Backcountry Layering: Be Aware Know What To Wear - SnowBrains

"When you're touring in the backcountry, you'll want a different kit than what you wear inbounds at the resort. Inbounds, your main goal is to stay warm and comfortable, and you're usually not working nearly as hard as you do on the skin track. Touring generates a lot more heat, so your layering system has to breathe, manage moisture, and still keep you warm when you stop."

"Here's a quick how‑to for layering in the backcountry. Your first layer should be moisture‑wicking. For someone like me who runs hot, that might be a light, wicking T‑shirt; for others, a long‑sleeve base layer works better. Sometimes I skip the base T entirely and wear an ultra‑breathable micro‑grid fleece like Stio's Trax Power Grid Half Zip. The key is choosing a technical layer that draws sweat away from your skin and lets it evaporate so you don't get chilled."

"Depending on the temperature and how hard you're working, you can tour in just this layer or add a light, breathable fleece like the Patagonia R1. The R1 functions similarly to the Trax grid but holds a bit more warmth. Either way, when you're moving uphill, you'll generate a lot of heat, and you want to avoid sweating too much. The old saying applies here: be bold, start cold."

"Over your base and light fleece, your next layer should be a more insulating piece, preferably synthetic. Synthetic insulation keeps you warm even when damp from sweat or light precipitation. Good examples are the Patagonia Nano‑Air, Arc'teryx Atom Hoody, or Stio Fernos Hoody. All of these are designed to breathe while you're moving yet still trap heat when you stop."

Backcountry touring layering prioritizes moisture management and breathability because uphill travel generates substantial heat. Start with a moisture‑wicking base layer—options include a light wicking T‑shirt, long‑sleeve base, or an ultra‑breathable micro‑grid fleece—to move sweat away from skin and enable evaporation. Add a light, breathable fleece such as the Patagonia R1 for extra warmth on cooler or slower sections. Use a synthetic insulating jacket (for example, Patagonia Nano‑Air, Arc'teryx Atom Hoody, or Stio Fernos Hoody) that breathes while moving and retains warmth when damp. Choose outer layers based on fit, preference, and price, and avoid excessive sweating by starting slightly cold.

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