A Guide to Plastic-Free Layering in Outdoors

Why Layering? 

Outdoor activities are very dependent on the terrain and weather. And so is your body, that goes through varying temperatures and activity levels. A modular outfit with intelligent components will help you adapt accordingly. We look for maximum comfort and protection with minimum bulk and weight. Or how to carry less to feel better.

Good things come in threes

Base Layer: for thermal and moisture management 

• Next to the skin, its job is to maintain a constant temperature and wick moisture away quickly. The key word here is comfort. 
• For the fabric's properties to work best, the fit needs to be close to the body, especially in winter. In summer, it's better to allow some air between the skin and the fabric with a looser fit. It is important that the fabric feels light and comfortable. 
• Fabrics: Merino is the best; naturally moisture-wicking and odour-resistant, light and soft against the skin, easy to wash and quick to dry.  Avoid cotton jersey as it is too tightly woven and absorbs sweat. On the other hand, the 3D structure of a pique cotton naturally promotes air circulation and dries quickly. 

• This layer is responsible for adapting to temperature, so it needs to be easy to put on and take off. And it must be easy to stow away when you don't need it. The key word is lightness.
• You want it to be warm and resistant to wind but also breathable. Again, merino wool is your best bet, with lightweight fleeces and full-zip pullovers. It prevents odour build-up, so you can minimise the number of washes. 
• A more snug fit is better for efficient heat retention and diffusion. Look for longer cuts to protect your kidneys and prevent the rides that come with repeated movement. 

• The outer layer is critical, acting as a barrier against the elements. At the same time, it must never restrict your freedom of movement by causing discomfort. 
• Cotton's versatility comes in handy as, depending on the weave, it can provide protection from rain, wind and/or snow. Choose it with or without a wool lining, pending on the season. 

• The key word here is breathability. And it's the black mark against synthetic membranes. Don’t look at measure like breathability ratings, it’s meaningless. The real test: put the jacket over your face and try to breathe through with your mouth. If you can’t, the fabric just doesn’t breathe and you're going to sweat.

A common misconception about outdoor clothing is that the risk of catching a cold comes from outside moisture seeping through the layers to the skin, causing discomfort and colds. This is why you can find coats with fewer openings than a fish tank. On the other hand, it's as comfortable as breathing inside a balloon.

What makes Mover different is that we offer outer layers that are 100% plastic free. This means there's no membrane, which allows full breathability. Really, what you don't need in the outdoors is a full suit of armour that isolates you from your surroundings. Instead, we have created garments using the best of nature, where breathability is innate and comfort has evolved to complement living organisms. The icing on the cake is that you get great protection while feeling better and doing good for nature.