Mid-layer = cold weather clothing?
When thinking about choosing clothes for mountain climbing or outdoor activities, it is said that the important thing is to be aware of layering.
Basically, it means layering clothes with different functions in three layers: the base, mid (mid) and shell. This means that you can act safely and comfortably even in harsh conditions where the environment is changing rapidly. This time, we have summarized the "midlayer," which plays a slightly more intricate role in the layering.
A mid-layer is clothing that is worn between what is called an underwear (base layer) and an outerwear (shell layer). When I first started climbing the mountain, I simply thought about it as "are you wearing a cold weather wear?", but it's not that simple to say that it would be comfortable as long as it keeps you warm. Various elements and functions are required to create optimal heat retention and comfort in any situation. As proof of this, even if you simply say "mid layer", the most suitable way to wear varies depending on the material, shape, thickness, etc. of the fabric, depending on the season, purpose, and effect.
As you climb the mountain for longer, there are many cases where one type of mid-layer cannot deal with it, such as being too cold or too hot, being too humid or too breathable, being too heavy or too bulky, depending on the situation. In that sense, mid-layers are incredibly profound, or rather, they can be said to be a troublesome mountain wear that will make amateurs cry.
So, this time we will introduce the best mid-layer models that suit a variety of situations, as well as the key points to consider when choosing what and what criteria to use to choose the perfect piece for you.
table of contents
- [By type] 7 recommended mid-layer items that you won't want to let go once you use them.
- Down insulation (spring to fall): Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Jacket
- Down Insulation (Winter): Rab Infinity Alpine Jacket
- Synthetic fiber insulation focused on heat retention (spring to fall): Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
- Synthetic fiber insulation focused on heat retention (winter): NORRONA trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood
- Active Insulation (Thin): Rab Alpha Flash / NORRONA lyngen Alpha90 Jacket
- Active Insulation (Thick): MILLET Breeze Barrier Toy Alpha Direct Hoodie
- Fleecewear (all year): Patagonia R1 Air
- How to choose: Tips for choosing a mid-layer (cold clothing) wisely
- summary
[By type] 7 recommended mid-layer items that you won't want to let go once you use them.
Finally, as I have been seeing the evolution of mid-layers for many years, I have chosen models that I have actually used and would like to say that they are good at this time, depending on the thickness and thickness of each model. This includes most personal preferences, so please use this as a reference only.
Down insulation (spring to fall): Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Jacket
A ghost whisperer, the masterpiece of mountain down jackets, with one of the world's most advanced levels in terms of weight, functionality and style. It seems that the lineup has been increasing recently in this series, but this is the ultra-lightweight flagship model. This is a masterpiece that will provide the ultimate comfort and satisfaction in both the city and the mountains.
The padding has finally become a 1,000 fill power water-repellent down "Q Shield", which is designed to prevent bulk from collapse due to moisture, which is the weakness of down. It also includes RDS certification, which is proof that it is humanely and properly handling waterfowl, which is the raw material.
The thin, high density, water-repellent ripstop nylon outer material is extremely delicate and durable. It weighed only 189g (size M), and it has finally fallen below 200g. The only thing that has been done is that you can turn the right pocket over and store it, but it can still be used to put together the right pocket just without a zipper, so it's understandable if you consider that the weight has been cut down. The three-dimensional cutting makes it easy to move around.
It is thin so it may not be a great option for cold weather in the middle of winter, but the temperature changes dramatically depending on the weather, making it the perfect amulet for mountain climbing from spring to early winter when you can't read the equipment.
Down Insulation (Winter): Rab Infinity Alpine Jacket
This season's most super jacket, combining high-quality, high-performance down material with calculated three-dimensional cutting and cutting-edge sewing techniques, is the flagship model of Rab, a high-end mountain brand that the UK boasts. It uses GORE-TEX® INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER®, which has a high level of wind resistance and water resistance, and while maintaining durability of 30 denier at key points such as the shoulders, it is a fine-grained design that uses thin 13 denier material for the main body. Moreover, the unique "switchback" seam structure prevents cold air and water from entering the interior, while also making it easier for heat to be released from the seams of the down baffle when active. Of course, the down is also the 800FP European goose down, which is water-repellent with Nikwax, and has the highest quality and functionality. Its amazing work is that it covers the weaknesses of down, such as being prone to stuffiness and being vulnerable to wetting, while also maintaining heat retention, comfort and lightness.
