Layering

Layering System And What Each Layer Is And Material

Going for snowmobiling, all of us consider the snowmobile gear we are wearing rather the things that we are wearing underneath. We spend a lot of time thinking about our coats and the gloves rather than concerning about the layering we have to do underneath. There is a fear of getting chilled and cold but with the advent of time, there is no such issue like that since the layering beneath the snowmobile gear is being more accepted. Layering not only protects us from the cold, it makes you more comfortable as well.

Layering

Layering is a term that describes the phenomena of wearing clothes on top of each other, layer after layer making sure that you get maximum thermal insulation and protection from cold. The material of each layer could be different depending upon the purpose for which it is used. The layering could help to reduce the radiations in hot weather. The layering is flexibly allowing you to make sure that you are able to move easily.

Layering is widely used in sportswear and clothes for outdoor activities. The material mostly used is synthetic and is very affordable.

Layers

There are three main levels in the layering. They are classified as follows:

• Inner or base layer
• Middle layer
• Shell layer

Inner layer or base layer

This is the layer that provides moisture. The inner layer is adjacent to the skin and allows perspiration and sweating hence providing moisture to the body. This layer is essential to allow sweating making sure that your body does not get heated in the summer. Sweating allows releasing heat from the body making your body cool during the summer.

While in winters, it allows you to prevent hypothermia. It makes sure that your body temperature does not fall way below normal. Hypothermia is dangerous as it causes fall in blood pressure leading to stroke or hemorrhage.

Material used

The material used is merino wool, synthetic fabrics or even silk. These materials allow your sweat to be transported to the upper layer, making sure that the sweat gets evaporated. 

We suggest a thin tight non-cotton shirt and pant.

Polyester, polystyrene, and microfiber are used which are antibacterial and insect repellent. These are odor resistant as well. These synthetic materials are less expensive while silk is expensive and hard to handle as well. It does not provide the essential thermal resistance hence it is unable to keep you warm.

Cotton is not suitable for any layer since it absorbs sweat. It becomes cold and heavy. The insulation is lost and cotton becomes a threat if it is used for insulation in cold weather. Cotton is better forgotton!

Middle layer

This layer is often termed as the insulation layer. It provides insulation making sure that the necessary heat and the cooling effect is not lost and retains it for a longer period of time. It is not much tight as is the base layer. It is recommended to make the layer a bit loose so that it covers the body entirely and provides insulation between the inner and the outer layer. It traps air in between the layers to provide insulation.

We suggest a thin fleece. JUDGED sells a very affordable option that includes not exrta pockets, straps or anything to keep it light.

Material used

Fleece is an excellent option for making this layer. Fleece is an excellent insulator and provides protection against heat and cold. It works even when it is wet. The weight is not much and it can be compressed as well. It is a synthetic polymer, which in light in weight and insulation is provided when it is wet. 

A cotton hoodie is commonly used as insulation layer. Don't do it.

Shell layer or outer layer

Shell layer consists of the outermost clothes that we wear. They have to be strong enough to resist the cold and the strong winds. A good mechanical strength is a must have for these clothes.

Materials used

Cordura with our laminate and DWR are water proof and wind resistant. They are not in tight fitting and you can feel that the air is in circulation in the coat. We suggest our Jackets and Pants for this layer. Obviously :)