Minimal layering for Summer
For most outdoor activities, and except in extreme heat, merino wool will be your best choice for all base layers. You just have to choose the right weight: heavy for winter, light for summer. Short-sleeved or long-sleeved, your Merino T-shirt is your best ally. Add a little wool insulation, a shell outer and you're ready to face the elements. All that without a membrane shield or plastic whatsoever.
Layering in high mountain hiking
The key equipment for mountain trekking is minimal, but careful and far-sighted. Your target is: go far and stay comfortable. The essentials in your backpack:
- a one-litre water bottle (the aluminium Sigg will survive you),
- a knife,
- a cap,
- a pack of tissues,
- a muesli bar or two (we love Näkd),
- some organic dried fruit...
Then your clothes. Only three items, no need for more.
- A light merino wool T-shirt on the skin, the most versatile and suitable for all situations.
- In the backpack, a merino wool fleece for when the chill of altitude gets you,
- and a windbreaker rolled up at the bottom of the bag for when the weather changes or a cold front suddenly arrives.
Layering in mountain bike
We are talking about all mountain biking, day trips, uphill and downhill, real enduro. You will sweat for sure, and you can get cold. Pack like for mountain hiking.
- Same food,
- same bottle.
- Just add a small first-aid kit with plasters long enough to cover superficial wounds caused by pedal spikes on the shins and protect them from dirt.
Clothing ? well, the same as for walking.
- A light merino t-shirt to keep you comfortable,
- a wool fleece against cold winds,
- a cotton shell to keep out the wind, either on top of the t-shirt or with the fleece in between if the temperature is below 8 degrees.
