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5 layers of functional clothing for extreme conditions. Do you know how to combine them best?
The functional composition of outdoor clothing could be defined as a so-called onion system. This consists in effective layering, the task of which is to keep the body in maximum comfort and convenience for the entire period of wear, while at the same time maintaining the ability to function actively. Although one, two or three layers of a functional composition of outdoor clothing will be enough for you on normal hikes in the countryside in mild weather, in extreme conditions there are up to 5 specially defined layers that complement their properties appropriately. Learn how to best combine these functional layers!
1) Absorbent layer or functional underwear
The first layer of clothing, which we put on directly over the bare body, is also called the absorbent layer. It is this layer that should properly wick sweat and moisture away from the body and at the same time should dry well. And ideally, it should have a hypoallergenic design and should not start to smell so easily. In addition to underwear, we are talking about T-shirts, underpants or socks.
The goal of layering is to achieve maximum comfort and convenience throughout the wear time while being able to function actively.
Merino wool best meets all the above conditions from all natural materials. It can even heat up, even when it is damp. In addition, it is easy to maintain, does not need to be ironed and is pleasant to the touch. Then there are various synthetic materials, such as polyester, which also wicks away moisture well. Its combination with merino wool is ideal – compared to 100% merino wool, such a solution will also be slightly cheaper.
TIP: Merino wool clothing will last for many years. However, in order to maintain its functional properties, it requires proper care. Read how to best care for merino!
As for cotton, although it is comfortable and pleasant to the touch, it is not recommended for functional layering of clothes. At least not as a separate fabric, but if at all, then in a mixture. This is because cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet. You would get cold in the humidity and eventually you could freeze and end your hike with some kind of illness.
For the first functional layer of clothing, care must also be taken with the fit. It should be comfortable. From this point of view, manufacturers often reach for flat seams, because the classic ones inevitably start to push, scratch, pull after some time, which can ultimately significantly worsen the experience of the entire trip.
The task of the first and second layers is to effectively remove sweat and moisture from the body and maintain body temperature.
Selecting the 1st layer from the Rigad offer
The Rigad offer is truly varied in this respect. We have a large selection here, especially of merino wool products. For example, the traditional Norwegian manufacturer Devold specializes in this area, which is one of the oldest manufacturers of outdoor clothing in the world with a tradition dating back to approximately the middle of the 19th century.
Devold Expedition Merino 235 functional shirt
This functional shirt has been made from the highest quality merino wool to insulate well, retain body heat well and wick away moisture naturally and perfectly away from the body. But you will also be pleased with the double cuffs that ensure higher dimensional stability, flat seams or the extended back, which facilitates the situation during active movement or carrying a backpack at the same time.
Devold Breeze Merino 150 functional boxer shorts
The Devold Expedition Merino 235 t-shirt is functionally complemented by the boxer shorts from the same manufacturer, which keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so your mid-body will always be comfortable with them. Again, the miraculous material in the form of merino wool is used here, which does not absorb odors and is really comfortable to wear.
Scutum Wear Trever functional underpants
In order not only to stay with merino wool, but to show that even synthetic materials can be functional, we must also highlight the products of the Czech functional clothing brand Scutum Wear, specifically Trever functional trousers (underpants), which are pleasant to the touch, elastic and at the same time compressive. Silver ions, which have antibacterial effects, are part of the fabric, and it goes without saying that it also effectively wicks away moisture from the body and dries quickly.
2) An insulating layer or (perhaps) a sweatshirt
The second layer of the functional composition is insulating and its purpose is to protect its wearer from the cold outside. This layer works by trapping body heat underneath. But again, high breathability is also important. And that's because if the second layer was impermeable, it would retain not only heat but also condensed moisture and you would end up "boiling in your own juice".
Again, both natural and synthetic materials will help us in this situation. Some special materials (for example, Polartec or Primaloft, but different manufacturers have their solutions patented under different names) are designed in such a way that they not only receive moisture in the direction of the body, but also carry it away. This is very important from the point of view that otherwise your insulating layer would get wet and you would just move the moisture problem one layer further.
As for specific examples of clothing that can form the insulating layer of a functional composition, then it can be fleece sweatshirts, which are among the most common and offer a great price-performance ratio. Then there are jackets made of synthetic materials and finally sweaters and sweatshirts again made of merino wool, which also finds its application in this layer.
While the first and second layers take care of maintaining optimal body temperature and moisture removal, the third layer protects against external influences.
