Clothing Tips
Dressing for the Mountains: Become an Onion. Literally. 🧅
When heading into nature, proper preparation is the key to a comfortable and safe experience. Mountains, due to their altitude and rapidly changing weather conditions, require extra attention when it comes to clothing. A sunny morning hike can quickly turn into a cold and rainy trek if you haven’t dressed appropriately.
The most efficient and practical dressing technique for mountain adventures is layering—dressing in layers. This method allows you to regulate your body temperature by adding or removing layers according to the conditions. Plus, it provides better protection against cold, moisture, and wind compared to a single thick and heavy jacket.
So, let’s break down the essential layers that will help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable in the mountains.
🔹 1. Base Layer – The Foundation of Your Outfit
This is the most important layer. If you get it wrong, your body will switch to “I’m boiling and freezing at the same time” mode—trust me, that’s not fun.
🧤 What to wear:
- Thermal underwear or base layers.
- Ideally made of Merino wool or synthetic materials.
- No cotton! It absorbs sweat and keeps it trapped against your skin.
🌡️ What it does:
- Maintains your body temperature.
- Keeps you dry by wicking moisture away.
- Dries quickly, because no one wants to carry around damp clothes.
📌 Extra tip: Dark colors absorb more heat and dry faster. If it’s warm, go for lighter colors.
🔹 2. Mid Layer – Your Warmth Shield
Now that you’re dry and warm, it’s time to add your second line of defense.
🧥 What to wear:
- Fleece—lightweight, warm, and perfect for layering.
- If it’s very cold, add a synthetic or down vest for extra insulation.
🔥 What it does:
- Traps warm air around your body, keeping you comfortable.
- Doesn’t weigh you down, so you can enjoy your hike without feeling restricted.
📌 Extra tip: A vest can be a lifesaver when the temperature drops suddenly. Don’t underestimate it!
🔹 3. Outer Layer – Your Armor 🦸♂️
The final layer is what shields you from the elements.
🌧️ What to wear:
- A good windproof, waterproof, and breathable jacket.
- Preferably one with ventilation zippers and an adjustable hood.
💨 What it does:
- Protects you from wind and rain.
- Keeps your inner layers dry and insulated.
📌 Extra tip: Don’t buy anything too heavy. You want to move freely and not feel like a walking tent.
💡 Extra Tips to Avoid Freezing on the Mountain
✔️ Protect your extremities! ❄️
We lose a lot of heat from our head, hands, and feet. A good hat, gloves, and warm socks can make the difference between “That was amazing!” and “Why me?!”.
✔️ No cotton! 🚫
As stylish as your favorite cotton hoodie may be, leave it for city walks. Cotton soaks up moisture, dries slowly, and makes you regret your choices at the worst possible moment!
✔️ Always carry an extra outfit. 🎒
The weather changes quickly, and layering is all about adaptability!
✔️ If you feel like an onion, you’re dressed right! 🧅😂
Layering is the secret to enjoying nature without worrying about the cold. And if needed, you can always remove a layer—just like an onion (minus the tears).
Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. So before you buy or replace your hiking clothes, research the available options, new materials, and their costs to ensure your gear meets your needs.
🥾 Now that you know the essentials, you’re ready to conquer the mountains in style and comfort! Happy trails! 🏔️