WHAT IS THE 3 LAYER SYSTEM?

To stay warm when you're doing sport, but also to regulate your temperature during exercise, there's no need to pile on clothes and spend time undressing and then getting dressed again. We explain what the 3-layer system is, a must for mountain and outdoor activities.

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What is the 3-layer system

To understand the 3-layer system, you need to understand how your body works during exercise, but also the factors that allow for proper support and heat regulation. When you exercise, you sweat. You therefore need clothing that will evacuate this perspiration to the outside, this is the main role of the first layer. This is the main role of the first layer, because if moisture is trapped on your skin, the cold around you will immediately become more noticeable. In addition, your clothing must also help you to retain the heat released by your body, insulate you from the vagaries of the weather and continuously favour the evacuation of perspiration. The second and third layers will do all three of these things.

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The first layer: the layer used to wick away perspiration

Also known as 2nd skin layer or comfort layer, this is the most important layer for an effective 3-layer system for skiing. It consists of a technical long-sleeved underwear. You can choose between merino wool and synthetic fibres that offer great breathability and, thanks to their hydrophobic nature, dry quickly. The former is also a perfect material for a 3-layer system for skiing as it provides extra warmth and also wicks away perspiration. You'll mostly choose it for days spent at a leisurely pace in the resort or when it's very cold. On the other hand, it is rather fragile. A 3-layer system for ski touring for example, with moments of very intense effort in the ascent phases, requires a hyper-breathable base layer and therefore made of synthetic fibres like polyester, acrylic, polypropylene or chlorofibre.

Depending on the climatic conditions, you can adjust the properties of your base layer by opting for a model with long or short sleeves, turtleneck or round neck, skin-tight or simply fitted.

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The second layer: insulation

The insulation (intermediate or warmth) layer is there to keep you warm. It will also receive the moisture released by the comfort layer, so it is important that it's breathable too. For a good 3-layer system for skiing, your insulating layer needs to trap air around your body in order to retain the warmth you naturally give off.

You can choose an insulating garment made from synthetic fibres such as a fleece jacket which has the advantage of retaining its insulating qualities even when wet. In addition, it has good breathability and dries quickly. You can also turn to down, with a down jacket that will offer you an unrivalled warmth contribution especially during static phases.

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Adjusting your insulation layer according to your activity

While it's unpleasant to be cold on the slopes, being warm is hardly more comfortable and you might end up catching a cold at the end of the day. So it's important to choose an insulating layer that's appropriate for the season and the intensity of your activity.

For a good 3-layer system for ski touring, think of the weight of the fleece. Choose a light version for phases of intense effort and a warmer one for easier passages or when you're motionless.

For a leisurely day in the resort where static phases (chairlifts, breaks at the altitude restaurant) are more frequent than moments of high physical intensity, an effective 3-layer system for skiing will include a warm insulating garment (down or synthetic fibres jacket) with an opening at the neck to adjust the insulation throughout your outing.

If you get hot, this is the layer you'll need to remove to regulate your body temperature and avoid sweating too much, but only if you have a breathable and windproof third layer.

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The third layer: the essential for good protection

The third (protective or outer) layer is the one that will protect you from low temperatures and the vagaries of the weather and will be, you guessed it, your ski jacket. Essential to a good 3-layer system for skiing, it must be waterproof and breathable. These two specificities will allow it to prevent external moisture from creeping into your outfit and causing a cold feeling while allowing perspiration to evacuate.

To find out how waterproof your ski jacket is, check the label. For example, if it says, 10,000/8,000, that means your jacket's waterproof rating is 10,000mm Shmerber, perfect for skiing on the slopes, and the breathability is 8,000g/m2/24hrs, ideal for leisure activity.

Your third layer will also need to give you some thermal insulation with its lining. With padding (Thermolite, Thinsulate, STR, Microloft, Polartec, polyester), it traps air around the body for good body heat retention. Down provides more warmth, so those who are cold will prefer this option. It is also a very light material.

In the case of a 3-layer system for ski touring, prefer a so-called Hardshell ski jacket. Breathable, waterproof and windproof, it does not provide any warmth though. This means you won't get too hot during intense phases and you'll be perfectly protected from external aggression even on the summits. The Gore Windstopper label will give you enhanced protection against the wind while respecting the breathability of the fabric. If you make this choice, your second layer should then enjoy maximum thermal insulation.

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The 3-layer system, a rule to adjust to the conditions

Depending on the weather conditions, you will be able to modulate the concept of the 3-layer system as long as you always respect the order of the clothes. In case of extreme cold, you can put a down jacket instead of the fleece or as a supplement if needed. If the temperatures are mild, but the wind is strong, you can do without the middle layer so as not to suffer from unnecessary heatstroke. Alternatively, there are fleece undergarments that combine the function of a base layer and a mid-layer to be worn next to the skin in extreme cold.

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What about the rest of the body?

While we mainly talk about the 3-layer system for skiing for the upper body, with the aim of effectively protecting yourself from the cold, you should also adopt this concept for the rest of the body. For the feet, hands and legs, however, you will only have two layers. Thermal leggings, under-gloves or under-socks will have to offer good breathability for the transfer of perspiration released to the upper layers.

For gloves and trousers, you'll be looking for the same technical qualities as for a jacket: waterproofing and ventilation. Depending on your preferences, you will find models with more or less warm lining. For socks, choose synthetic fibres that are breathable and quick-drying for good heat retention. Merino wool can again be a good option. Finally, for the head, combine warmth and safety with a helmet that has a warm lining and various ventilation points for good ventilation.

You don't have to overdo it to stay warm on the mountain! Now that you know all about the 3-layer system for skiing, enjoy sports in a light but perfectly protected way!