Too Hot? Too Cold? Just Right: How to Layer for the Trail

Nothing ruins a hike faster than being cold, soaked or sweating buckets. That’s where layering comes in. Your secret weapon against unpredictable weather and temperature swings on the trail.

Whether you are climbing a frosty peak or cruising sunny forest trails, the temperature shifts fast. Wind picks up, a rain cloud rolls in or your body heat spikes from a tough uphill push.

Layering is all about selecting ideal clothes that can be mixed and matched out on the trail to adjust to changing weather conditions and physical exertion.

If you pack layers for a hike, you can put on another garment when The Sun drops below a ridge or take off a layer when you get to the climb that gets your heart pumping. By layering for a hike from head to toe, you can stay comfortable in cooler temperature and enjoy miles of smiles out on the trail

Three Basic layers for hiking

Baselayer

This is the layer that sits next to your skin and often the one you’ll wear for the entire hike. That’s why choosing the right fabric is key. Your base layer should be moisture wicking, it should pull the sweat away from your body and not keep it locked.

Base layers come in range of materials like merino wool, polyester or nylon blends. But one rule is golden: avoid cotton. Cotton does not wick moisture it soaks. That means wet clothing, chillis and chafing and one would tend towards slowing down due to an increased feeling of fatigue and sickness.

Do you remember the last time you wore wet jeans. There is good researched science and reason behind that. Not exactly a core memory you want to relive on the trail, right?

Mid Layer

Your mid layer is your secret to staying warm, it insulates by retaining the heat your body creates naturally. When the temperature drops, this layer becomes essential to being comfortable, particularly in periods of low activity. It plays a pivotal role when it comes to wicking moisture a well. While it maintains its performance by locking in the body heat, it must let the bodily moisture pass.

Depending on the weather and your activity level, you might choose to wear one or even two mid layers for added insulation. Fleece, puffer jackets and down jackets are all solid options. They can be mixed and matched to adjust warmth without sacrificing flexibility.

When choosing mid layers, always consider the conditions you’ll be facing. The colder the environment, the more insulation you’ll need because once you stop moving, you cool down really fast, risking wind-chills.

The colder it gets, the cozier your mid-layer game needs to be.

Outer Layer

The outer layers is your first line of defense against the elements - rain, snow, and wind. When choosing one, look for a lightweight, packable and highly water-resistant shell.

A good outer shell should have minimal to no insulation, making it easy to throw on or take off as needed.

Pro Tip: Consider sizing up your shell so it fits comfortably over your base and mid layers without compressing them too much or you are going to face difficulty breathing.

Alternatively, Columbia offers options like the Bugaboo or Whirlibird interchange jackets, which offer a convenient solution by being both an insulating mid layer and water resistant, outer shell.

Weather-Type Layering Tips

• Cold & Dry – Start with a thermal base layer, add an insulated mid layer (like fleece or down), and top it off with a shell top. Warm and breathable is the goal.
• Wet & Windy – Prioritise a fully waterproof outer layer, and make sure your base layer stays dry to avoid getting chilled. Moisture management is key. Carry a windbreaker.
• Hot & Sunny – Go with a light, moisture-wicking base layer that offers UPF protection. Bring a lightweight shell top just in case conditions change. Mountain weather can flip in no time.

Don’t forget the little things: The accessories - Gloves, hats, gaiters, and even extra socks make a big difference when it comes to staying warm or cool.

Efficient Layering = smarter Comfort.