The 3-layer system

Do you like skiing, hiking, camping, or climbing? Then you want to be dressed appropriately. Among athletes and in the outdoor world, the 3-layer system is often presented as the ultimate solution, but what exactly is this system? What kind of layers should you wear, and what is their purpose? In this blog, we will give you clarity on these questions. With the help of our tips and advice, choosing your outfit for your next activity will become a lot easier.

Contents

• What is the 3-layer system?
• The first layer
• The second layer
• The third layer
• The 3-layer system in summer
• Alternatives to the 3-layer system

The first layer - base layer

The base layer, also known as the "first layer", ensures the wicking of perspiration and thereby keeps your skin dry and warm. A good base layer is of vital importance during the colder period of the year, when it is wet and cold, or when you venture into the mountains.

During intensive activity, you can sweat heavily. This is a bodily function to regulate your body temperature. Moisture is created during the perspiration process, and it is important that this moisture is wicked away to the next layer as quickly as possible. If this does not happen in time, your body becomes wet and feels clammy and cold. To prevent this, you choose a fabric that can wick moisture easily and quickly. Frequently used materials for this are synthetic, such as polyester or polypropylene. These fabrics retain almost no moisture and odor, allowing sweat to be effectively wicked away and the body to stay warm and dry in cold temperatures. Another commonly used material is merino wool. Due to its natural moisture-regulating properties and the very fine structure of this wool, it feels great against the skin and is perfect as a base layer.

Many of our wardrobes are full of cotton shirts. Are these not suitable as a base layer? Unfortunately not, cotton is generally a poor choice because it does not wick moisture well. Instead, it retains it, which can cause your body to become wet and cold. However, some people do explicitly choose cotton on very hot days. They then benefit from the fact that cotton dries slowly, continuously dipping their cotton shirt in cold streams and/or waterfalls before putting the shirt back on.

The second layer - middle layer

The middle layer, or "second layer", has two important tasks: keeping the body warm and ensuring that the moisture from the first layer is wicked away. Depending on the activity and the weather conditions (and thus the required insulation), you have the choice between a thinner or a thicker middle layer.

For a thinner middle layer, you usually end up with a fleece jacket or cardigan, but wool is also an option. Fleece has the advantage of wicking moisture quickly and being very lightweight. In this thinner middle layer category, you will find jackets suitable for both warm and cold days of the year.

When choosing a somewhat thicker middle layer, you end up with an insulation jacket. This type of jacket can have various fillings, such as: synthetic, down, wool, or a combination of these materials. Each type of filling comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. We have listed them here for you.

The third layer - outer layer

The outer layer, also referred to as the "third layer", is your protection against precipitation and wind. To prevent getting wet from the inside out, it is also crucial that the outer layer is breathable. There are roughly two different types of garments that meet the above criteria to a greater or lesser extent: hardshell and softshell clothing.

Hardshell jackets and trousers score very high when it comes to protection against precipitation and wind, but slightly lower on breathability. Clothing in this category features a special type of membrane, with Gore-Tex being the most well-known example. With such a membrane, heat can escape to a certain extent, while precipitation and wind cannot penetrate through the microscopic openings. There are major differences in the performance (and prices) of all the different membranes. Read more about this in our blog about waterproof membranes and how they exactly work. There, you can also read more about the role of PFCs in this type of clothing and how these harmful substances are fortunately being used less and less in the production process.

In terms of breathability, hardshell clothing cannot compete with softshell clothing. A softshell is also a lot more elastic. However, this comes at the expense of protection against precipitation. Softshells are often windproof, but generally not as waterproof as a hardshell. We try to provide an answer to the question of whether a softshell or a hardshell is the better choice for you in our blog about the pros and cons of hardshell and softshell clothing.

The 3-layer system in summer

Wearing 3 layers might sound like a lot for summer. Keep in mind that the 3-layer system is primarily a baseline. During the warmer days of the year, the base layer alone will often suffice. However, it can still be important to carry a middle layer with you for the cooler start and end of the day, or if you are gaining a lot of altitude during the day. Additionally, an outer layer can keep you dry during an unexpected rain shower. Do not forget that temperatures at high altitudes can drop drastically if the weather suddenly changes.

Since you will need these layers less on warmer days, but ideally still want to have them with you, it can be valuable to look closely at the weight and pack size of the garment. The lighter and more compact they are, the less space they take up in your bag.

Alternatives to the 3-layer system

Thanks to technical innovations and the use of new materials, there are garments that combine functions of multiple layers or interpret them differently. A few examples of this are hybrid jackets or insulated (waterproof) clothing.

The hybrid jacket combines several functions of the middle and outer layer. Not all hybrid jackets are the same, but you often see that they combine an insulation and a softshell-like layer at the front and back, while the materials around the arms and at the side of the body consist mainly of stretch fabric.

Insulated clothing combines virtually all functions of the middle and outer layer. Many ski jackets fall into this category. Because two layers are combined into one here, you do lose the flexibility that the 3-layer system offers you.

Is the 3-layer system right for you?

Thanks to the 3-layer system, you can head out prepared and fully enjoy your activity. The type of weather and your activity play an important role in choosing your layers. Now that you know all this, the 3-layer system is actually not as complex as it seems. Still not sure which clothing items you need? At Twinseasons, we are happy to advise you on the various options. Drop by our store or ask your question in an email.