Insulating Clothing for Hikers and Backpackers
Microfleece, Wool, Fleece, Pile, and Down Keep Hikers Warm
Sep 26, 2009
As most hikers quickly learn, the basic principle that governs outdoor clothing is layering. Layering offers the flexibility to pair different clothing items to adjust to a variety of temperatures and conditions. And, because layering traps air between different items of clothing, it actually offers more "bang for the buck:" Two light layers may be warmer than a single heavier, bulkier layer.
Basic Clothing Layering Rules
The basic strategy with insulating clothing is "the more layers, the better." It is preferable to have two separate lightweight pieces than can be worn separately (in warmer temperatures) and together (when it gets really cold) than to have one heavy-weight piece of clothing that is only functional in very cold temperatures. Using several layers allows hikers to extend the range of conditions in which their gear is useful and effective.
The layer closest to the skin should be a wicking layer that removes moisture from the body. In summer, that may be all that's needed. However, in colder seasons, at higher elevations, and at night, hikers need insulating layers to stay warm. Depending on wind, snow, and rain, a final outside wind-proof or weather-proof outerlayer may also be needed to complete the layering system.
There are several different types of insulating fabrics on the market.
Old-Fashioned Wool, Merino Wool, and New-Fangled Smartwool
Wool has long been an old outdoorsman's favorite because it resists absorbing water, insulates well, and retains the ability to insulate even when wet. A moth-eaten old sweater or a button-down wool shirt that is past its prime for street wear can find a new life in an outdoors wardrobe, especially for the occasional hiker.
Until recently, serious backpackers intent on minimizing pack weight and bulk have had a problem with wool because of its bulk: A wool sweater took up a lot of space in a pack. Now, however, a whole new generation of lightweight easy-to-pack wool garments has been introduced into the outdoor market. Merino wool, in particular, has found a new life as both a base layer and an insulating layer for cold-weather outdoor activities. Smartwool products, likewise, minimize bulk, and provide wicking, and warmth in excellent relation to their weight and bulk. (Note, however, that some people can't tolerate wool next to their skin, even a fine Merino.)
Microfleece, Fleece, Pile, and Synthetics
Fleece and pile are synthetic fabrics, many of them made from the plastic from recycled soda bottles. These fabrics have a great weight-to-warmth ratio. They fiercely resist absorbing water, and retain some of their insulating value when wet. They are easy to care for and dry quickly. The downside is that some of these fabrics, particularly traditional fleece and pile, can be quite bulky in a backpack.
There are many different incarnations of insulating layers, from thin microfleeces to bulky pile. Pullover shirts, various weights of jackets, and vests are available in different weights and warmths. Insulating pants made of these fabrics are typically used in extremely cold winter hiking or at night.
Some fleece jackets have a smoother finish than others, for instance, with a brushed lining and a water-resistant or wind-resistant outer layer. Others may be combined with fabrics that that have elastic properties, making them good choices for technical climbing and cycling. Finishes that offer some wind and water resistance are good choices for day-hiking when the weather forecast indicates that a full complement of rain gear isn't necessary, but the prudent hiker wants something, just in case.
Down and Synthetic Down for Winter Backpacking
Down is another traditional insulating fabric that provides excellent insulation for its weight. An advantage is that it is highly compressible, meaning that in a jam-packed winter backpack, the down jacket takes up only a small amount of space. The quality of down is measured in its loft , which means how much space an ounce of down takes up when allowed to expand. The more space the better. Goose down has the highest loft and is most expensive.
Down does have one huge disadvantage: It loses all its insulating capacity if it gets wet. This makes it a poor choice for climates where the weather can't decide between rain, snow, and ice-storms. It's an excellent choice for cold-weather mountaineering and deep winter, where the chance of rain is nil.
Synthetic down is a viable choice for unsettled climates because it does retain warmth when wet. In recent years, synthetic down has become more compressible than ever before. Today's synthetic downs give natural down a good run for the money (and a very good run for the money, when one considers that synthetic down is generally much cheaper than high quality goose down).
Most hikers eventually come to prefer a particular combination of insulating items for different weather conditions, choosing them based on wicking, warmth, weight. and compressibility. It is well worth making regular visits to a well-stocked outfitting store, as new fabrics and combinations are being introduced every year.
For more on outdoor gear, see Hiking Equipment Resources.
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