How to dress for the mountains

Spring and autumn are somewhat unpredictable in the mountains - you can experience clear and sunny weather, but it's good to expect colder weather and probably a certain portion of water (either in the form of rain, air humidity, or melting water from the mountain tops). Therefore, definitely prepare the first and second layers, supplemented by a waterproof third layer, which you can keep hidden in your backpack just in case.

September 15, 2023 ·4 min read

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For a 100% result, wear modern synthetic materials

Modern synthetic materials, which favorably combine waterproofness, breathability and light weight, ensure that you are neither too cold nor too warm. You will wear three basic layers. In case of weather changes, you can easily remove the layer or pull it on and still remain comfortable. And so that you don't kill the function of a perfect quick-drying t-shirt with a non-breathable jacket, make sure that the individual layers also support each other during thermoregulation.
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The first layer keeps you dry

The basic function of this layer is to wick away sweat from the body and thus keep it dry. It should fit tightly to the body and have flat seams, thanks to which the clothes will be pleasant to the touch with the skin and will not scratch unpleasantly. It will mainly be t-shirts, but all kinds of clothing are made from functional materials today, including underwear and socks.

Avoid cotton, it dries slowly and gets uncomfortably cold when wet. If you prefer natural materials, look for merino clothing. From synthetic materials, it is an excellent choice for this layer of clothing from Dri-release® DUO: it will surprise you with its extreme elasticity, so that you will not be pressed anywhere, and at the same time with perfect breathability, so that you do not remain in wet and cool sweaty clothes.

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All mountain shirts

The second layer keeps your body temperature in optimal comfort

The task of the insulating layer is maintain thermal comfort and most often it will be sweatshirts made of fleece and microfleece. Clothing in this layer should be light, flexible and breathable to support the functions of the first layer. However, it must not lose its ability to insulate heat. Sweatshirts with a so-called grid structure are also popular.

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All fleece sweatshirts

The third layer protects you from rain and wind

The third layer of clothing serves as protection against adverse environmental influences. Water resistance and wind resistance while maintaining good breathability are important. For protection against the wind, you can rely, for example, on clothing made of softshell material.
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All softshell jackets

If you are looking for reliable protection against water, bet on jackets and trousers with a membrane and taped seams.

Which water column is ideal for clothing intended for mountain tourism?

  • Water resistance (3 000 mm to 5,000 mm): outdoor activities in rare and moderate adverse weather: suitable for a short hike in an environment with higher air humidity or in a light shower with good availability of shelter

  • Water repellency (5,000 - 10,000 mm): outdoor activities in moderate to severe adverse weather: take such clothing for a full-day hike in an environment where you expect capricious weather (for example, unexpected storms, sudden weather changes)

  • Waterproof (15,000 - 20,000 mm): extremely adverse conditions / extra protective waterproof layer - such clothing protects you from water very well protects and can handle even heavy rain.

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Do not look for 100% waterproofness in functional clothing, it can only be ensured with a thicker plastic raincoat. However, we only recommend it in a state of extreme emergency. When moving in such plastic, you would very quickly find out that in addition to being completely waterproof, the plastic is also 100% non-breathable. Your heat and sweat have nowhere to escape and you end up staying just as wet. Not from the rain, but from your own sweat.

In order for the top layer not to spoil the functionality of the previous layers in sweat removal, this one must also breathe well. Material Water Vapor Permeability (MVRT) indicates how many grams of vapor evaporate over 1 m² of material in 24 hours (g/m²/24 h). The higher the MVTR value, the more breathable the material is (ISO 2528).

What breathability value is ideal for clothing for mountain hiking?

  • Low and medium intensity of movement - from 5,000 to 10,000 g/m²/24h For example, it will be a walk in the city, light hiking, flat and slightly undulating terrains.
  • Difficult terrains and high intensity of movement – over 10,000 g/m²/24 h These will be mountain and alpine terrains with high gradients, rocky terrain, all-day demanding ascents.

Mountain pants hiking

Layering clothing on the legs is more a matter of winter hiking, skiing (thermal underpants) or skialpe (warmer shorts or skirts). Pants for mountain hiking are worn directly on the body and fulfill the function of a third, protective layer.

Therefore, choose them so that they protect you from wind and water, they are also excellently breathable and quick-drying, and they should not restrict your movement. Such properties are well met, for example, by an elastic softshell possibly supplemented with a membrane.

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All mountain trousers