YOUR CLOTHING LAYERING SYSTEM
Let’s talk about how an effective clothing layer system can and should be kept simple.
WHAT IS A LAYERING SYSTEM?
It’s a system of clothing items that basically has 3-4 components, a Base Layer, a Mid-Layer, Outer Layer and depending on the conditions, an Insulation Layer.
Each of those components serves a different purpose, but in combination they work together to create the system that will ensure you are comfortable, safe and able to enjoy any outdoors environment.
BASE LAYER
This layer is the closest layer to your skin. It affects what we call the Micro-climate, that is, the air barrier created between your skin and the clothing. It’s key role is moisture management, to ensure that maximum moisture vapour is transferred from your skin and wicked to the outside of the base. This keeps you comfortable and most importantly, dry. Ideally your layer will help maintain a next to skin micro-climate temperature of 32-33˚C.
What fabric works best?
This is really a personal preference, one you will need to experiment with. In some environments, cold and windy say, many outdoors people choose a lightweight merino. Our Swazi merinos are globally considered, due to their ability to dry 5 times quicker than conventional merino, to be among the very best merino base layers on the market. Or you may opt for a synthetic, such as our highly regarded micro-fleece or Climb-max® tops.
MID LAYER
To be an effective part of a layered system, your mid-layer of clothing must work in tandem with the base layer, taking the moisture, which your base has wicked away, and again moving it through the fabric to the outside. Typically, mid-layers are heavier fabrics which have great air trapping qualities.
This is because the mid-layer also serves as the beginning of your insulation. Again, it will be a personal choice of whether you go with a natural fabric, such as wool, or a synthetic, such as a heavier micro-fleece - at Swazi we use a 210gsm microfleece, or our polar fleece which is 280gsm. Whichever fabric you do go with, consider it’s drying properties, especially in areas of high rainfall.
OUTER LAYER
Sometimes referred to as the Shell, the outer layer should again be breathable, which as we know, is more to do with moisture vapour than air. It should also be highly wind resistant, or better still, windproof. In cold dry areas it is not imperative that it be waterproof, but ensure the outer fabric has a breathable membrane which will stop the wind and hence, conductive heat loss, in its tracks. Swazi AEGIS® fabrics being totally windproof, will keep you both warm and sheltered from the wind.
For those who go off track in areas where there is any possibility of rain, your outer fabric quite simply must be a waterproof layer. Do not venture forth without one! Not only is a seam sealed rain garment waterproof, it is also windproof – so it kills two birds with the one stone.
Again, where you journey for your adventure will affect your choice of layers. Think about not only how well they work in ideal conditions, add in factors such as durability for travel in rough country where you may encounter bush bashing through heavy scrub and timber.
If you need any help in deciding which fabrics will suit your outdoor adventures get in touch with the team at Swazi, we’ve been there and done that!
INSULATION LAYER
If you're venturing into some seriously cold conditions, an insulation layer is a must, keeping your body at constant temperature does wonders for reduced fatigue and enhanced comfort. Our new puffer range is built with comfortemp® insulation fibre, designed to trap your body heat in and keep the cold out.
Wear it over your mid layer and under your outer layer when required. Our insulation range is not waterproof or windproof, so if you are expecting to run into some rain, it's best to pack an outer layer too.