Synthetic fiber insulation focused on heat retention (spring to fall): Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
Speaking of Nano Puff, it is a popular and most well-known mountain insulation jacket with a wide range of loyal users around the world, so there's no need to mention it again here. Yes, I've been helping you by saying anything about it.
It's hard to describe the appeal of this jacket in one word. (I don't know when I first appeared) but I don't have any outstanding features, but for some reason when I choose a partner to take me to the mountains, I finally hold it in my hand. If I had to say, it's a jacket that's all right. The padded Primaloft Gold combines high heat retention, lightness and compactness, making it not only reliable as a cold weather wear. Furthermore, it is still durable, durable and packable, so it is easy to use, allowing you to put it in the bottom of your backpack without worry. It also has a high-quality comfort, ease of movement, and excellent design. In other words, no matter which one you choose, you will get a passing grade.
I mainly think about it from spring to autumn, and I like the hoodless type, considering its compactness and interference with rainwear. It is essential for mountain hiking where you may be worried about getting wet, such as climbing streams.
Synthetic fiber insulation focused on heat retention (winter): NORRONA trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood
Norrona's extremely warming fiber insulation jacket is an innovative model that incorporates the rumored next-generation insulation material "aerogel."
It uses PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core Technology, and its insulation power is said to be close to down. The filling is also full of volume, and when you put it on in the extreme cold, you can feel the fluffy, puffy, fluffy feel, and the warmth that comes quickly and feel very reliable. Despite its high heat retention, it is also characterized by its lightness that was previously unthinkable (storage requires some patience). The three-dimensional cutting gives it a comfortable fit and easy to move around. This insulation jacket is safe for tough outdoor activities in winter, for belaying during snowy seasons and for variations in winter routes.
Active Insulation (Thin): Rab Alpha Flash / NORRONA lyngen Alpha90 Jacket
Both are highly perfect, so I'll introduce two. What both have in common is that they use POLATEC®Alpha™ as the insulation material.
POLATEC®Alpha™, a high-performance insulation material developed for the US military special forces, has minimal heat retention, while ensuring the breathability, quick drying and lightweight properties necessary to stay comfortable even when you are active. Active insulation has become popular in recent years, and a lot of competitive materials have been released, but each time I end up returning to this "Alpha." The reason for this is that the insulation, quick drying and comfort are all satisfactory and well-balanced, and it is understandable that many brands have developed products using this fabric up until now.
Both of these items use thin POLATEC®Alpha™ Direct, which is made from Alpha padding material (without sandwiching with shell fabric), and is made from exposed parts. For this reason, it is difficult to use as an outerwear, but it is extremely powerful as an intermediate wear. The sweat absorbed by the highly breathable air that blew through the wind is instantly released to the outside of your clothes, making it easy to let sweat go.
Furthermore, the tight fit is a highly stretchy fleece that is easy to move around in, such as under the armpits and sleeves, so it is quite easy to move around, making it perfect for wearing in activities that require a lot of sweating all year round. This is so easy to use for running in low mountain hiking in spring to autumn and winter, or in chilly situations. The basic style is this jacket and hard shell on top of the base layer. Even if you feel that it's a little hot when you are on the climb, if you leave it on, the discomfort will soon subside, and as a result, you can spend the day without taking off your clothes.
There is no doubt that Stop & Go is one of the most convenient materials for winter wear that is often used outdoors, so why not consider this year?
Active Insulation (Thick): MILLET Breeze Barrier Toy Alpha Direct Hoodie
Strictly speaking, it's not that thick, but as it's an active insulation that's easy to use even for the outdoors in the middle of winter, this MILLET update for the 2022 season is excellent.
Although it is the same as many competing models in that it uses POLATEC®Alpha™ Direct, the outer shell fabric is a unique windproof, ultra-water-repellent, lightweight, stretchy material called "Breeze Barrier". Needless to say, the performance of the POLATEC®Alpha™ itself is undoubtedly, but its high-performance shell makes it perfect for both mid-layer and outerwear. I'm particularly surprised at how water-repellent it won't overwhelm a bit of rain and snow. There are also many other small favorites, such as the cuffs have thumb holes that make it easy to layer, the chest pocket, and the hood is lining with a nylon taffeta that makes it easier to brush off snow than the brushed material.It is a very convenient piece for me, and can be used in a wide range of ways, not just winter or in the hot season, as a mid-wear and outerwear.