Selecting the 2nd layer from the Rigad offer
At Rigad, we also offer a lot of interesting products in this category, and it was really difficult to choose just three of them. Here they are.
Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Warden winter shirt
The insulated shirt is ideal for cold weather when a jacket would be too warm and a windbreaker insufficient. It has seven pockets, including two inside for storing a hat or gloves. Reinforced shoulders protect against moisture and abrasion, which increases the durability of the shirt. Snap fasteners and quality YKK zippers ensure easy and reliable use. The stylish design enables use not only in nature, but also in the city.
NFM JIB Garm 2.0 insulating jacket
Introducing a lightweight and packable jacket that provides excellent insulation properties. Quick-drying materials effectively wick away moisture, which ensures comfort even during increased activity. Two front zippered pockets offer practical storage space for small items. Its compact size makes it ideal for layering clothing in cold conditions. The comfortable cut allows free movement without restrictions.
Snugpak Insulated Spearhead jacket
Midweight technical insulated jacket with removable insulated hood. A flip-up chin guard and an integrated neckwarmer provide increased protection against the cold. Concealed front zipper with back baffle protects against wind and rain. The patented Softie insulation ensures thermal comfort even in demanding conditions. The package includes a compact bag for easy packing and transport of the jacket.
3) Protective layer or windbreaker
While the two previous layers are supposed to take care of retaining human heat, the third has the task of protecting against external influences. Since we will mention two more layers here, we will mean protection from the wind by the third protective layer, i.e. various windbreakers and softshells. Of course it depends on the weather, but if the conditions are really extreme, these types of jackets are used as a special "second middle" layer under the fourth layer. Otherwise, just wear them directly over the sweatshirt as an outer layer.
This protective layer is often generically referred to as a softshell. Its task is to protect against the wind, but also partly against water (at least light rain) and, of course, to further remove moisture to the surface. Wind protection is important because wind reduces the felt temperature. This can then be significantly lower than the temperature actually measured on the thermometer, and even in a mild frost we can easily become hypothermic. Softshell jackets protect our torso and hands from this very risk.
As for the softshell, here we can choose between a softshell with a membrane and one without a membrane. Membrane ones are usually more expensive and can withstand a higher load. On the other hand, they are not as breathable as softshell jackets without a membrane, so we recommend wearing them for winter sports rather than for spring or autumn hikes. As we have already said, the surface of the softshell jacket should be water-repellent. Although it will not have as perfect a water column as more expensive waterproof jackets, it will withstand some minor rain without any problems.
TIP: Hardshell, softshell or Gore-Tex? If you are confused about these concepts, read this article and you won't be confused anymore!
Wind protection is important because wind reduces the felt temperature.
Selecting the 3rd layer from the Rigad offer
Windbreakers and softshells also have their integral representation in our e-shop. Let's look at three of them.
Surplus Windbreaker Zipper outdoor windbreaker
This practical and comfortable windbreaker is made of breathable material that is both water resistant and windproof. Thanks to the fleece lining, it provides thermal comfort even in colder weather. Full-length main zipper fastening makes dressing and doffing easy. Adjustable hood and drawstring waist allow for customization as needed. Two side pockets with slanted entry provide enough space to store small items.
Helikon-Tex Anorak Mistral softshell jacket
The Anorak Mistral softshell jacket from the Polish brand Helikon-Tex is designed for demanding conditions where protection from wind and light rain is required. The StormStretch material ensures high resistance and flexibility, allowing free movement. The jacket has a spacious kangaroo pocket on the chest and two side zippered pockets for practical storage of equipment. An adjustable hood with peak provides additional protection against inclement weather. Ventilation holes in the armpits ensure optimal breathability during physical activity.
Tilak Military Gear Tind Light windbreaker
The windbreaker from the Tilak military line is an ideal choice for various outdoor activities, such as trips, hikes or cycling. Thanks to its ultra-light construction and the ability to easily pack it into its own pocket, it is easy to carry and always ready for use. The special DWR treatment ensures water repellency, so raindrops run down the surface of the jacket without getting soaked. The looser cut does not restrict movement and two spacious pockets provide enough space for essentials.
4) Warming layer or protection from the cold
A special category of functional clothing is a warm layer that protects against the cold outside. Unlike the insulating layer, it is designed to be worn on the surface, even in winter, and mainly serves as an extra layer of protection when, for example, we take a break in freezing weather. Compared to bulky expedition jackets, the elements of the warm layer are therefore very lightweight and compact and therefore easily packable. You can only take them out of your backpack when you really need them.
