Dressing in 3 layers, the ultimate guide
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Time to read 8 min
In the mountains or forests, on trails or oceans, it is essential to find the right gear to enjoy the magic that nature offers and not worry about temperature or weather conditions. That’s why, at Lagoped, we decided to create a wardrobe for outdoor enthusiasts seeking essential, versatile, and above all durable products. This wardrobe is divided into three main collections: the first, second, and third layers. By following the three-layer system or layering as our Anglo-Saxon neighbors call it, we help our customers choose their products wisely and equip themselves properly.
Which clothing layers to wear in winter or summer, for skiing or hiking? Which materials to prefer to ensure breathability, insulation, and protection? We answer all your questions in this comprehensive guide.
Why equip yourself with three layers?
Layering is an advantage for managing weather elements and the intensity of activities practiced. It is practical to remove or add a layer during an outing in nature, and each layer plays an essential role in the comfort and protection of the user.
On foot, skis, or boat, comfort comes from:
- good breathability, that’s the role of the base layer,
- well-regulated temperature, the second layer is for that,
- and finally flawless protection against weather conditions, this is where the third layer comes in.
Did you know? The ptarmigan—our totem animal—changes its plumage according to the seasons. It turns white in winter to escape predators and increases the fluffiness of its feathers to avoid chills. A daily inspiration for the Lagoped brand!
The three layers with Lagoped
Base layer, the foundation
The base layer is the fundamental element of the wardrobe for outdoor enthusiasts or athletes in general. It is the garment that allows moisture from sweat produced by the body during exertion, regardless of intensity, to be wicked away. More precisely, this layer's mission is to circulate air through the fabric, helping to stay cool and dry; this is called breathability. The risk of an ill-suited base layer is feeling damp, catching a cold, or experiencing discomfort. This risk is even greater during multi-day treks or adventures; if the material is not breathable, the garment will dry poorly, and the expedition could quickly become an unpleasant memory.
At Lagoped, we have selected the best recycled materials in Europe to offer optimal breathability and lightness for your base layers:
- The TEETREK t-shirt and the women's TANKTREK tank top are made from a fiber blend that keeps you dry for a long time and ensures stretch comfort. They are made from recycled plastic bottles, mats, and fishing nets in Italy.
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The ROKA long-sleeve t-shirt, the long-sleeve version of the TEETREK technical t-shirt. For all seasons.
- The RAICHO shirt ensures stretch comfort and lightness thanks to its composition: a blend of recycled polyamide and elastane, a more virtuous composition than classic polyamide.
Mid-layer, the intermediate
Technical mid-layer clothing helps retain heat; it is an insulating intermediate layer. The heat generated by the human body is retained and regulated. In the Lagoped wardrobe, there are two types of technical intermediate garments: fleeces and down jackets.
FLEECE
Fleece fabric is a synthetic material made from polyester and often used in the production of products designed to provide thermal comfort. At Lagoped, we have chosen to produce the polyester for our fleeces from recycled plastic bottles in Italy, for 100% European products that do not impact Nature's resources. A must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, fleeces are known for offering good thermal insulation, being lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. Other advantages not to be overlooked: they have good wear resistance, are easy to care for, and offer excellent comfort thanks to their soft touch. In short, fleece is a complete, versatile, and very popular product.
Discover without delay our recommendations for super soft fleeces for your outdoor adventures.
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The RYPA fleece features a "sheep wool" finish and waterproof shoulder panels derived from our technical jackets. It is ideal for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering.
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The SWEECE fleece, similar to the RYPA in its material, offers great comfort. Its very "cuddly" sheep-like fabric is warm but less insulating than the other fleeces in the range.
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The HOODEECE fleece, warm and light, is recognizable by its stretch technical fabric panel for added comfort. Technically, it retains heat thanks to its brushed fleece inside and smooth outside.
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The JULEECE fleece is what is called a micro fleece, as is the HOODEECE fleece. It is highly appreciated by climbers for its warmth, lightness, and simplicity.
- The PHANTOM fleece is a technical piece thanks to its stretch, lightness, and ventilation.
THE DOWN JACKET
At Lagoped, down jackets definitely have their place on our shelves. Indeed, they are known to offer high thermal insulation, essential for making them an ideal mid-layer. The reasons in favor of down jackets are as follows: they are lightweight, often compressible, and breathable. The main material used in the manufacture of down jackets on the fashion market is down, which can come from the natural molting of birds or from feather plucking.
At Lagoped, we have once again chosen to differentiate ourselves and find an alternative to using this animal material. All our down jackets are made from wadding, an insulating material produced from polyester fiber that offers several significant advantages: they are moisture-resistant, dry quickly, are easier to care for, and hypoallergenic.
