Dec 17, 2022
In this episode, Jacob and Stephen sit down with Ed to discuss the basics of layering and how proper layering can protect you from harsh enviroments.
Educational Details on Layering:
Base Layer - Broken down into 2 categories
Synthetic and Natural (and blend)
Insulation Layer - The insulation layer can be
broken down into many different layers
and multiple insulation layers can be worn at the same time
Shell Layer - For Rain/Snow/Wind
BASE LAYER:
The base layer is a very important layer in this process. The
reason for a base layer is to remove
moisture from your skin and transport away from your body for
evaporation. Due to this
process the fabric needs to be in contact with the skin. The more
contact the better (think
skintight). This process is best demonstrated by the feeling you
get when you step out of the
shower. The water is evaporating off your skin and taking your body
heat with it. However, if
we use this base layer to transport the moisture (sweat) off the
skin it will then evaporate off
the fabric.
There are two categories of base layers Synthetic and Natural. Just
like anything in life, there
are pros and cons of each. (There are blends of synthetic and
natural that try to give you the
best of both worlds)
Light (125-200 grams)
Mid (200-300 grams)
Heavy (300+ grams)
Examples:
The Army has used the ECWCS (Extended/Extreme Cold Weather
Clothing System) for several
years and multiple generations have been made. The newest
generation features 7 different
layer options. The Base layer has two options level 1 Silk weight
and level 2 Heavy weight.
These are often found in surplus and usually inexpensive.
Varusteleka
makes a light and heavy weight layers
Any of the quality hunting brands (Sitka
Gear, Kuiu, UnderArmor,
etc.)
Other outdoor brands (Outdoor
Research, Arcteryx,
etc.)
INSULATION LAYER:
The Insulation Layer works by trapping pockets of air next to
your body. Air is a poor
conductor of heat and therefore ideal, specially because air is
very lightweight. The air
contained in this area will block heat from escaping.
Examples:
Polar Fleece
Polar fleece is probably what comes to mind when hear “fleece”.
It is used as an umbrella. It is
made in varying weights and is commonly used in colder climates. It
dries quickly and does not
get saturated with water. It is common to see Windproof Fleece, and
some also have DWR
finish for water repellency.
Micro Fleece
Micro Fleece is as the name implies. It is more light weight and
is therefore more breathable
than polar fleece. Though that does mean it gives up some
insulating value.
Stretch Fleece
Stretch Fleece is common in active wear like gym clothes. It
isn’t, generally, something we
would buy a whole jacket or pants in. However, companies often sew
some panels of this onto
other clothes for articulation.
Down Vs Synthetic
Down and Synthetic down are popular insulation materials. Both
are warm, light, and often
pack down very small. There are some significant tradeoffs between
the two.
Down
Real goose down holds the most warmth per weight
More packable
Doesn’t perform well when wet
Not as Breathable
Synthetics
Maintains loft when wet
Regulates temperature better
Cheaper than down
SHELL LAYER:
The Shell Layer provides us with a barrier for harsh weather.
These fabrics are often wind and
waterproof. Goretex is the most common fabric used for a shell.
Goretex is a laminate
waterproof yet microporous membrane. It is very thin, and the idea
is, it will let water vapor
out while not allowing water to get in. Not all Goretex is made the
same. These fabrics are
usually categorized by the number of layers used.
Examples
2L
Uses a two-layer sandwich of face fabric with the GORE membrane
laminated to it on the inside
plus a non-laminated lining layer — often mesh, nylon or microfiber
that serves to protect the
GORE membrane and create a comfortable feel inside the jacket.
GORE-TEX 2L can be paired
with insulation and is generally warmer, heavier, and less
expensive than 3L or 2.5L versions.
2.5L
Uses a two-layer sandwich of a face fabric with the GORE
membrane laminated to it plus a
spray-on or printed backer on the inside. This “half layer” on the
inside appears almost
unnoticeable but adds durability to the membrane. 2.5L GORE-TEX is
the lightest of the three
traditional GORE waterproof, breathable constructions.
3L
Uses a full three-layer sandwich of a face fabric+membrane+knit
backer — all laminated
together. GORE-TEX 3L construction is the classic unlined,
uninsulated, high performance shell
design. Despite its three-layer name, it feels like a single layer.
It’s the most durable of the three
constructions and is lighter than 2L.
There are a couple others that pop up Gore Pro and Gore
Infinium. Gore Pro is more durable
than the 3L. Gore Pro is broken into categories itself; Rugged,
Stretch, and Breathable.
Summed up Gore Pro is set to have more stretch and be more
breathable than normal Goretex.
Gore Infinium is a windstopper fabric that is only water resistant
but is highly breathable.
Recommended Brands:
There are many other great places to look, but this will get you started!