3.21.2025

How To Layer For Hiking Adventures

Every responsible hiker will check the weather before heading out on a route. Even so, you can never completely trust a forecast, particularly if you’re heading out for a long day over changing terrain. Having a few layers to hand will ensure you’re ready for any shifts in the conditions. 

So whether you’re planning your first hiking adventure or want to upgrade your kit, here’s what we’d recommend.

What Is The Three-Layer Rule For Hiking?

The three-layer rule says that to stay safe and comfortable, hikers should take three different layers of clothing with them on any walking adventure. By combining a base layer, mid layer and outer layer, hikers can adapt to changes in the weather. For example, hikers can set out in just a base layer if the weather is warm and dry. Then, as they ascend a mountain and it becomes damper and colder, they can gradually put on extra clothing. 

Choosing layers made from lightweight, technical materials will ensure hikers don’t feel weighed down or suffocated by their clothing. They should all be breathable, which helps keep hikers’ skin dry and their core temperature steady. This isn’t just important for retaining hikers’ energy throughout the day, but keeping them safe from problems like heat stroke. 

Each layer has a particular role in keeping a hiker protected. Base layers are for ‘wicking’, mid layers are for ‘warmth’ and outer layers are for ‘weather protection’. By operating on this basis you can ensure you’re prepared for anything a hiking adventure throws at you. 

1. Base Layer

Even on polar expeditions, hikers sweat. As base layers sit next to your skin, their main function is to wick away this moisture. This means they need to be made from breathable, technical fabrics, not cotton or moisture-retaining natural fibres. Otherwise, the moisture could quickly start to build up, cling to your skin and start causing abrasions. It’ll also make you feel cold and make it more difficult for your body to regulate temperature. 

Best Base Layers for Hiking

How hot it’s going to be outside will influence whether you choose a sleeveless, short sleeve or long sleeve base layer shirt. If you’re heading up a mountain, keep in mind that it will get cooler quickly at higher elevations, so you need to wear adequate protection. 

Regardless of your underwear choice, you’ll want to wear shorts, pants or tights depending on the outside conditions and your personal preference. It might seem like a minor detail, but breathable, soft socks are a must-have to keep you moving comfortably for hours. 

2. Mid Layer

Warmth is the main benefit mid layers provide by trapping in air between them and the base layers. So hikers don’t feel weighed down, moisture doesn’t build up and their skin isn’t suffocated, they need to be made from breathable and comfortable fabrics. Depending on the forecast and terrain of your route, you might have multiple mid layers to take on and off as the conditions change. 

Best Mid Layers for Hiking

Technical shirts make great inner layers as they offer extra coverage while still providing great moisture management. Various sleeve lengths and fabric weights suit different weather conditions. Thicker long sleeve shirts will retain more heat on cold days. While lightweight short sleeve shirts will help keep your core warm as the conditions change at higher elevations. 

3. Outer Layer

Outer layers are your first barrier against rain, wind and cold. As such, they need to offer quality weather protection. Jackets and pants made from windproof or waterproof materials will keep you and your other layers warm and dry. Close-fitting hoods, high collars, adjustable hems and cuffs and taped seams are all features that keep the weather at bay. Zipped pockets mean you can keep essentials on you without them getting wet.

Outer layers should give this complete protection without weighing you down or feeling too bulky. Lightweight designs can also be easily packed into your hiking bag ready for changes in weather. Although jackets and pants with thermal insulation may be slightly thicker, they shouldn’t feel overwhelming or heavy. 

Best Outer Layers for Hiking

If you know rain is forecast, then a waterproof jacket is a must to keep it out of your layers. Able to withstand even heavy downpours, they should also be lightweight, packable and have good moisture management to keep you dry and comfortable, even in unexpected showers. 

A windbreaker is great for shoulder season walking or hiking up mountains or hills on warm, sunny days. Designed to block wind from getting to an athlete’s core, they’re also easily packable into a day bag. For extra weather protection, look for garments that are water-resistant, breathable or have insulating materials for warmth on colder days. 

All Weather Layering

Following the advice above will help you prepare for most hikes regardless of the weather forecast. If you know that certain conditions are forecast, the below layers are recommended. 

Cold Weather Layers

Hiking shouldn’t stop in winter. Just layer up with the following breathable, lightweight items to stay warm without overheating:

Warm Weather Layers

Even on the hottest, sunniest days, you need moisture-wicking, lightweight layers on-hand to avoid chafing and discomfort. Particularly if you’re heading into higher elevations or are out on a long route: 

Wet Weather Layers

If dampness gets into your layers, you’ll quickly start to feel cold and uncomfortable. Wearing the following layers will ensure you’re ready even for heavy downpours: