Minimal layering for maximum breathability

Layering is not like creating your outfit once and for all and then rolling with it. In many winter activities, the interplay of hiking and skiing requires fine tuning and relies on your sense of anticipation and perceptions. Short-sleeved or long-sleeved, your Merino T-shirt is an essential. Add a little wool insulation, a shell jacket and you're ready to face the elements. Discover our selected tips for protection and warmth, all that without a membrane shield or plastic whatsoever.

Layering in Freeriding 

Freeriding is our passion. Fresh snow erases the limits, and we feel free. It’s about playing with the mountain. Early mornings are cold, but a climb in deep powder will make you sweaty. Nevermind, the thrill of riding a 2000 meter descent in a few minutes has no price. At the top, you can also tie your skis on your rucksack to climb some more, up a corridor. Take off your jacket for the ascent and put it back on when you get to the top. 

You need to adapt your rucksack, as a good airbag is highly recommended. The layering principles remain, with more warmth, more protection and ... more grams. The weight of the outer shell helps to keep out the cold and retain body heat. 

A classic combo:  

• a heavy merino wool t-shirt (long or short sleeves, you choose) on the skin, 
• a merino fleece jacket on top with a good and tight collar protection, 
• a light swisswool vest rolled up in the bag to cope with any situation. 
• Then the outer shell, light but not too much, weatherproof to withstand any storm and breathable to avoid overheating and the danger of sweat lingering on your skin. Mover's best bet is our Ventile Shell+ jacket, which combines the comfort of a merino lining with the protection of a high-density cotton fabric. 

Layering in ski touring

Ski touring is a very interesting sport when it comes to clothing. It takes a lot of effort and energy so sweating will come naturally. 

• Don’t fight it, understand it. 
• Prepare yourself for the cold and the wind as you climb and at the top. 
• Keep in mind that mountain weather can change rapidly, shifting within an hour from mild conditions to freezing temperature and stormy weather.
• Always carry a complete set of essential protective layers with you at all times.
• Four well-chosen pieces are all you need to stay protected, whatever happens.

Once you've climbed, you'll ski down. And up again. And down again. Ski touring is all about changing layers, skins on, skins off. In this specific case, we differ from mainstream propositions by prioritising natural breathability and thermal balance. By choosing suitable garments and carrying as little weight as possible, you can avoid to waste your energy in overheating and sustain your rhythm for a longer period of time. 

A chaotic-good combo: 

• Forget the layering and dare to wear nothing but a thick Merino zipneck without base layer underneath. Your sweat will wick right through and you'll stay comfortable all the way to the top. 
• If it gets a bit colder up there, put on the Merino fleece vest from the rucksack. 
• When the ridge wind pick up, the Etadry® Windbreaker Shell Jacket goes on.
• Once you've reached the top, before you take off your skins, put on your fleece hat and light Swisswool jacket to keep you warm on the way down and let you breathe.

Want some more? 

It is important for your legs to breathe during the climb and at the same time, to stay dry. Wear the corduroy wool trousers, as comfortable as snowboard trousers and a nod to the practicality of knickerbokers.