
How to build an outdoor layering system for backcountry hiking & extreme alpine conditions
Hiking clothing is incredibly personal and obviously comes down to individual comfort and style preferences, but outdoor layers are something else entirely— layering is about essential safety, with base layers, mid-layers, jackets, and shells designed to protect you from the elements in the harshest conditions. It can be intimidating to figure out what you need, and the cost of entry sometimes feels overwhelming, so I’m excited to show you how simple, intentional layering can go a long way!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact pieces I keep in my gear closet, when I choose to wear each one, and how they combine to form an incredibly versatile outdoor capsule wardrobe for every backcountry adventure. All of my recommendations have been personally tested over a decade of backpacking and mountaineering around the world, in everything from alpine windstorms to crisp glacier traverses to wet, temperate trails, so you know you’re investing in gear that’s going to keep you warm, dry, and ultimately safe in the outdoors.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I recommend, at no extra cost to you. I ONLY recommend gear that I personally use (or that James uses) and that we genuinely LOVE— your support helps keep this site going and the adventures rolling!
Check out my outdoor gear guides for the best:
TL;DR: best outdoor base layers, mid-layers, insulated layers, and shells ↯
TOPS
🔥 best lightweight wool base layer: WoolX Remi Long Sleeve (women’s) / Essential Tee (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight wool base layer: Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Top (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best lightweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Rho LT Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Kyanite Zip Neck Top (women’s) / Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck Top (men’s)
🔥 best synthetic insulation: Arc’teryx Atom Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best mid-weight down jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight down jacket: Arc’teryx Thorium Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best shell jacket: Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket (women’s) / (men’s)
BOTTOMS
🔥 best wool base layer: Arc’teryx Satoro Merino Wool Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best lightweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Rho Base Layer Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Kyanite Base Layer Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best lightweight soft shell pants: Arc’teryx Gamma SL Pants (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best mid-weight soft shell pants: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best hard shell pants: Arc’teryx Beta Pants (women’s) / (men’s)
ACCESSORIES
🔥 best neck protection: Buff Original / Buff Polar
🔥 best beanie: Arc’teryx Mallow Toque
🔥 best sun gloves: Outdoor Research ActiveIce Chroma Full Sun Gloves
🔥 best lightweight liner gloves: Outdoor Research Trail Mix Gloves (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best leather mountaineering gloves: Outdoor Research Stormtracker Gloves (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best waterproof shell mittens: Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitts
🔥 best insulated mittens: Black Diamond Super Light Mitts
How to layer for mild to extreme outdoor conditions
When venturing into the outdoors across a range of climates and conditions, appropriate outdoor clothing is vital. But instead of buying a different $500 jacket for every trip, the smartest way to build a truly adaptive setup is to understand how different layers work together to cover every possible combination of temperature, activity level, and weather.
Understanding different layers
Broadly, layers fall into 4 main categories:
- Base layers (made from wool) sit against your skin and manage moisture, pulling sweat away to keep you dry and warm OR dry and cool, depending on the conditions
- Mid-layers (made from technical fleece) trap body heat and provide lightweight insulation without restricting movement or overheating on the move
- Insulated layers (made from synthetic or down fill) offer serious warmth when you’re resting, moving slowly, or facing extreme cold conditions
- Shell layers (made from weather-resistant materials or GoreTex) protect you from wind, rain, and snow, keeping everything underneath dry and effective by allowing some breathability
Once you understand how each layer functions, you can build an outdoor capsule wardrobe: a small collection of high-quality, versatile layers that can be combined in innumerable ways to handle everything from mild spring hikes to sub-zero summit pushes.
Building an outdoor capsule wardrobe
Instead of owning a dozen different base layers or 4 colours of the same down jacket, I’ve invested in ONE high-quality lightweight and heavyweight piece from each layer type— and over the years, I’ve learned how to combine them in dozens of ways to suit every kind of trip.
Whether I’m packing light for a hut-to-hut in the Dolomites, bracing for sub-zero summit weather on Pico de Orizaba, or planning a basecamp-style expedition to Aconcagua, I know I’ve already got the layers I need to build a system that works. This approach keeps my pack lighter, my gear more dialled, and my decision-making simpler, but it also saves money in the long run— when each layer is chosen intentionally, you can afford to invest in top-quality gear the first time around.
💸 WHY I INVEST IN TOP-TIER GEAR (& YOU SHOULD TOO)
If you’re a casual summer hiker sticking to fair-weather trails, you can get away with a more relaxed layer system, but once you’re venturing into the alpine— high-elevation trails, unpredictable weather, or sub-zero summit days— your layering needs to be dialled. This post is my attempt to help you get there.
Almost every piece of gear I recommend here is from Arc’teryx (amazingly, they did not sponsor this post lol) and yes, their gear is expensive— but it out-performs every other outdoor brand AND they truly stand behind their gear, forever.
I abused the same Arc’teryx Beta rain shell for 8+ years of intense backpacking and mountaineering, and when the laminate on the shoulders started peeling, Arc’teryx replaced it for free with a brand new $500 jacket. Investing in high-quality gear the first time around might feel like a splurge, but in the long run, it saves money, reduces waste, and gives you more confidence in the mountains. Buy good gear and it will take care of YOU when it really counts!

