The Strange Truth About Layering
Layering is supposed to keep you warm. Easy, right? The more you wear, the warmer you’ll be. Except, not always. If you’ve ever been halfway through a hike or ski day thinking, “Why am I freezing when I’m wearing so much?”, we’ve been there too.
Sometimes, the first layer you pull on, the one that sits right against your skin, can be the reason you feel cold. It sounds backwards, but once you know why, it makes sense. This isn’t about buying more clothes. It’s about understanding how your layers work with your body (or against it) so you can feel warm, dry and comfortable no matter where you are.
Mistake #1: Sweat That Stays Put
Our bodies are clever. They sweat to regulate temperature when we’re moving which is perfect until you stop. If your base layer doesn’t wick that moisture away, it stays trapped against your skin. And the second you pause, on a ski lift, at the summit, or even just for coffee, that dampness cools quickly and makes you feel chilled to the bone.
How to fix it:
Choose a base layer that’s moisture-wicking and breathable, built to keep you dry as you move and when you stop. (This is why your regular gym leggings often fall short on the slopes or trails.)
Mistake #2: Doubling Up Because You Don’t Trust Your Layers
We’ve all done it: gym leggings under thermals, an extra t-shirt “just in case.” More layers must mean more warmth, right? Not quite. Bulky layers can create air gaps and stop your clothing system from doing what it’s meant to do. Instead of trapping heat evenly, those gaps let cold air sneak in, and your movement feels restricted too.
How to fix it:
Start with one good base layer that’s designed for performance. It should fit smoothly, work hard on its own, and feel good enough that you don’t need to double up.
Mistake #3: Fabrics That Work Against You
Wool is a great insulator, but not for everyone. If wool irritates your skin, chances are you’re adding another layer underneath just to cope. That extra layer traps sweat and adds bulk, making you colder, not warmer.
Cheap synthetics can do the same, overheating while you move and cooling you down too quickly when you stop.
How to fix it:
Look for base layers made with soft, breathable fabrics that feel good on your skin and help manage your body temperature without added bulk.
Why the First Layer Matters Most
Your base layer is your foundation. It’s the one thing sitting directly against your skin, working hardest to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable. If it fails, everything else you put on has to work harder, and you still end up cold.
A Small Shift That Makes a Big Difference
You don’t need more layers. You need better ones; ones that keep you warm without trapping sweat, bulk or irritation.
A Note From Us
At Arctic Eco-Sno, we got tired of base layers that didn’t work. So we made something different: buttery-soft, itch-free, moisture-wicking layers that feel as good as they perform. And because we care about the places we explore, we made them with recycled fabrics, built to last, and backed for life.
Now, comfort, performance and sustainability? You don’t have to choose.