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The HEYDO down jacket is lightweight and offers wind protection for active outings. It easily fits into its compression bag and is made from recycled plastic bottles. The second version of this down jacket, meanwhile, is made from recycled fishing nets and mats. It is lightweight and provides high thermal insulation (CLO = 4.52).
- The CORUJA technical down jacket is the favorite of high mountain guides during the winter of 2024-2025! With its ultra-breathable wadding and stretch fabrics on the sides, it adapts to all movements.
Third layer, outerwear
With the third and final layer, protection is the priority. The outer layer must protect against wind, rain, snow, and all weather conditions, without sacrificing breathability. That’s why the vast majority of our outer layer jackets and pants are designed with the Sympatex membrane, a more sustainable alternative to Gore-Tex technology.
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The EVE waterproof jacket is a must-have in our collection. A waterproof, windproof, and breathable jacket. Suitable for harsh weather conditions, it blocks rain and wind and retains body heat, making it wearable all year round. The EVERIDE version is recommended for freeride skiing. Also waterproof, it is cut to adapt to movements and protect the body from the chill of fresh powder.
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The URSK2 ski jacket is a warm jacket suitable for skiing. It protects against wind, rain, and cold thanks to a 100g/m² wadding in the body and 80g/m² in the sleeves.
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The TETRAS waterproof jacket is a technical jacket for all seasons and almost all activities. Waterproof, lightweight, breathable, and discreet, it is as comfortable in the mountains as on a bike. It also comes in a long (3/4) version and a warm version.
- The TENGMALM softshell jacket is a versatile softshell jacket. The softshell fabric is designed to offer a balance between protection, breathability, and stretch, ideal for hiking, skiing, mountaineering, or climbing. The jacket is windproof, water-repellent, stretch, and more eco-friendly thanks to the recycled polyamide and elastane blend it is made of.
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The UKPIK softshell jacket is a lighter, stretch jacket perfectly suited for mid-season or summer activities. Lighter than the TENGMAL jacket (306g versus 480g), it stands out for its comfort thanks to the stretch fabric and its soft fabric panels.
- The NAGALAKA jacket is a windbreaker jacket that is easy to carry in your bag, compressed. Ideal for daytime cool-downs, it is water-repellent, lightweight, and durable thanks to its ripstop fabric, designed to resist tears and hole propagation and often used in the manufacture of backpacks and tents.
All the jackets in our collections are made from recycled plastic bottles in Italy. This guarantees a short supply chain and avoids using natural resources, whether plant-based or animal-based.
And for pants, what should we wear?
The question is justified. The three-layer system is commonly used for upper garments, but it can also be adapted for pants. In general, we recommend wearing pants that provide sufficient protection against weather hazards, with or without tights to increase comfort and the feeling of warmth.
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The HARFANG tights can serve as a second layer under waterproof pants for skiing or directly as a third layer for intense activities like running, cross-country skiing, or "tight-pipette" skiing. Made with two materials: a warm stretchy fabric combined with a lightweight stretchy fabric to wick away moisture. Made from elastane and recycled polyamide produced from recycled fishing nets and carpets, it offers warmth and elasticity.
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The SUPA pants are ideal pants for ski touring and ice climbing. Slightly stretchy and soft, they can be worn without tights down to -5°C or with tights for the coldest days. The material is warm, waterproof, and windproof, making it a good example of a protective third layer. The SUPARIDE version offers maximum comfort thanks to its cut and suspenders. It is an ideal third layer for freeride skiing or other active sports.
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The PTARMITOUR pants are suitable for spring skiing and summer mountaineering in high mountains. Its softshell fabric, like the TENGMALM jacket, ensures protection, breathability, and stretch. It is stretchy, water-repellent, and windproof thanks to the blend of elastane and recycled polyamide made from recycled fishing nets and mats.
- The PTARMIGAN 2 pants are recommended for hiking or climbing and are suitable for summer mountaineering. The fabric is stretchy, water-repellent, and comfortable, allowing great freedom of movement. Its reinforcements on the seat, knees, and lower legs provide extra protection.
Play with layers according to weather conditions and seasons
The main advantage of this layered system is the freedom to remove or add layers during your adventure in nature, depending on the intensity of the effort, weather conditions, or simply the seasons.
Thus, the second layer can be kept in your bag to warm you up at altitude or during breaks. Conversely, the third layer can be reserved for a temporary shower. Regarding this last layer, you can choose a warm, waterproof, and/or lightweight jacket depending on the season and the activity practiced. Four of our jacket collections offer 20,000 Schmerber waterproofing, which is recommended for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering in difficult weather conditions. These are the EVE, TETRAS, EVERIDE, and URSK2 jackets.
As you understand, layering is a must-have in nature. It provides comfort, insulation, and protection, no matter the weather or season.
In short, layering is essential in the mountains.