Skiers, climbers, and any outdoor enthusiasts getting after it in changing conditions need to be on top of their kit whether they’re going up, down, or just around town. Mastering how to layer helps you regulate your body temperature and stay dry so you can have the most fun possible no matter where your adventure takes you–from hiking in the desert heat to racking up the splitboard vert on frigid backcountry days.

In this Marmot® Layering Guide, we'll walk you through the three different types of clothing layers—the base layer, mid layer, and outer layer—and show you how to dial in your kit like a pro.

Step 1. Build Your Foundation with Base Layers

What are base layers?

 

As the first layer, the base layer sits next to skin and wicks away moisture to keep you dry and protect you from becoming too cold, too quickly. This underlayer is the foundation of your layering system, built for moisture management and temperature regulation. 

 

So when temperatures take a dip hiking your favorite fall trails or skiing your favorite resort, long underwear or moisture wicking underwear can help you stay dry.

 

What are base layers?

 

As the first layer, the base layer sits next to skin and wicks away moisture to keep you dry and protect you from becoming too cold, too quickly. This underlayer is the foundation of your layering system, built for moisture management and temperature regulation. 

 

So when temperatures take a dip hiking your favorite fall trails or skiing your favorite resort, long underwear or moisture wicking underwear can help you stay dry.

 

How to Choose Base Layer Clothing 

When choosing which base layers to wear consider these three factors: the material, the weight, and your personal preferences. 

For the best base layer materials, merino wool base layers, synthetic fabrics, and blends of both stand above the rest. For instance:


1. Merino wool base layers are known for natural odor resistance, moisture management capabilities, and regulating body temperature thanks to its breathability. 

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about itchy wool, choose a fine merino base layer that’s 17 microns or below and you’ll be A OK. 


2. Synthetic base layers are also known for their breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities, but offer a quick-dry and lightweight substitute to Merino wool.


3. Wool blend base layers combine the natural advantages of wool with the adaptability of synthetic materials for the best of both worlds.

Pro Tip: Cotton should never be used as a base layer in backcountry pursuits because it holds moisture next to the body. This means you’ll feel damp and clammy during frigid days, which can lead to hypothermia or even fatalities. Remember: cotton kills.

When waffling between weights, just know base layers are lightweight for high-intensity activities, mid-weight for moderate temperatures, and heavy for extreme cold. 

Finally, you should also choose the type of base layer that suits your preference and the climate you'll be facing, like the ones we’ve listed in our Layering Clothing by Activity and By Season sections.

Step 2. Add Insulation with Mid Layers

What is the mid layer?

As the second layer, your mid layer is the insulation between the base and the outer layer that adds warmth and helps you retain body heat. However, the midlayer isn’t only about warming you up. The goal of this layer is to keep your core temperature in the right spot aka keep you comfortable. In addition to warming you up, midlayers are typically made of breathable materials designed to also cool you down so you don’t overheat during high output activities.

 

Mid layers, also known as insulation layers, can be donned or shed when you’re sitting at a belay station or slapping skins back on your splitboard. Mid layer clothing comes in various materials, including fleece jackets and pants, goose down jackets and vests, or synthetic insulated hoodies as the warmest mid layers.

What is the mid layer?

As the second layer, your mid layer is the insulation between the base and the outer layer that adds warmth and helps you retain body heat. However, the midlayer isn’t only about warming you up. The goal of this layer is to keep your core temperature in the right spot aka keep you comfortable. In addition to warming you up, midlayers are typically made of breathable materials designed to also cool you down so you don’t overheat during high output activities.

 

Mid layers, also known as insulation layers, can be donned or shed when you’re sitting at a belay station or slapping skins back on your splitboard. Mid layer clothing comes in various materials, including fleece jackets and pants, goose down jackets and vests, or synthetic insulated hoodies as the warmest mid layers.

How to Choose Mid Layer Clothing

When choosing the best mid layer, like base layers, it’s ultimately up to your preference and the right material for the weather and activity:

1. Goose down mid layers offer the highest quality natural insulation and the best warmth-to-weight ratio with its fluffy, yet lightweight, breathable, and packable features. Because of their packability, down jackets are easy to bring along, allowing you to add or shed them during changing conditions or outputs. Down can also double as a mid or outer layer.

