You may have already heard of the layering technique. No, not the one to avoid crying while peeling your favorite condiment, but the one involving layering clothing.
Technological innovations have made it possible to apply this system to hiking clothing. This way, you benefit from a comfortable temperature both during activity and at rest. Let me explain.
It's freezing!
Being cold is undoubtedly the worst thing in the mountains or while hiking. On top of being sometimes dangerous, it often ruins all the pleasure of the outing. The cold is truly unpleasant, but warmth is often a false friend. Let me explain. Imagine yourself hiking, it's cold and you put on your big warm jacket — obviously it's very pleasant, you feel warm for a while, but… when you stop, you realize you're sweaty, completely soaked.
And at that point, you immediately feel very cold. A cold that will be impossible to shake unless you change completely or dry everything out (which is often quite difficult in the middle of a hike). You don't need to go to the high mountains to experience this — it can also happen on a bike ride.
With experience, you get better and better at managing your perspiration and body heat (a quick tip: always start an activity feeling slightly cold — the heat produced by your body will compensate).
Logan Jamisson on his way to the Supercanaleta on Fitz Roy, Patagonia
The 3-layer system for optimal performance
But for that, you also need — and above all — the right gear. Breathable and waterproof equipment, warm when needed and easily packed away. In this regard, the 3-in-1 system is by far the best combination, and it's synonymous with versatility. What is this 3-in-1 system? "3" because this jacket is waterproof, breathable, and warm. "in 1" because all these qualities are combined in just 1 jacket. And versatile because depending on the combination, this jacket can be used in all weather conditions. What more could you ask for?
This jacket is made up of 2 parts. On one hand, an outer jacket that provides waterproofing and windproof protection, while ensuring excellent breathability. And on the other hand, an inner jacket filled with down or a synthetic equivalent that provides warmth. Something very important when choosing a waterproof jacket is its ability to "breathe" — to allow moisture from perspiration to pass through. If this breathability is almost non-existent, after the very first exertion, you'll find yourself sweating so much inside the jacket that you end up just as wet as if you'd stayed out in the rain.
Breathability
This outer jacket is highly breathable thanks to Micro-pore technology. It prevents liquid water from passing through, but not water in its gaseous form. Perspiration is made up of gaseous water molecules that are smaller than those of rain. Therefore, thanks to Micro-pore technology, you will stay dry. This outer jacket alone is therefore the ideal companion for hiking, whether it's raining, windy, or you're working up a sweat. In addition, this jacket is very lightweight and compact when packed away, and can therefore be taken anywhere.
Nelson Pelson on an unclimbed summit in the Himalayas, India
Synthetic fiber, Primaloft
That leaves the "problem" of warmth — which will no longer be an issue thanks to the warm base layer. This down or synthetic equivalent jacket provides a truly significant amount of warmth while also being very lightweight and compact. One type of material used for this layer is Primaloft. This down equivalent guarantees warmth even when wet. It is considerably less fragile than down and can also be washed more easily.
This jacket can therefore be used on its own without any issues, even in light rain or wind. The coating of this jacket and its Primaloft filling allow it to retain all of its heat-retaining qualities. Both layers are already highly interesting on their own.
Insulated and warm
The combination of the two, during cold and wet winter days during moderate activity, is exceptional. If you now want to go running or engage in a much more intense activity such as ski touring, for example, the outer jacket will be sufficient during the activity. And during breaks or on the descent, the inner jacket can be added perfectly to keep you warm.
The lightweight and compact nature of both layers is a major asset for all your outings. You will find all these qualities combined (Micro-pore and Primaloft technology) in the Millet Pobeda jacket, making it an exemplary model of versatility. With Millet quality to boot!
Why use the layering technique in the mountains?