Complete outdoor clothing system

A properly selected hiking clothing system will keep you warm and comfortable regardless of heat, torrential rain, and gale-force winds. To adapt to the varying conditions encountered during a single trek, I use a 5-layer system.

Фотография

1 Base layer, thermal underwear.

Top, long sleeve, i.e., a long-sleeved shirt. Forget short sleeves—long sleeves perform much better in hiking across absolutely all regions and routes.

  • Protects arms from sunburn and overheating in the sun
  • Protects against wind, reducing wind chill.Physically shields from branches, brush, thorns, and scrapes in case of a fall.
  • Protects skin from mosquito bites, midges, and other insects.
  • Sleeping in a sleeping bag with long sleeves is much more comfortable, preventing bare skin from sticking to the fabric.

A hooded long sleeve isn't strictly mandatory, but it's definitely even more practical. If needed, the hood covers your neck and head from picking-up wind, sun, and insects. During sleep, it keeps your sleeping bag clean around the collar—my definite personal recommendation.

Bottoms, thermal leggings / long johns.

Top and bottom are ideal for warm yet overcast weather and rain. Just wear a hardshell jacket and waterproof pants over them. Layer #1 wicks moisture, layer #5 protects against rain and wind. In my experience, this setup is optimal at temperatures above +15°C.

Layer #1 can also be used as sleepwear inside the sleeping bag in warm weather to keep the liner clean from body oils, plus it feels much better against the skin.

Material: synthetics or synthetic/merino blend

Fabric weight: 80–110 g/m², prioritizing the thinnest, ultralight, and most breathable fabrics.

Color: prioritize light colors and pale shades. They absorb significantly less heat and attract fewer mosquitoes and midges.

It should fit snugly like a second skin to wick and evaporate moisture, but without constricting—especially at the armpits, knees, and elbows—to avoid hindering blood circulation.

куртки и мембрана обучающий материал
Pavel Rudenko
Pavel Rudenko
a:2:{s:4:"TYPE";s:4:"HTML";s:4:"TEXT";s:316:"Founder of the project and polar guide, ambassador of the Kola North, solo traveler, and outdoor gear specialist.
Certified wilderness guide, Mountaineer of Russia badge holder. Completed Wilderness First Aid, avalanche safety, and survival courses.
Former instructor at the Sport-Marafon Outdoor School.
";}