In wet conditions or on multi-day winter backpacking grips, water-repellant treatments like our Marmot® Down Defender can help down retain its insulation capabilities.

Our Marmot®’s WarmCube Active Alt HB is a breathable down insulation that features temperature regulating technology that circulates air through insulated cubes in the core and back of your jacket to keep you cool as you move and retain warmth when you stop, so you’re always ready for the path ahead.

Pro Tip: Suit up in the Alt HB collection when heading into the backcountry or during intense activities during colder months.


2. Fleece mid layers are also popular due to their softness, versatility, and breathability. Plus you can find your fleece layers in just about any style and color imaginable.

Pro Tip: Pull on the fleece when heading to the resort or when you won’t shed or add layers as often.


3.Synthetic insulation mid layers are best known for their breathability and ability to insulate even when wet, unlike down insulation, making synthetics invaluable during survival situations. Synthetic insulation is often more heavy-weight and less packable than down, but is also used for mid or outer layering.

Our Marmot®’s WarmCube Active Novus is a breathable synthetic insulation with temperature regulating technology that circulates air through insulated cubes in the arms, core, back, and hood of the jacket to keep you cool as you move and retain air when you stop, so you keep warm as you keep going. 

Pro Tip: Our Active Novus collection is at its best at the resort, on hiking trips, and for everyday exploration in any cold conditions.

Step 3. Keep Covered with Outer Layers

What is an Outer Layer?

As the final layer in your system, the outer layer, or shell layer, is your first line of defense against the elements as it protects you from wind, rain and snow. Shells are usually made of waterproof and windproof materials to keep you dry. Shell layers are essential to winter layering and protection from wind and rain.

 

So if there’s rain, snow, or sleet in your trip’s forecast, you’ll complete your layers with a shell jacket to shield you from the downpour.

What is an Outer Layer?

As the final layer in your system, the outer layer, or shell layer, is your first line of defense against the elements as it protects you from wind, rain and snow. Shells are usually made of waterproof and windproof materials to keep you dry. Shell layers are essential to winter layering and protection from wind and rain.

 

So if there’s rain, snow, or sleet in your trip’s forecast, you’ll complete your layers with a shell jacket to shield you from the downpour.

How to Choose Windproof and Waterproof Jackets and Pants

Windproof and waterproof jackets and pants are outer layer essentials, especially when wet and windy conditions are frequent. To choose your outer layer, consider: 

  • Windproof and waterproof hardshells are durable and shield you from the elements. Hardshells keep you dry on the outside and can breath so moisture caused by heat can escape.


  • GORE-TEX is the gold standard in waterproof and breathable hard-shells.


  • Softshell outer layers offer comfort and breathability at the expense of waterproofing. Softshells are less wind and water-resistant than hardshells, but many have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that can keep you dry if a quick storm blows in. 


  • Combination outdoor jackets for 3-in-1 jackets with windproof, waterproof, and removable down, synthetic, or fleece insulation. These jackets are great for resort skiing and snowboarding when the weather can change throughout the day and you need a simple layering solution.


  • GORE-TEX puffer jackets come with built-in insulation and waterproof protection. These GORE-TEX jackets are designed for frigid, rainy weather and low intensity, chill days.

Pro Tip: Look for features like adjustable hoods, pit zips, and waterproof zippers for added convenience and protection. 


How to Choose Gloves, Mittens & Hats 

Don't forget to protect your extremities. Gloves, mittens, hats, and socks are essential for shielding your hands and head from frost, wind, and rain. Choose between gloves vs. mittens, hats, beanies, balaclavas, and socks by keeping in mind that:

  • Gloves are for keeping fingers warm during intense activities that require you to work with your hands such as ice climbing or taking off your skins


  • Mittens are for keeping fingers warm during frigid days outdoors since your fingers stay together


Pro Tip: Add a glove liner to protect your hands from get clammy and cold.



  • Hats and beanies keep your head warm, covered, or both. When cold-weather layering add beanies made with wool or synthetic materials for extra insulation. When layering during warmer months, put on an spf hat for coverage under the sun.