The best women’s + men’s outdoor layers
Essential layers: tops
Because your core plays such a critical role in regulating overall body temperature, upper body layering is where you’ll feel the biggest impact. You’ll almost always reach for extra insulation on your torso before you need it on your legs, so this part of your system tends to be a bit more built out, with multiple layering options that can flex with the forecast.
For layering on your top-half, you’ll need a collection of shirts, crew necks, zip necks, and jackets that can be combined, swapped, and layered to suit the weather, activity level, and season.

Lightweight wool base layer
This is your everyday base— light, soft, and breathable, made from 100% Merino wool. It regulates your body temperature, wicks sweat, and doesn’t hold odour, which makes it perfect for everything from midday hiking to alpine layering to cold nights at camp.
BB pick: WoolX Remi Long Sleeve
Shop at WoolX:

Heavyweight wool base layer
When conditions are especially cold, I swap my standard wool base layer for a thicker merino layer that adds extra heat retention to my setup. In cold weather, this still works as a hiking layer, but it’s also a superb nighttime layer when temps drop way below freezing. In almost all instances, I choose between the wool base layer above and this heavy wool base layer when packing for a trip.
BB pick: Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Top
Shop at REI:
Shop at Backcountry:

Lightweight fleece mid-layer
A lightweight technical fleece hoody is the perfect mid-layer for light to extreme conditions, and I find I bring this layer on almost every trip into the mountains. It works beautifully over a base layer AND under heavier fleece or an insulated jacket, adding noticeable warmth without feeling bulky. Ideally, this layer will have a hood and balaclava-like design to further seal in warmth around the neck.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Rho LT Hoody
Shop at REI:

Heavyweight fleece mid-layer
A thicker, cozier fleece with a more relaxed fit is excellent for layering over the top of a base layer and, in even more intense cold, over both a base layer AND a lighter fleece layer. This should be stretchy enough to hike in, comfy enough for camp, and ideally a crew or zip-neck (so you’re not collecting too many hoods).
BB pick: Arc’teryx Kyanite Zip Neck Top
Shop at REI:

Synthetic insulation
Warmer than a fleece but less delicate than down, a synthetic insulation layer is ideal for unpredictable weather, damp conditions, or high-exertion alpine days. I throw it over my base layer for chilly mornings, wear it under a down and shell in alpine conditions, or use it as my “active insulation” when I’m on the move in cool temps. It’s not as warm as down, but way more versatile— and it doesn’t matter if it gets a bit sweaty or wet. I rarely skip this layer in my packing and usually choose one down jacket to pair overtop.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Atom Hoody
Shop at REI:

Mid-weight down jacket
Down insulation offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any layer, but it’s also more delicate and less versatile than synthetic. This isn’t the jacket you hike in (unless it’s really cold), but it’s incredibly effective when you’re resting, hanging at camp, or facing cold, dry summit conditions. I usually wear this over at least two layers (a base layer and a fleece/synthetic jacket), and it’s what I reach for when I want serious warmth without a ton of bulk.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
Shop at REI:

Heavyweight down jacket
This upgraded down layer is warmer, bulkier, and heavier, with more down fill and loft to trap maximum heat. I usually choose between this and my mid-weight down jacket depending on the trip, but in extreme alpine conditions (like Aconcagua), I’ve layered both together with great success. Make sure it fits comfortably over 3-5 layers— this is the outermost piece in your system when you’re in dry cold down to -25C.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Thorium Hoody
Shop at REI:

Shell jacket
A shell jacket protects you from wind, rain, and snow, while still allowing heat and moisture to escape from your layers underneath. In moderate but wet weather, you might be wearing this jacket over as little as a t-shirt, but in extreme alpine conditions, it could be layered over 3-4 base layers, fleece layers, and synthetic or down layers— this may require you to size up slightly to accommodate bulky layers underneath.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket
Shop at REI:

Essential layers: bottoms
Because your legs generate a lot of heat when you’re moving, you’ll often get away with fewer layers here than on your upper body, but when the temps drop or the wind picks up, you’ll be glad to have options. My lower-body outdoor essentials include: base layers, fleece tights, soft shells, and waterproof shells that stack together depending on how much insulation or protection you need.

