Modern Outdoor Clothing is technologically advanced and highly sophisticated. New materials and designs are extremely lightweight, durable, and versatile. To make the most of your gear, choose the fabrics and combinations of clothes most suited to the environment and conditions in which you are traveling.

Layering Clothes
The rule of layering is simple: several light layers are better than one heavy layer. Wearing multiple layers gives you flexibility to fine-tune your temperature by taking off or putting on layers to regulate your body heat. Choose fabrics such as wool, fleece, microfleece, and down-all of which are good insulators.

How Layering Works
Layering is effective because it traps air between the layers of clothes and helps you stay warm in any environment. If you wear the correct layers in the right order, your clothing will move sweat away from your body, keep moisture out, and help to keep you insulated. Wear wicking fabrics, such as polypropylene, in hot and cold weather.

1. Hat: a lot of body heat is lost through the head so a hat helps you to regulate your body temperature
2. Base layer: wicks moisture away from the skin
3. Outer layer: prevents moisture from entering while allowing sweat to escape
4. Mid-layer: provides warmth. Use insulating fabrics in cold weather
5. Layered gloves: fleece gloves worn under lightweight gloves help to protect the fingers
6. Fleece: a bulky lightweight fabric that retains warmth, even when is wet
7. Pants: lightweight, full-length pants shade the skin from the heat of the sun
8. Boots: choosing the right boots may be the most important decision you make when selecting gear

The Layering System
The top (outer) layer repels rain, while dampness is wicked away from the skin by the base layer closest to the skin. The mid-layers insulate the body and help retain warmth.

1. Perspiration is drawn away from the skin
2. Raindrops are repelled by the outer layer
3. Breathable waterproof outer layer
4. Fleece mid layer
5. Synthetic mesh
6. Polypropylene base layer

Regulating Body Heat
Don't be tempted to overdress. Sweat can soak you as much as rain and a sudden change of temperature can leave you vulnerable to hypothermia. Wearing layers helps you to control your body temperature.