Fleecewear (all year): Patagonia R1 Air
Fleece is a special presence for Patagonia. When it comes to cold weather clothing, the creator of this groundbreaking synthetic winter clothing, developed a long time ago, when it came to animal hair sweaters, continues to drop new fleeces that are warmer, lighter, and easier to use in the outdoor scene. The R1 Air is Patagonia's latest fleece, which is currently recommended. The R1 series is synonymous with technical fleece, which is loved by mountain athletes around the world, but it can be said to be a model that has been a major evolution of this classic.
What has evolved? First, by using hollow fiber polyester (100% recycled) as the fibers, it is light, heat retention, and moisture absorption. Furthermore, fine zigzag grooves are carved on the surface of the fabric to create air passages, improving breathability and quick drying. It's simple to put it in words, but what I personally find wonderful is that I can't see any of the points that this evolution has led to a regression. It's even more difficult to "add something without pulling anything" than to create something stand out at one point, as I've seen so many unfortunate updates.
The zip-neck type I chose this time has one chest zipper pocket, but it's sufficient as long as it is used as a middle-aged one. When used as a mid-layer in cold weather, it will keep you comfortable, not too hot and not too cold, even when it's colder than you would expect. To be honest, its good balance between heat retention, breathability and quick drying can be called active insulation. We're happy to note that there are variations available, such as crew neck and jacket types, so you can choose the one that suits your taste.
The elegant designs typical of Patagonia are also useful for trekking, climbing, backcountry, and if you want to, it's easy to use in any outdoor environment in winter, making it an excellent choice. Personally, I don't think I'll let it go 24 hours a day, whether on or off this winter.
How to choose: Tips for choosing a mid-layer (cold clothing) wisely
Point 1: Learn about layering
Before continuing as it is, I'll give you a rough review of the concept of layering (if you know, please skip it).
"Layering" outdoors refers to the theory of how to wear it to ensure a safe and comfortable atmosphere in harsh natural environments. Layering allows for quick removal of moisture from the clothes, mainly due to sweating, to keep the body dry, to keep the body constant (heating), and to block out the outside air, rain and snow, which can not coexist in one piece. Layering is not just about layering, but you can roughly complete it by layering layers (clothes) with the following three functions in order from the skin.
Base layer: absorbs sweat and passes it on the outside
The layer that is worn directly on the skin is called a base layer. By sucking up the sweat that comes from your body and letting it escape (pass it to the top layer), it makes it easier to keep the skin dry and keep your body temperature constant, reducing the discomfort of clothes wet with sweat. For this reason, the fabric material is made from chemical fibers and wool, which have excellent moisture absorption and quick drying performance. In hot seasons, this is often used alone, and is the most worn clothing throughout the year.
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Mid-layer: Heat retention (and moisture discharge)
The role of the mid-layer is simply heat insulation. A "air wall" is created by sandwiching clothes filled with padding between the external cold air and body temperature. This traps warm air near the surface of the body, keeping you warm and comfortable. Another important role is breathability, which allows moisture (water vapor) to be removed from the base layer. Unfortunately, no product is always comfortable no matter what season or activity. That's why mid-layers need to be smart, but I'll explain more about them later.
Shell Layer: Blocks wind, rain, snow and outside air (and releases moisture)
While the base midlayer was primarily responsible for keeping the inside of the clothing comfortable, the shell layer's role can be said to be primarily responsible for protecting the inside from the outside environment. It blocks out external irritations that can threaten comfort, such as cold air, rain, wind, and snow, and keeps the inside of your clothes safe. Specifically, by putting on a jacket made of waterproof and breathable materials such as GORE-TEX, it functions to prevent wind and water from entering from outside, while also allowing moisture from inside to escape. Depending on the weather conditions you expect, there are various types, from thin wind-proofing types to thick waterproof, windproof and highly insulating types.
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Point 2: Learn about the types of typical mid-layers and their characteristics
Now that we have fully understood the role of layering, we will finally get to the heart of choosing a mid-layer. As mentioned above, the main role of the mid-layer is to "insulation and heat retention," but then, if you just want to choose a jacket with high heat retention, this is not that simple.
Sometimes they stay still when climbing mountains, sometimes they are active vigorously, sometimes they are a little chilly, sometimes they are freezing cold. There is no one yet that would provide just the right amount of comfort in every situation.
To achieve just the right amount of comfort in any situation where heat is needed, the simplest but most clever way to achieve different comfort levels is to use multiple mid-layers from different areas of expertise. To do this, you first need to know about the typical types of mid-layers to wear on the mountains.