Wool base layer
My go-to base layer for cold weather hiking, alpine layering, and staying warm in the tent, merino wool tights are soft, stretchy, and light enough to wear under just about any pair of pants. I’ll usually choose either these or lightweight fleece tights, but not both; in colder conditions, they also layer well under the heavyweight fleece tights for added insulation.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Satoro Merino Wool Base Layer
Shop at REI:

Lightweight fleece mid-layer
Next up is a breathable, stretchy fleece tight that adds just the right amount of warmth when wool alone won’t cut it. I wear them on their own for cool-weather hiking or layer them under the Gamma Pants and/or a hardshell when temps drop further. If I’m not packing my wool base layer, this is usually what I reach for instead.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Rho Base Layer Bottoms
Shop at REI:

Heavyweight fleece mid-layer
The warmest and coziest bottoms in my kit. I bring these for cold expeditions, snowy basecamps, or high-altitude trips where I’ll be moving slower or spending time in freezing temps. They layer easily over a merino wool base layer and under softshell pants, creating a system that adapts well to extreme cold; I will hike, climb, and sleep in this 3-pant combination when temps require.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Kyanite Base Layer Bottoms
Shop at REI:

Lightweight soft shell pants
These are my go-to lightweight pants for summer alpine climbs, shoulder-season hiking, or any trip where I want breathability and freedom of movement without sacrificing durability. In warmer conditions, I’ll wear these on their own; in moderate weather, I prefer to layer over my merino wool base layer for a bit of added warmth.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Gamma SL Pants
Shop at REI:

Mid-weight soft shell pants
These are the pants I reach for on cold-weather hikes, mountaineering in mixed conditions, and glacier travel. They’re warmer, more wind-resistant, and more structured than a lightweight pant— ideal for high-elevation environments or big mountain days. If I’m wearing these, I always have a merino wool base layer underneath, and in extreme conditions (like -20C), I’ll add a fleece layer too. This type of pant is incredibly versatile on its own, but not fully waterproof, so if there’s sustained precipitation or intense wind, a hard shell is going to be necessary on top.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants
Shop at REI:

Hard shell pants
These are your outer layer for when the weather turns wild. Hardshell pants are fully windproof and waterproof, designed to protect your lower half from snow, rain, and alpine winds. I don’t always pack them— but if the forecast calls for storms, deep snow, or sustained exposure, they’re essential. If I reach for this layer, it’s pretty much guaranteed I’m already wearing a base layer and/or fleece mid-layer under soft shell pants, so they need to be sized to fit over the top of 2-3 layers without being too restrictive.
BB pick: Arc’teryx Beta Pants
Shop at REI:

Accessories
Small but powerful pieces like Buffs, hats, gloves, and mittens can make or break your layering system— especially in cold or variable weather. But much like tops and bottoms, you don’t need a different pair of gloves for every single trip, just a few well-chosen items that work together to keep you protected, comfortable, and adaptable.

Buff (neck gaiter)
My favourite multi-use item that lives permanently in my pack as a neck warmer, headband, sun shield, or makeshift balaclava for everything from summer hikes to alpine summits
BB pick: Buff Original + Buff Polar

Beanie
For cold nights at camp and breezy alpine starts, a lightweight and low-profile beanie is absolutely key— for climbers, this should be able to fit under a helmet and layer over a lightweight fleece hood for extra warmth
BB pick: Arc’teryx Mallow Toque

Sun gloves
Great for long alpine climbing days on snow, these offer sun and ice protection without overheating and can be layered under larger gloves/mittens as an ultralight base layer
BB pick: Outdoor Research ActiveIce Chroma Sun Gloves

Lightweight liner gloves
Essential for even the most basic of hiking trips as a thin but powerful barrier against cold air and wind, but also ideal for layering under larger gloves/mitts in alpine conditions, providing some lightweight protection on a windy summit, or even for cooking dinner at a cold camp
BB pick: Outdoor Research Trail Mix Gloves
Shop at REI:

Leather mountaineering gloves
A mountaineering essential that does not apply to casual hikers, leather gloves should be durable and rugged for rope handling and ice axe use, possibly also worn over sun gloves or liner gloves
BB pick: Outdoor Research Stormtracker Gloves
Shop at REI:
Shop at Backcountry:

Waterproof shell mittens
Ultralight and versatile, shell mittens can be worn over any liners to add snow, wind, or rain protection to the system— these are awesome even for casual hikers who sometimes encounter precipitation at lower elevations
BB pick: Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitts

Insulated mittens
This layer is overkill for all but the most extreme, high-elevation climbs (like Aconcagua), but in these instances, down-insulated, weather-sealed mittens are essential to protect against frostbite
BB pick: Black Diamond Super Light Mitts

Real-world examples of this layering system
Want to see this system in action?! Here’s exactly how I’ve layered for real-world backcountry treks and alpine climbs in a range of moderate to extreme conditions, rearranging my core layers depending on the temperature, wind, and intensity of the moment.

