How to Layer Hiking Apparel
Updated 09/01/2026
Utilizing lightweight layers allows you to adjust your wardrobe for anything nature throws your way. In this post, learn more about baselayers, midlayers and outer layers for hiking.
On hikes, I’ve learned that comfort usually comes down to one thing: how well I layer. Weather shifts quickly, trails can be steep one minute and breezy the next, and working up a sweat only to cool down fast can leave you uncomfortable if you’re not prepared. A good layering system lets you adjust as conditions change. In this post, I’ll walk through how I approach layering and share tips that have worked for me to stay dry, warm, and ready for whatever the trail throws my way.
Fabric Types
When choosing clothing for hiking and backpacking, avoid cotton. When cotton gets wet, either from precipitation or from your body sweat, it doesn’t wick the moisture away and takes a long time to dry. This can lead to losing body heat and increasing the risk of hypothermia. Wool and synthetic materials that wick moisture away from the body while retaining body heat are a much better choice.
Wool used to get a bad rap for being itchy, but merino wool has completely changed the game. It’s soft, much less scratchy, and still offers all the benefits that make wool great for hiking: it wicks moisture, insulates well, and dries fairly quickly. Plus, it doesn’t hold onto body odors the way other fabrics can. It can be pricier than synthetic options, but it comes in a range of thicknesses, so you can pick the right weight for your needs.
Synthetic fabrics, like nylon and polyester, are great for hiking because they wick moisture, dry quickly, and are durable. They’re also usually easier on the wallet than natural fibers. The tradeoff is that they tend to hold onto odors more than wool or other natural materials.
Baselayers
Baselayers are all about managing moisture and staying comfortable. Worn next to the skin, they wick sweat away and can help prevent chafing. On cooler hikes, I choose baselayers that keep me warm and dry, while in warmer weather I focus on breathable options that help me stay comfortable and prevent that sticky, clammy feeling. Common baselayers include underwear, bras, socks, long- or short-sleeve tops, and pants, skirts, or shorts. For overnight trips, I usually opt for long-underwear-style baselayers to stay warm and dry while sleeping.
Midlayers
Midlayers are all about insulation — they trap your body heat to keep you warm. The right midlayer depends on the conditions. Fleece and wool are great for breathability and can still insulate if they get a little damp. Down and synthetic insulated jackets are the most common midlayer choices. Down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio and packs down smaller, making it ideal for backpacking. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, holds up better in wet conditions. I also look for midlayers with full zippers — they make it much easier to adjust on the trail.
Features to Look for in a Midlayer
- Zippers: Half zippers on pullovers allow for venting when you get too warm, while full zippers are handy for being able to get them on and off easily.
- Hoods: Instead of wearing a heavy hat or beanie that tends to make me sweat easily, I like to use the hoods on jackets when I need to keep my head warm. I can easily remove the hood without having to stow something in my pack, and I can wear a hat with a brim under a hood.
- Length: I tend to like midlayers that are longer and cover my bum. This keeps me warmer and makes it easier to wear a hip belt on a day pack without having the hemline bunch up under it.
- Thumbholes: A nice feature for being able to add a layer with having the sleeves get caught up inside each other. Depending on the design of the thumbhole, some allow you to wear it to keep your hand partially covered to stay warm without wearing gloves.
- Insulation: Midlayers are available in varying weights – everything from a super light fleece to an insulated down jacket – so you can choose the type that works best based on the conditions you’ll encounter.
My Favorite Midlayers My Favorite Insulated Jackets
Outer Layers
Outer layers are for rain, wind and snow protection. A waterproof rain jacket is a must for backpacking in the Pacific Northwest. Even if it’s not raining, a rain jacket can help to block wind and retain body warmth. Add rain pants or a rain skirt (yes, they exist!) when the forecast calls for wet or cold weather. Breathability is important in rain gear, otherwise, you can get saturated by sweating inside it. The most breathable options tend to be expensive but are often more durable. Look for items with vents such as pit zips, and sealed seams to keep rain out.
Additional options for outer layers:
- Wind shells are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for blocking wind without adding too much warmth. I like to layer a wind shell over a baselayer or mid-layer when an insulated jacket would be too much.
- Soft shells are heavier than wind shells while still providing breathability and wind protection. They also provide more warmth, making them a good choice for dry, cold conditions.
Gear Reviews: My goal is to share clear, unbiased information about outdoor gear. I am not sponsored by any gear companies and I don’t accept paid posts or links. I regularly receive products from brands for review, with no expectation of a positive review and no compensation for my opinions. As an independent gear reviewer, I only review items I’ve personally used on multiple trips and that I believe are high-quality and worth recommending.
Affiliate Links: I Heart Pacific Northwest is a participant in affiliate link programs which provide a small commission if a purchase is made through gear links on this site (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for supporting this website!