Typical mid-layer 1: Down insulation
First of all, when it comes to outdoor winter clothing, down insulation (jackets) is a typical winter clothing that most people probably think of. The feathers collected from waterfowl are used as padding, and the structure is sealed with a front and back fabric with excellent windproof properties. When looking for materials from around the world, there are none of them that are on the right side of the heat insulation for lightness.
However, while it has outstanding insulation properties, it keeps warm without knowing how much it is, so it tends to be too hot and stuffy inside the clothes and become uncomfortable. Also, be aware that if it gets wet, its heat retention will significantly decrease. However, in recent years, many down products have been appearing using the latest technology to overcome these weaknesses. In any case, this is definitely the best winter clothing when you're still in extremely cold places or when you want to warm up in a situation where you don't have much exercise.
Typical mid-layer 2: Synthetic fiber insulation (heat-retaining type)
Next, the main intermediate clothing is synthetic fiber insulation, a jacket developed by mankind as a padding material to replace feathers, and is enclosed with padding, mainly made from polyester fibers. Its distinctive feature is that it has heat insulation per weight that is close to feathers, but is also strong against wetting. In the outdoors, its toughness does not lose its heat retention even when wet with sweat, rain, snow, etc. is an important advantage, and the more hard it is, the more the synthetic insulation is, the more it is, the more it is, the more it is. Another major attraction is the ease of maintenance, which is easy to wash and is also a great feature. Typical padding materials include Thinsulate, Primaloft, Coreloft, and Excelloft.
The high heat retention, which has never been able to keep up with down no matter how far it goes, has steadily improved in recent years with high-tech materials such as aerogel, so its performance and usability have definitely been increasing.
By the way, strictly speaking, recently there have been cases where padding is neither down nor synthetic, such as padding made from wool fibers, but for now, I think it is safe to summarize these into this category.
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Typical mid-layer 3: Active insulation (wearing type during action)
The other is the next generation mid-layer "active insulation" jacket, born as a derivative of the above synthetic fiber insulation, and has become completely established over the past few years.
In terms of material, it is a pasted synthetic fiber padding, but although it does not match the above type in terms of heat retention per weight, it has the characteristic of drying faster and breathable, and keeping the inside of the clothing dry in the unlikely event that you sweat.
In addition, many models have stretchy properties and are more suitable for active scenes, and are surprisingly comfortable even when you sweat and act vigorously in low temperatures, so you can continue wearing them even when you are active.
Active insulation jackets are, so to speak, "movable winter clothing." It is always comfortable to wear even when you leave it on during winter activities, so this is a convenient intermediate wear that is so convenient that it is essential not only for mountain climbing in the winter, but also for backcountry where it is difficult to put on and take off.
New materials are being released one after another from various manufacturers, including Toray 3DeFX+, Patagonia full range, Polartec® Alpha®, THE NORTH FACE Ventrix™, and Primaloft® Gold Active.
Typical mid-layer 4: Fleecewear
Fleecewear was developed in the late 1970s as an ideal mountain sweater that was warm but not absorbed water (quickly drying), and quickly became the main focus of outdoor winter clothing, and is still an indispensable part of our needs.
Fleece is light, warm, easy to move around, quick-drying, and does not lose its heat retention even when wet, making it a very balanced outdoor cold weather wear, but looking at it with a large group, it has recently been a stalwart of other materials. This is because it has inferior weight, storage and heat retention compared to down, and is faster-drying and breathable compared to active insulation.
However, as technology advances, various fleeces have been created to meet diverse needs, including those with windproof properties, those with reduced bulk, and those with greater stretchability over the years, and it is a shame to dismiss them as something that is still over.
Point 3: Match the timing and situation to wear
Below is a table that summarizes the typical midlayers mentioned earlier and their general features.
Of course, performance can increase or decrease depending on the individual product's individuality, the thickness of the fabric, and the quality and quantity of the filling, so please consider it as a guide only.
