How to dress for the mountains? S'portofino guide

Dressing in layers - the basis of every mountain expedition

Dressing in layers allows thermal insulation to be graded and quickly modified by removing or adding layers. The individual layers have different functions. In the following article, you will learn what each is responsible for and how a typical mountain layering should be put together.

Base layer - the base of your comfort

The first layer of clothing in the mountains, the one that is closest to the body, is the so-called base layer or baselayer. The best choice here would be thermal underwear. It fulfils several functions:

• warms you up when it's cold;
• to keep you warm when you perspire;
• it allows you to move freely thanks to its perfect fit.

Thermal underwear can be made in a variety of materials and thicknesses. This means you can find something for all weathers. Thermal underwear for summer should be thinner and more vapour-permeable. For winter expeditions, it is advisable to have thicker thermal underwear that warms up harder, such as those made from merino wool.

Want to know more? Go to our guide on how to choose the right thermal underwear.

Insulating layer - keep warm in all conditions

The second layer is designed to keep you warm. It is called the insulating layer or intermediate layer. It is slightly looser than thermal underwear. This allows heated air to build up between the first and second layers.

You can skip this layer in summer, but keep it on hand in case the weather suddenly changes. The thickness and thermal insulation should be adapted to the conditions. An intermediate layer that is too warm can make you overheat.

You can use a jumper, sweatshirt, waistcoat, turtleneck, longsleeve, thin softshell or even a down jacket as an insulating layer if it is very cold.

Materials that work well worn over thermal underwear are primarily fleece and blends of various synthetics. They are designed to provide thermal insulation while also wicking away excess moisture vapour. Clothing designed to be worn as an intermediate layer has a good balance between thermal insulation and vapour permeability. So you don't need to worry - in layered clothing, your skin breathes freely.

In what circumstances and weather conditions will a particular insulation layer work?

• Fleece is advisable when the weather conditions are unstable and you have an active day planned. Fleece garments keep you warm well, but are not windproof, so it is worth taking extra care to protect you from cold gusts.
• Fleece - this is also fleece and can be used in the same way. What distinguishes this type of material is the smooth outer surface. The centre remains soft and fluffy.
• Lightweight down jackets and waistcoats work well when your activity level is moderate or low and it is cold and dry outside.
• Wool jumpers provide excellent thermoregulation, but are not wind or waterproof. They require an extra layer of protection.
• Softshells - here you have a wide range of garments with varying degrees of thermal insulation and waterproofness. Softshells can be either an intermediate layer or a final layer, depending on the weather. Models with a membrane will resist rain, snow and wind.

Outer layer - protection from the elements

The last layer of clothing in the mountains is designed to protect the other layers of clothing from getting wet and blowing warm air. It also reinforces the thermal insulation, creating another space where it can collect.

What the last layer of your outfit for the mountains will be depends on the conditions. If it's relatively warm and occasionally lightly raining, you can settle for a softshell with a membrane. However, if it is raining heavily, windy and very cold, you need more effective protection. This can be provided by a hardshell, i.e. a jacket that is completely water- and windproof.

A good hardshell should protect against water, wind and heat loss, but it cannot be completely airtight, as this would lead to overheating. This is why jackets of this type are equipped with ventilation holes, for example under the arms. It is also important that it restricts movement as little as possible. In terms of wearing comfort, softshell is definitely superior.

What’s better: hardshell or softshell? See the comparison of outdoor jackets

Mountain top clothing has what is known as a membrane. This is a fabric that is water- and windproof, but allows water vapour to pass through when the body sweats. This keeps you warm and dry in outdoor clothing, while allowing you to do fast walking, climbing and enjoy other activities without fear of sweating or overheating. In the mountains, where conditions can change in the blink of an eye, the membrane allows you to walk the entire route without having to change into dry or more breathable clothing.

Accessories that make a difference - hat, gloves, infinity scarf

Hands and face are more prone to getting affected by wet, freezing and icy winds because they cannot be protected by so many layers of material. However, there are ways to keep your hands and face warm and your eyes protected.

