To stay warm and comfortable while hiking, Quechua and the Oxylane group component brands recommend that you dress according to the "3 layers" system as far as possible.
3 layers, 3 thicknesses of clothing.
But not just any old clothing.
1-Moisture management
2-Warmth
3-Protection against bad weather
Here is the advice from Quechua and its partner component brands about how to dress properly for hiking.
Protect yourself properly from the cold with different layers
To make the most out of outdoor activities it is essential to combine comfort and warmth. Here we reveal the most effective tip: the 3 layer technique!
The body sweats during physical activity even if it is cold which can cause a "freezing" effect when exertion becomes less intense. For optimal comfort it is therefore essential to know how to dress yourself according to your needs. Wearing three layers means you can respond to three needs: managing moisture from the body properly, being warm, being protected from bad weather.
The first layer closest to the skin should be a technical base layer. Thanks to its specific components, it wicks moisture away from the body and keeps you dry.
During exercise, the technical base layer allows the body to wick moisture away and therefore to regulate its temperature. This prevents the body from overheating
After exercise it dries quickly, which limits the freezing-effect, the cooling down that occurs when the water trapped in the fabric evaporates.
This is the middle layer, which should be a sweater or a polar fleece jacket. Quechua fleeces which are made with Stratermic keep you warm and wick away moisture.
The purpose of the fleece layer is to use its thickness to create a layer of air between the first and the third layer. Air is actually the best thermal insulator.
This is the last layer which is in contact with the outside. It should be a waterproof and breathable jacket with a Novadry membrane. The membrane stops water penetrating into the fabric (waterproof) and sweat is wicked away (breathable); the jacket protects you from rain, snow and wind.
For mid-seasons combinations may vary:
- technical base layer + jacket if it is raining or windy.
- technical base layer + wind-proof and breathable fleece.
Good to know: merino wool can be worn in winter and summer alike, because its hollow fibres prevent odours developing and it has a great capacity to absorb and wick moisture away from the body.