| kinds | Down insulation | Synthetic fiber insulation (heat-retaining type) | Active insulation (wearing type during action) | Fleecewear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat-retaining material | down | Chemical fibers, etc. | Chemical fiber | Chemical fiber |
| Insulation per weight | ◎ | ◯ | △ | ◯ |
| Compact | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ | △ |
| Breathable and quick-drying | × | △ | ◎ | ◯ |
| Strength against wetting | × | ◎ | ◯ | ◎ |
| Comfortable to wear | ◎ | ◯ | △ | ◎ |
| Ease of movement | △ | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ |
| Windproof | ◎ | ◎ | △ | △ |
| Easily care | △ | ◎ | ◎ | ◎ |
By referring to the comparison table above, you can narrow down the types of winter clothing you are looking for. As you can see here, each of the winter clothing is largely functionally complementary, and not all of it is OK to have one. For this reason, it is best to be able to use different types of safety and comfort depending on the situation, and it is currently the best option to always bring two down jackets and active insulation. However, of course, there is no guarantee that this will be possible every time due to budget or physical constraints, and it is important to determine what each course is important and choose the clothing you will wear and carry. Choosing outdoor tools is a challenge and fun thing to do.
However, for those who want to know the answer more easily, I have summarized the following two questions to choose the best midlayer, although a little rough: Of course, there are all-purpose models in each category that combine many functions, so please note that it is not possible to draw a general line.
Question #1: When should I wear it?
The first question to ask is: "Do you wear the middle one when it's stopped (when still) or should you wear it while you're still?"
For those who assume that they don't move (do not sweat) when wearing winter clothes, there are two options: down insulation or synthetic fiber insulation (a type that emphasizes heat retention). On the other hand, if you're chilly even when you're stopped or moved in the winter, and you're looking for something to wear while you're still in the mood, you can choose between active insulation (a type worn while you're in the mood) or fleece wear.
Question 2: What are the concerns about wearing it?
If you choose a mid-layer that is useful when you are still standing, the next question you should think about is, " Will you wear it in cases where there is less risk of getting wet, or if you wear it on a mountain hiking trip where you are worried about getting wet ?" Each of these derives the following types:
| Wear when it's stopped | |
|---|---|
| There's little concern about getting wet | Down insulation |
| It may get wet | Synthetic fiber insulation (heat-retaining type) |
If you choose a mid-layer that will be useful for wearing while you are active, there are subtle differences from here onwards, but it's a good idea to consider whether you place more emphasis on breathability and quick drying, or balance and comfort It is recommended to choose the following types for each:
| Wear while you're on the move | |
|---|---|
| Sweat violently | Active Insulation |
| The sweat is pretty good | Fleecewear |
Point 4: Other important points to consider when choosing cold weather clothing
Based on my personal experience, the following points should be taken into consideration when choosing a mid-sized outfit.
When using as an outerwear, it is convenient to have hand warmer pockets on the left and right, but it's not necessary if you want to wear it as a middle-wear item. In fact, the chest pocket is convenient at the time.
Food
There is a difference between whether or not the head can be protected from cold without having a hood. Naturally, if you think about it alone, it is safe to assume that a hood will improve your cold protection, but if possible, it would be better to think about it as a whole layering. For example, if the base layer and hoods, mid layer and outerwear have hoods, it will cause a considerable traffic jam around the neck, which will actually cause heat, bulky and suffocating. At the very least, if the outerwear has a hood and the neck can be kept warm with a balaclava or something similar, you can think that's enough. In that case, a jacket without a hood is sufficient for the middle wear. In fact, I really like that pattern.
The mainstream is a stretchy material that fits the size of your head, or one that can be adjusted with a drawstring. If the pattern is not that right, it can be uncomfortable because if it doesn't fit your size, air will leak or your vision will be blocked if it is over. Also, when it comes to warm-weather clothing, which is intended to be outer, it is often made larger with the assumption that it will be worn over a helmet, so this may vary in preference.
Outer fabric (whether to wear it as an outerwear)
When layering in the mountains, winter clothing is generally considered to be an intermediate piece to wear under the shell, but clothes made up of only insulation such as sweaters and fleece are light, breathable and easy to get rid of sweat, and have the disadvantage that they are difficult to use as outerwear in the mountains. On the other hand, a type with a windproof, water-repellent shell fabric that has a padding that is sandwiched between the two can be used as an outerwear, but when used as an intermediate piece, it will waste a single piece of shell fabric in terms of breathability. It's not that which is better, but it's best to use it according to your needs.
summary
I've come up with my own best choice for choosing a mid layer. Of course, this is just an ideal type, and it's fun to create your own style by ingenuity within the limited equipment, and it goes without saying that it's important. In the "uncomfortable = dangerous" outdoors, we hope that it's fine line-up for you, for example, an unexpected snowstorm can be a great experience with the right outfit, or a terrifying experience you never want to experience again due to the wrong outfit, and we hope you will be able to find the mid-layer ideal for you.