Aconcagua (summer mountaineering ascent)
Conditions: below -25°C with intense wind chill on summit day, but bone dry (the most extreme conditions I’ve ever climbed in!)
Top layers: merino wool base layer + lightweight fleece mid-layer + heavyweight fleece mid-layer + synthetic insulation layer + mid-weight down jacket + heavy down jacket (everything but the shell, which would have compressed my down jackets too much)
Bottom layers: merino wool base layer + heavyweight fleece mid-layer + mid-weight soft shell pants + hard shell pants (absolutely every layer)
Accessories: Buff Original + Buff Polar + balaclava + beanie + insulated mittens

Mont Blanc (summer mountaineering ascent)
Conditions: ~0°C at the start of a typical July ascent; cold, calm, and clear with a fast warm-up after sunrise
Top layers: merino wool base layer + lightweight fleece mid-layer + synthetic insulation layer (I wore my mid-weight down jacket for the first hour, then took it off and didn’t need it again)
Bottom layers: merino wool base layer + lightweight soft shell pants
Accessories: Buff Original + sun gloves + leather mountaineering gloves

O-Circuit (autumn trekking in Patagonia)
Conditions: single-digit temps with 50-60km/hr wind (gusts up to 100km/hr), snow flurries at higher elevations
Top layers: merino wool base layer + heavy fleece mid-layer + synthetic insulation layer + shell jacket (the main goal here was protection from wind!)
Bottom layers: merino wool base layer + lightweight soft shell pants
Accessories: Buff Original + lightweight liner gloves + waterproof shell mittens

Iztaccíhuatl (winter mountaineering ascent)
Conditions: sub-zero temps with no wind, cool and stable conditions throughout the night with a sunny summit by late morning
Top layers: merino wool base layer + lightweight fleece mid-layer + mid-weight down jacket (I removed my heavyweight down jacket 30min into the climb and didn’t need it again until the summit)
Bottom layers: lightweight fleece mid-layer (I started with lightweight soft shell pants as my outer layer, then took them off around 6am)
Accessories: Buff Original + beanie + lightweight liner gloves
Building a flexible, intentional layering system means you can adapt to any trail, any forecast, and any season with confidence. Invest once in high-quality, versatile layers and you’ll be comfortable in conditions from the rainforest to the Andes. I hope this guide has helped you find your perfect layers!
TL;DR: best outdoor base layers, mid-layers, insulated layers, and shells ↯
TOPS
🔥 best lightweight wool base layer: WoolX Remi Long Sleeve (women’s) / Essential Tee (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight wool base layer: Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Top (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best lightweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Rho LT Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Kyanite Zip Neck Top (women’s) / Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck Top (men’s)
🔥 best synthetic insulation: Arc’teryx Atom Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best mid-weight down jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight down jacket: Arc’teryx Thorium Hoody (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best shell jacket: Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket (women’s) / (men’s)
BOTTOMS
🔥 best wool base layer: Arc’teryx Satoro Merino Wool Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best lightweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Rho Base Layer Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best heavyweight fleece mid-layer: Arc’teryx Kyanite Base Layer Bottoms (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best lightweight soft shell pants: Arc’teryx Gamma SL Pants (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best mid-weight soft shell pants: Arc’teryx Gamma Pants (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best hard shell pants: Arc’teryx Beta Pants (women’s) / (men’s)
ACCESSORIES
🔥 best neck protection: Buff Original / Buff Polar
🔥 best beanie: Arc’teryx Mallow Toque
🔥 best sun gloves: Outdoor Research ActiveIce Chroma Full Sun Gloves
🔥 best lightweight liner gloves: Outdoor Research Trail Mix Gloves (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best leather mountaineering gloves: Outdoor Research Stormtracker Gloves (women’s) / (men’s)
🔥 best waterproof shell mittens: Black Diamond Waterproof Overmitts
🔥 best insulated mittens: Black Diamond Super Light Mitts
Explore more outdoor gear guides on brookebeyond
- How to choose the best trail shoes, hiking boots & mountaineering boots for every adventure
- How to choose the best hiking backpack for every outdoor adventure
- How to build an outdoor layering system for backcountry hiking & extreme alpine conditions
- How to choose the best tent for backpacking & mountaineering
- How to choose the best outdoor sleep system: best sleeping bags, sleeping pads & camp pillows
- How to pack food for multi-day backcountry adventures: our tips for maximising calories & minimising weight