These are usually down or synthetic jackets, which have a sufficient layer of insulation and, despite their light weight, ensure decent thermal comfort. Down is an excellent insulating material for these purposes, but it must not become completely wet. In that case, it loses the so-called loft (so a kind of fluffiness) and takes a long time to get it back. The loft value is defined by the so-called fill power – the higher the fill power, the better the insulation and the lower the temperatures you can wear the jacket in. Of course, better insulation is also reflected in the price.
The fourth layer usually consists of down or synthetic jackets, which have sufficient insulation and, despite their light weight, ensure decent thermal comfort.
Selecting the 4th layer from the Rigad offer
You can also find warm jackets here. We select the following models from the offer...
4-14 Factory Ottanta insulated jacket
Ottanta is a comfortable and practical insulated jacket model from the Italian company 4-14 Factory. It ensures protection of the body from the cold and at the same time great freedom of movement. It has a two-way zipper from the famous Japanese brand YKK, light weight and good thermal performance. It qualifies as an extra warm jacket as you can pack it into its own pocket. It is not down, but polyester, but thanks to this fact it offers a great price-performance ratio.
Snugpak Insulated SJ6 jacket
Another jacket from our offer is again compact and lightweight, so you can simply pack it in your backpack whenever you don't need it, because it might get warm during the day. It is a universal model that protects against cold, raindrops and wind. Thanks to the high-quality lining, the jacket will also keep you warm, so we can confidently include it in this category.
Fjällräven Singi Down winter jacket
This quality winter jacket from the Swedish brand Fjällräven combines minimalist Scandinavian design with high functionality. It is made of the patented G-1000 Eco material, which contains recycled polyester and organic cotton, which ensures resistance to the elements. The insulating filling consists of 80% goose down and 20% feathers, providing excellent thermal comfort. However, unlike previous models, it is no longer so easy to pack.
5) Water resistant layer or rain protection
The last layer, which we will talk about, has the task of protecting its wearer from rain and snow. In short, generally from air humidity, which is nice to look at from the warmth of a home or a mountain hut, but experiencing it firsthand is probably not something that most of us would voluntarily seek out.
With the water-repellent layer, manufacturers must ensure that it not only does not get wet from the outside, but at the same time that it allows moisture from the inside get to its surface and condensation does not occur. In this case, it pays to use various patented membrane materials that have a structure with vents that are smaller than a drop of water trying to penetrate it from the outside, but at the same time larger than a molecule of steam penetrating the surface from the inside.
In general, the more expensive the model, the better the above principle is solved. Some water resistant jackets even consist of two or three membrane layers. This is especially useful on mountain routes, when sudden weather changes can be expected and when you will have a loaded backpack on your back, which would somewhat degrade the functioning of a single layer in places of pressure on the body.
With the water-repellent layer, manufacturers must ensure that it not only does not get wet from the outside, but at the same time that it allows moisture from the inside get to its surface and condensation does not occur.
Selecting the 5th layer from the Rigad offer
Rigad's offer is also wide in the category of waterproof jackets. Judge for yourself...
Snugpak Sleeka Original jacket
The Sleeka Original jacket from the British brand Snugpak is water resistant, including the zipper (from the Japanese brand YKK), which is often the weakest link. At the same time, it is breathable, so it again meets our requirements for this category of jackets – it can protect against rain, but at the same time it will not be uncomfortable for you to wear it for a long time. Snugpak Sleeka jackets are popular among members of the military, but at the same time they have also earned their place among outdoor enthusiasts.
Pentagon Hoplite winter jacket
Water resistance and breathability are two terms that also define this Hoplite parka from the Greek manufacturer Pentagon Tactical. The main material used in this case is nylon Taslon, which is laminated with a water resistant layer and thus has a high water column. Pleasant details include the two-way ventilation hole in the armpit, which is fitted with an insect net. And then we have a three-point adjustable hood or an adjustable wrist cuff.
Carinthia Insulation LIG 4.0 jacket
The Carinthia Insulation LIG 4.0 jacket protects in variable weather conditions. The pockets of this jacket are even splash-proof and the hand pockets are even lined with cozy fleece. A lot of the details that this jacket is equipped with are beyond the scope of this article. But we must mention the G-LOFT synthetic insulation material, which is almost comparable to down in its comfort.
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