  • Balaclavas protect your neck and head during frigid temperatures as they offer full coverage insulation.


Pro Tip: Look for ones made with a combination of wool and synthetic fibers to maximize warmth and adaptability. 



  • Socks insulate your feet and absorb moisture during intense activity. Thin, lightweight socks are best for skiing since they won’t bunch up in your boots (which can inhibit circulation and make your feet cold). Heavy-weight socks in winter boots add more warmth.


Pro Tip: Add a thin liner under your heavier wool or synthetic socks. 

Layering Clothing By Activity

How to Layer for Skiing & Snowboarding

When you head into the mountains with your crew, layering up or down depends on your destination. On warmer days hanging around the resort, you may opt for a mid-weight base and ski mid layer. On colder days venturing into the backcountry, you may want to go with a warmer snowboard base layer, insulation, and shell.

 

Here are examples of ski and snowboarding layers for cold protection, comfort, and performance:

How to Layer for Skiing & Snowboarding

When you head into the mountains with your crew, layering up or down depends on your destination. On warmer days hanging around the resort, you may opt for a mid-weight base and ski mid layer. On colder days venturing into the backcountry, you may want to go with a warmer snowboard base layer, insulation, and shell.

 

Here are examples of ski and snowboarding layers for cold protection, comfort, and performance:

How to Layer for Skiing & Snowboarding

When you head into the mountains with your crew, layering up or down depends on your destination. On warmer days hanging around the resort, you may opt for a mid-weight base and ski mid layer. On colder days venturing into the backcountry, you may want to go with a warmer snowboard base layer, insulation, and shell.

Here are examples of ski and snowboarding layers for cold protection, comfort, and performance:


Resort Skiing & Snowboarding

When riding lifts maximize comfort. Go with a:


  • Base layer: Long-sleeve Merino wool or synthetic base layer, light- to heavyweight depending on weather conditions;


  • Mid layer: Fleece jackets make for a great mid layer due to their breathability and versatility. Check out the Olden Polartec® Jacket, which is a great men’s fleece jacket and is also available as a women’s fleece too.


  • Outer layer: Gore-Tex makes for an ideal material for an outer layer. It’s waterproof and also breathable. Our Gore-Tex Lightray Jacket, available as both a men’s insulated shell and insulated jacket for women, are the ideal performance outer layer for hitting the slopes.



  • Outer layer: Picking out your bottom layer is just as important as your top layers. Ski pants are an ideal outer layer bottom for men and women due to their waterproofing and breathability. Check out our selection of women’s ski pants and men’s breathable and waterproof ski and snowboard pants for women and ski pants and bibs for men.

For exploring the backcountry, prioritize flexibility and ventilation. Try these on for size:


  • Base layer: Long-sleeve synthetic or Merino wool base layer- to heavyweight depending on weather conditions


  • Mid layer: A hoody can be a versatile mid-layer option. Our WarmCube™ Active Alt HB Jacket is hooded and temperature-regulating for the optimal multi-use addition to your arsenal. Check out this highly rated women’s hooded jacket and men’s down jacket.



Pro Tip: In the backcountry you’ll have a pack on your back, so you can add or remove layers based on weather conditions. 


How to Layer for Hiking & Camping

Hiking and camp layers should focus on versatility and adaptability. Here’s an example of lightweight and breathable camping and hiking layers:

  • Base layer: A breathable, synthetic blend crewneck like the Everyday Tee for men


  • Base layer: Lightweight synthetic long-sleeve like the Men’s Crossover or Women’s Windridge shirt for fall temperatures


  • Mid layer: Full-zip fleece jacket like the Rocklin is a great mid layer for men and is also a great lightweight layer for women when hiking or keeping it casual around the campsite.– When it comes to camping, a rain jacket is an ideal outer layer to have with you. Depending on the need, there are a range of men’s rainwear and women’s rain jackets to choose from.


  • Outer layer: Hiking pants offer a comfortable level of stretch without sacrificing durability which make them a great choice as an outer layer when camping or hiking. Hiking pants for men or women can be converted into shorts and also come in cargo styles for added storage while hiking shorts for men or women women or men give you more mobility during warmer months and built-in UPF.


