Dressing properly in winter is easier than you think
11.1.2017
Translation: machine translated
You've probably already heard of the onion system. This is nothing more than dressing in several functional layers. But that doesn't mean you have to walk around all the time wearing thick layers like a Michelin man.
When you exercise, you automatically warm up and can reduce layers of clothing. When you take a break, another layer is added so that you don't cool down. While the bottom layers ensure that sweat is wicked away from the body, the top layers prevent cold wind or water from penetrating inside. I would like to introduce you to the individual onion layers below
Base layer
I personally usually wear long merino underwear as my base layer. This is my base layer. Why merino? It keeps you warm, even when it gets damp, and transports moisture away from the body. This is important for sweaty activities such as ski tours or jogging. Synthetic fibre underwear also works of course, but in my experience it starts to smell more quickly. OK for day trips, but a test for the nose on tours lasting several days. However, the advantage of synthetic fibres is that they transport moisture to the outside more quickly, as they can hardly store any moisture. Ultimately, it's a question of taste. In any case, it is important that the first layer is close-fitting, otherwise the sweat cannot be wicked away from the body.
Insulation layer
An insulating layer, preferably a light fleece or softshell jacket, is then added on top. These materials allow water vapour to escape to the outside and retain heat at the same time. This is also the reason why you should not wear an insulating jacket made of down or synthetic fibres as a second layer during sweaty activities. Although the heat is stored here, the sweat cannot escape to the outside. The dense insulation on the outside and inside prevents moisture from escaping.
Warming layer
The thermal layer is used when you are taking a break or know that you won't break a sweat, for example on a cosy winter hike. A down jacket or alternatively a synthetic fibre jacket makes sense here. A thick down jacket is used in extremely low temperatures, but a down waistcoat is often sufficient. This will keep your torso warm, which is usually enough to prevent you from cooling down. Do you prefer down or synthetic fibre? Down jackets are lighter and more compressible than synthetic fibre jackets. However, synthetic fibre still insulates even when it gets damp.
Weather protection
The outer layer is designed to protect us from weather influences such as cold wind and moisture. Here, too, there are two basic variants with different advantages and disadvantages: Hardshell and softshell jackets. The advantages of softshell jackets are their greater elasticity and better regulation of the body climate. Moisture is transported to the outside more easily and the greater elasticity is an advantage, especially for movement-intensive activities such as climbing. However, Goretex hardshell jackets have a clear advantage in adverse conditions. They are more waterproof and also keep out cold wind better than soft shells. If it's not raining or snowing, you can safely stow the weather protection layer in your rucksack.
Summary
The most important item of clothing and basic element in winter is the base layer. The remaining layers are then put on and taken off depending on the activity. The key to the onion principle is therefore not always being completely wrapped up, but being able to adapt your clothing to your level of activity. This means you don't sweat excessively and are still pleasantly warm.
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