Ogres have layers. So do backcountry skiers.
So, you’re learning how to start skiing in the backcountry. Now, we’re here to help you figure out how to layer for backcountry skiing. Because being cold and wet can ruin a ski day for even the safest, raddest ski tourers.
Figuring out how to layer for backcountry skiing is a little more involved than just zipping on your favorite hand-me-down ski parka. That heavily insulated jacket and old cotton t-shirt may keep you warm on the chair lift, but you’ll be sweatin’ through your boots in the backcountry. And when you sweat during winter in the mountains, you run the risk of becoming dangerously cold.
Not Too Hot. Not Too Cold.
You’ll be taking layers on and off to help regulate your body temperature as you’re on the go. It’s imperative that you find layers that work well together to keep you warm, dry and protected from the weather. You want to thread the needle between too cold and too hot (just riiiiiight). Checking the weather and having a plan for your trip is paramount in deciding what to pack before you head out on the skin track.
The biggest takeaway for all of your layers in the backcountry is breathability. You want to prioritize layers that ventilate.
Baselayers
This is your foundation. You want the baselayer to fit nicely next to your skin so that moisture can easily pass through. No matter the weather, one thing that is inevitable on the skin track is that you will work up a sweat. Your favorite cotton t-shirt from the 90’s may look super cool, but it absorbs moisture and stays wet, thus making you cold. Instead of cotton, go with merino wool or a synthetic baselayer.
Merino Wool
Merino wool, which is soft to the touch, retains warmth, wicks away moisture, and is naturally odor-resistant. What does this mean? Moisture is able to pass through the baselayer, instead of being absorbed. This keeps moisture away from your skin, helping you stay warm.
Synthetic Baselayers
If you don’t like the way wool feels (or its price tag), try a synthetic baselayer. Most of these are made from a polyester or nylon blend. Polyester and nylon fabrics are durable, dry quickly, and sometimes feel a tad less scratchy than wool.
Some of our favorite baselayers:
Houdini Activist Crew and Tights. With a focus on sustainability, Houdini uses TreeMerino, which is softer to the touch and biodegradable. Yes, you read that right–when the Activist baselayer has run its course, you can return it to Houdini for composting.
Arc’teryx Rho LT Zip Neck. Our favorite synthetic baselayer. The polyester blend feels nice next to skin and has excellent thermal regulation properties.
Midlayers
Midlayers are a crucial part of keeping you warm in the backcountry. You’ll constantly be taking layers on and off (minus the baselayer–that one you’ll want to keep on), so finding a midlayer that’s warm and regulates moisture and temperature will help tremendously. When searching for a midlayer, you’ll most likely run into options that contain fleece, down, synthetic insulation, or merino wool. Just like everything in life, there are pros and cons to each.
Fleece
We’re all familiar with fleece. You probably have multiple fleece jackets hanging in your closet, so I’ll spare you from the nerdy details. Essentially all you need to know is this: fleece typically lets in a lot of air. This will be helpful during tours where you’re exerting a lot of energy, but may not be the best choice if warmth is your main concern. So for higher output activities like ski touring, where you need lots of breathability, try a lightweight fleece paired with a lightweight synthetic jacket or vest.
Arc’teryx Konseal Hoody. An excellent fleece with a great warmth-to-weight ratio. For warmer tours, you could use the Konseal Hoody as your only midlayer. In colder temperatures, try pairing it with a vest or another jacket.
Down
Down jackets and vests are typically the warmest option when looking at a midlayer. They offer exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios and pack down easily. Having a down jacket in your pack can be your best friend if you’re standing still quite frequently and need the extra warmth. They’re also incredible substitutes for pillows on overnight trips.
Dynafit Radical Down Hooded Jacket. Super lightweight, this down jacket provides exceptional warmth and comfort without adding bulk.
Synthetic Insulation
As the name suggests, synthetic insulation tries its best to mimic certain properties of down, but using human-made technologies. Compared to down, synthetic insulation is warmer when wet. So, if you’re going on a longer tour, skinning up steeper terrain, or just exert a bit more energy, synthetic insulation would be your best bet. They wick moisture pretty well, so when sweat is getting pulled to the outside of your baselayer, it then passes through your midlayer to keep all moisture away from your body.
Patagonia Nano Air Hoody. A Powder7 favorite for higher output days.
Merino Wool
We talked about merino wool as a baselayer, but did you know that some companies, like Ortovox, use merino wool as an insulating layer? It contains all the same warm, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant properties we discussed with baselayers. And the coolest part is that merino wool is completely natural.
Ortovox Swisswool Piz Bial or Boval. Using merino wool as the insulating material in the jacket, this thing rocks. The reversible jacket comes with two colors, one brighter to be seen easier in backcountry terrain and the other to pair more with your around-town clothing.
Outer Shell
The outer layer of your backcountry getup will be the first layer of defense from outside elements. In snowy conditions, we recommend keeping this layer on for the entirety of your tour. That way snow and moisture stay on the outside, and can’t get to you. As we’ve said before, keeping moisture out can make or break a Backcountry Monday. To keep things simple, we’ll focus on the two main kinds of shells: softshells and hardshells.
Softshell
Softshell jackets and pants are typically, you guessed it, softer than hardshell jackets. They fit closer to your body, giving you more mobility and breathability. On days you know the weather will cooperate, or when you need extra mobility for more difficult terrain, a softshell jacket is the way to go.
Hardshell
The most common shell you’ll see on the mountain is a hardshell. It gives you the most protection from harsh weather conditions. Compared to a softshell, hardshell jackets and pants are typically more wind- and waterproof. Depending on the shell, you can still get excellent breathability, and it’s important to look at membrane materials (like Gore-Tex) before choosing a hardshell.
Check out our list of the Best Backcountry Jackets for some Powder7 favorites.
See more alpine touring insight in our Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Skiing
