming, breathable and moisture wicking and can be worn as an outer layer in dry conditions or when you need to shed a layer when you are seriously pushing it.
Our mid-layers, range from woollen jumpers and recycled polyester and wool fleeces, to our bestselling Nimbus Jacket, stuffed with REPREVE® insulation sourced from ocean-bound plastic waste and an outer shell made from NetPlus® recycled fishing net fabric – responsibly made outerwear for serious adventuring.
Shop Men's Fleece
Shop Women's Fleece
Shop Men's Insulated Jackets
Shop Women's Insulated Jackets
3) Outer Layer - For Waterproof Protection
This is the ingredient of the layering system that cuts out the worst of the wild weather. It is waterproof (be sure to check the fabric rating), windproof and breathable. In combination with the base and mid-layer it can just be a technical shell, often with taped seams for added resistance to rain and snow, but can also be insulated for added warmth, so you can do away with the mid-layer.
The Stormbird, which is lightweight and packable, is our most technical waterproof outer jacket, engineered to keep you dry in the heaviest downpours and winter storms. While the Vellus Parka, boasts down-free recycled insulation, a warm fleec-lined hood and the highest waterproof rating in our range – you could go out wave hunting in the depths of winter with only a t-shirt underneath it and still feel invincible.
Shop Men's Waterproof Jackets
Shop Women's Waterproof Jackets
So, whether you are gearing up for a serious hike or just blazing your regular beat to work layer up and take control of your own personal climate on the go!
Share
