You may have heard people talking about the “layering system”, but what is it? Well, this guide is here to help give you an idea about how to keep your body comfortable whatever the weather brings.

• Background to the Layering System
• What to wear...

Background to the Layering System

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The 'Three-Layer System' is the accepted layering system for those who want to GO Outdoors.  It consists of a Baselayer, a Mid layer and an Outer layer to keep you comfortable come rain or shine.  The 'three-layers' are explained below, giving you the correct choice of clothing for the weather conditions outside.

Baselayer

The base layer is worn next to the skin for maximum wicking of sweat and to keep your body heat as regulated as possible.  This layer must be protected from the elements as it can get damp and be responsible for causing colds and at the very worst, hypothermia.  

Something to note:  'Wicking' clothes move moisture away from your body, where 'breathable' outerwear allows water vapor to escape out through the fabric. They both are active in keeping you dry but work in entirely different ways.

Insulating Layer

Worn over your baselayer, this traps the heat in and keeps you toasty and warm during your outdoor activity.  This layer should be quite tight to your body allowing minimal air movement for maximum heat retention.   Synthetic fabrics such as polyester fleece are ideal here and can keep you warm even in Arctic conditions, or maybe just warm enough for the walk into town...

Waterproof/Weather Protection Layer

Your outermost layer is designed to keep you comfortable while having the tough job of keeping you safe from the wind, water, and freezing temperatures.

If you don't have the protective outerlayer on, then this could lead to your skin becoming wet and cold.

You need to look for a layer that's waterproof, windproof and something to be breathable enough for your chosen activity so you don't 'steam up' inside your jacket.  

What to wear...

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Here’s a table to help you choose what to wear depending on the conditions outside.

Click on the baselayer, fleece/softshell and waterproof text above each picture to see our huge range of products.

What's the weather like...				What to wear...
		Dry		Baselayer
			=
		Sunny and calm		Keeps you dry from perspiration
	Cold	Dry		Baselayer	Fleece / Softshell
			=
	Low temperatures	Sunny and calm		Keeps you dry from perspiration	Keeps you warm
	Warm	Wet		Baselayer	Waterproof
			=
	Warm Temperatures	Rainy and miserable		Keeps you dry from perspiration	Keeps you dry from the rain and stops the wind
Windy	Cold	Wet		Baselayer	Fleece/ Softshell	Waterproof
			=
Blustery and Gales - reducing Temperature even more	Low Temperatures	Rainy and miserable		Keeps you dry from perspiration	Keeps you warm	Keeps you dry from the rain and stops the wind
Windy	VERY Cold	Wet / Snow		Baselayer	Fleece/ Insulated jacket	Waterproof/ Softshell
			=
Blustery and Gales - reducing Temperature even more	Freezing Temperatures	Snow/Hail or Icy Rain		Keeps you dry from perspiration	Keeps you warm	Keeps you dry from the rain and stops the wind