Winter layering guide: base, mid and outer layers explained

A single heavy coat is either too hot when you are walking uphill or not warm enough when you stop. Layering solves that. By wearing several thinner pieces, each with its own job, you can add or remove warmth as the day changes. This guide explains what each layer does, how to look after your hands, head and feet, and how to stay warm at camp on a cold night.

Why layers work better than one thick coat

Your body heats up when you move and cools quickly when you stop. Sweat that soaks into clothing makes you feel colder once you rest. Layers let you open a zip or take one piece off before you overheat, then put it back on at a stop, so you stay drier and more comfortable over the whole day.

The three layers and what each one does

Base layer: next to the skin

The base layer's job is to move sweat away from your skin. Look for close-fitting synthetic or wool fabrics rather than cotton, which holds moisture. A men's thermal base layer top and trousers set works under walking trousers or as camp sleepwear.

Mid layer: holding in warmth

The mid layer traps warm air. A fleece, a wool jumper or a light insulated jacket all work. On colder days you might wear two thinner mid layers instead of one thick one, which gives you more ways to adjust.

Outer layer: keeping wind and rain out

The outer layer keeps wind and rain off everything underneath. A waterproof jacket with a hood, and packaway waterproof overtrousers for wet days, are the basics. Vents and zips help you let heat out without taking the jacket off.

Hands, head and feet

• Head and neck: a warm hat makes a noticeable difference to how warm you feel. Try the waterproof Thinsulate beanie, and add a neck gaiter to seal the gap at your collar.
• Hands: carry gloves you can use your phone in, such as the waterproof thermal touchscreen gloves, and a spare pair in your bag in case the first get wet. Rechargeable hand warmers are useful at stops.
• Feet: thicker socks only help if your boots still fit comfortably, as tight boots restrict circulation and feel colder. See the thermal hiking boot socks or the alpaca wool hiking socks. Waterproof walking gaiters help keep snow and wet grass out of your boots.

Staying warm at camp overnight

• Insulate from the ground. The ground draws heat away all night. A self-inflating sleeping mat is the first thing to get right.
• Check the sleeping bag rating. Compare the rating on the product page with the coldest temperature you expect, and allow a margin. The 3–4 season envelope sleeping bag is a good place to start for car camping.
• Change into dry clothes before bed, and keep tomorrow's base layer in your sleeping bag so it is warm in the morning.
• Eat and drink something warm before bed, and keep a bottle of water within reach.
• Carry a backup. Emergency foil blankets or an emergency bivvy bag weigh very little.

Cold weather: know when to turn back

Short daylight, wind and wet weather can make a winter walk much harder than the same route in summer. Check the forecast, set a turnaround time and keep to it. If anyone in your group is shivering hard, getting clumsy or confused, or not making sense, stop, get them out of the wind and into dry, warm layers, and get help. The NHS guide to hypothermia explains the signs and what to do. In an emergency, call 999.

For winter weather at home and on the road, read our storm preparation checklist, our power cut kit list and our winter car emergency kit checklist. Browse everything for cold days in winter outdoor warmth.

Winter layering FAQs

How many layers should I wear in winter?

Most people wear three: a base layer, one or two mid layers and a waterproof, windproof outer. Adjust the mid layers to the temperature and how hard you are working.

Is cotton a good base layer?

Cotton holds on to sweat and dries slowly, so it can leave you feeling cold once you stop. Synthetic or wool base layers are a better choice for active days.

Should I wear two pairs of socks?

Only if your boots still have room. Squeezing feet into tight boots can make them feel colder. One good pair of thicker walking socks is often better.

How do I choose a sleeping bag for winter camping?

Check the rating shown on the product page, compare it with the coldest night you expect, and leave a margin. Pair it with an insulated mat, as a warm bag on cold ground will still feel chilly.

Do rechargeable hand warmers work in a sleeping bag?

Follow the instructions supplied with your hand warmers. Many people use them to warm up a sleeping bag before getting in, then switch them off.