Layer up for success: How to choose the best mountaineering clothing

Planning a mountaineering trip? 🏔️ Before you set off, it's important to have reliable equipment that will protect you from the elements and make your ascent comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Let's take a look at what you'll need to take on the mountains!

Let's start with clothing, which is like your "armor" in the mountains!

The fabrics used are mainly synthetic and hydrophobic, similar to a superhero suit but designed for the mountains. Clothing is divided into two general categories: lightweight for mild conditions and winter clothing for extreme conditions. The form of clothing varies depending on the activity, with tight-fitting clothing for competitive climbing or mountain running, regular clothing for general mountaineering, and loose-fitting clothing for climbing.

The ideal clothing system for the mountains is layering, which includes three flexible layers: inner, middle, and outer. It's like a cake with layers! 🎂 This way, you can easily adjust your body temperature by adding or removing layers depending on the exercise and environmental conditions.

• The inner layer is your trusty friend 👊, keeping your body dry by transferring moisture to the outside. Thermal underwear is a popular choice for cold weather, with merino wool and polyester fast-drying materials being the most common options.
• The middle layer is like a warm hug 🤗, providing insulation from the cold. Fleece jackets, Primaloft pants, and vests filled with natural goose down or synthetic primaloft are all great options.
• The outer layer is your shield 🛡️, offering protection from wind, rain, or snow. Waterproof jackets and trousers are essential, and some garments combine insulation with windproof protection, such as softshells.

Click here to move on to shoes!