When putting together your clothing for the mountains, don't overlook these extras:

• Beanie - protect your particularly sensitive ears and head. In winter, go for models with fleece inside or those made of merino wool. In autumn and spring, thinner single-layer models, which are not as insulating, will suffice.
• Gloves - essential in winter. Pay attention to whether they are waterproof. Like jackets or trousers, they can be fitted with a membrane. For example, you can choose from leather gloves, wool gloves, fleece gloves, plastic gloves, gloves of different lengths, with or without fingers. Modern outdoor gloves can not only provide protection against the cold, but also be a stylish accessory.
• Shawls and infinity scarves- protect the cold-sensitive neck, nape and chin. They can be worn either under or over a jacket. Wool and cashmere are the most popular materials used to make scarves suitable for winter outings. Chimneys have a slightly sportier feel and are generally made from synthetic materials. Both of these accessories are available in a variety of thicknesses, so you can find something for both the middle of a cold winter and spring days.
• Headscarf is a multifunctional accessory that you can adapt to the conditions by wearing it over your face, around your neck or on your head instead of a hat, for example. The headscarf will come in handy in all weathers.
• The balaclava is a combination of beanie, infinity scarf and shawl. It effectively protects the most sensitive parts of the body from getting cold and is recommended for very demanding winter expeditions. The models of balaclavas vary in how much of the face they cover, as well as the material of manufacture. You will find wool and plastic, sporty and casual balaclavas.
• In the mountains, it is a good idea to protect your eyes from the sun - whether it shines directly or is reflected off the snow, but also from precipitation and the particles that can be picked up from the ground by strong winds. Glasses are a stylish gadget that will enhance the comfort of your mountain expeditions.

What to wear in the mountains in summer and what to wear in winter?

You don't have to buy separate sets of mountain clothing for summer and winter. What you wear for summer expeditions will also work for winter trekking - when supplemented with warmer layers and thermal comfort accessories such as gloves.

Already have the fleece, trousers and softshell you used in summer? Great! All you need to do is equip yourself with a hardshell, hat, scarf and gloves. A thicker thermal underwear may come in handy for the coldest days, if yours is typically summer. Before you buy a whole new kit, make sure you can't expand your current one to suit the weather.

This works the other way round too. If you have an outfit for the mountains in winter, it is very likely that, with minor modifications, the kit will also be suitable for summer. For example, all you need to do is wear a softshell instead of a fleece and a softshell and skip the hardshell.

The most common clothing mistakes on mountain trails - avoid these

In putting together your outfit for an outing in the mountains, mistakes can be made that make you less comfortable, too cold or too warm. These mistakes are:

• Too many layers. Too many restrict movement and may not provide sufficient breathability appropriate to the air temperature, humidity and activity level.
• Too few layers. You will be too cold or the outfit will not be adaptable to changing conditions.
• Inappropriate choice of materials. Pay attention to whether the materials are breathable and provide thermal insulation. They should not be too breathable or too tight (except for hardshells). Also avoid highly absorbent fabrics, such as cotton, which will quickly become drenched. It is also a mistake to reach for an unprotected down jacket when it is raining or snowing wet.
• Skipping protective accessories. Do you have all your layers but no hat? This is a mistake that can have serious health consequences. Accessories take up little space and make a huge difference.

Clothing for the mountains - what else is worth bearing in mind?

In order for clothing worn in the mountains to serve you for several seasons even with intensive use, it is worth remembering to wash and care for it correctly. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for each piece of clothing. This is especially important for clothing with a membrane, but also for down jackets or thermal underwear. Handle them gently, avoid high temperatures and fast washing machine drum speeds.

If the garment is impregnated, it will lose its protective properties over time. Repeated impregnation is necessary. Equip yourself with a product that will restore the full functionality of your clothes.

Bottom line - your ideal outfit for a mountain expedition

There is no universal recipe for the perfect mountain outfit for winter or summer. Your choice of clothing depends on where you hike, in what seasons, in what weather, how intensely and how often, and your tolerance for low and high temperatures.

Remember that as you progress and your trekking style changes, your clothing needs may also change. The outfit that suited you two seasons ago will not necessarily be appropriate today. The ideal clothing for the mountains is tailored to your individual current needs.