Pro Tip: When camping, carry additional insulation layers like a down jacket for colder nights.



How to Layer for Ice Climbing

Ice climbing demands specialized layering for agility and cold conditions. Here’s an example of ice climbing layers adjusted to the intensity of the climb and weather:


  • Base layer: long-sleeve synthetic or Merino wool base layer or synthetic light-to-heavyweight depending on weather conditions


  • Mid layer: A hoody is a versatile mid-layer for colder conditions. The WarmCube™ Active Alt HB Jacket is hooded and temperature-regulating for the optimal multi-use addition to your ice-climbing attire. Check out this highly rated men’s hooded jacket and women’s down jacket.


  • Outer layer: A softshell jacket is ideal outer layer for dry days and clear skies. Our women’s softshell jackets and men’s softshell outerwear are both durable and functional with varying levels of warmth to choose from.


  • Outer layer: A men’s or women’s waterproof and breathable shell for wet conditions or a men’s or women’s down jacket for belaying


How to Layer for Running

For running, focus on comfortable, moisture-wicking layers that allow easy movement. Here’s an example of lightweight and breathable layers for outdoor runs:


  • Base layer: For a high level of movement, a breathable short or long sleeve shirt is recommended. The Men’s Crossover shirt, available as a short sleeve t-shirt or long sleeve t-shirt, is lightweight and quick-drying. The Women’s Windridge shirt, available as a short sleeve t-shirt or long sleeve t-shirt, is sweat-wicking and also comfortably lightweight.


  • Mid layer or outer layer: For cold weather running, chose a men’s hoody or women’s hooded fleece.


  • Outer layer: The Etherlite Men’s Hoody and Women’s Ether DriClime Hoody are moisture-wicking outer layers that can be treated as shells or light layers in windy conditions.


  • Outer layer: Depending on the temperature, nylon shorts for women or men are ideal options for outer layer bottoms when running.

Pro Tip: For around-town activities, shed layers based on your comfort level.

Layering Clothing By Season

Fall & Winter Layering

Cold weather layers require extra insulation and protection from frigid temperatures. So use heavier base layers, insulated mid layers, and durable, waterproof outer layers to stay warm and dry like this option:



  • Base layer: Men’s flannels and women’s flannel shirts are great base layers during the fall and winter due to their warmth and lack of bulk.


  • Mid layer: A trim down jacket that can fit under a shell works as a fall and winter mid layer, like the Men’s Highlander Jacket and Women’s Highlander Down Jacket, which also pack down small when you’re on the move.


  • Outer layer: Waterproof, breathable shells make for ideal outer layers in the cooler months. Men’s rain jackets and women’s waterproof raincoats offer versatility and protection in damper weather.


  • Outer layer: Pants with durable water repellent finish like the Scree Pant, which offers a comfortable stretch and water-repellent durability for all types of activity. Check out this versatile men’s performance pant and women’s trail pant.


Spring & Summer Layering

Spring and summer layering are about adapting to rising and falling temperatures. Start with a lightweight base layer with excellent moisture management. Add a breathable mid-layer for cooler evenings or skip altogether to keep cool. Finally, carry a packable waterproof jacket for unexpected rain showers like this layering system:


  • Base layer: A lightweight tank top for women like the Switchback Tank, or T-shirt for men like the Everyday Crew Neck Tee.


  • Mid layer: Skip on warm Spring & Summer days


  • Outer layer: Water-resistant mid-weight shorts for women that offer maximum mobility and coverage in warmer months.


  • Outer layer: Waterproof windbreaks are ideal outer layers during warmer months without adding unnecessary bulk. The ’96 Active Anorak is a recycled stretch-fabric lightweight windbreaker with spacious storage and an adjustable hood. Check out this throwback water-repellent men’s hoody and vintage-inspired women’s anorak.

Welcome to Your New Pro Layering System


Get ready for dawn patrol or a day at the crag with the crew. You’re ready to layer clothing like a pro. Proper layering is a skill that improves with experience, so don't hesitate to experiment and adjust your layering system based on what works for you. Get prepared, stay comfortable, and enjoy getting out there.