Dressing in 3 layers, the ultimate guide

In the mountains or in the forest, on the trails or on the oceans, it is essential to find the right equipment to enjoy the magic that Nature offers us and not worry about the temperature or climatic conditions. This is why, at Lagoped, we decided to create a wardrobe for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for essential, versatile and above all durable products. This wardrobe is divided into three main collections: the first, second and third layers. By respecting the three-layer system or layering among our Anglo-Saxon neighbors, we help our customers choose their products carefully and equip themselves well.

What layers of clothing to wear in winter or summer, skiing or hiking? Which materials should you prefer to guarantee breathability, insulation and protection? We answer all your questions in this comprehensive guide.

Why equip yourself with three layers?

The superposition of layers is an asset for playing with the climatic elements and the intensity of the activities carried out. It is therefore 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 practitioner.

On foot, on skis or by boat, comfort comes through

  • good breathability is the role of the first layer,
  • a well-regulated temperature, the second layer is there for that,
  • and finally flawless protection against climatic conditions, this is where the third layer comes in.

    Did you know ? The ptarmigan - our totem animal - changes its plumage depending on the seasons. It turns white in winter to escape predators and increases the fluffiness of its feathers to avoid cold snaps. Daily inspiration for the Lagoped brand!

    The three layers of Lagoped clothing

    The three layers with Lagoped

    First layer, the base

    The first layer is the basic element of the wardrobe of outdoor enthusiasts or athletes in general. It is the garment that will help wick away the moisture from perspiration produced by the body during exercise, whatever the intensity. More precisely, this layer has the mission of circulating air through the fabric, thus helping to stay cool and dry, we then say that the garment is breathable. The risk of an unsuitable first layer is feeling damp, catching a cold or feeling uncomfortable. This risk is even greater during treks or adventures lasting several days, if the material is not breathable, the clothing will dry poorly and the expedition will then become a bad memory.

    Lagoped first layer: the RAICHO hiking shirt

    The model is wearing the RAICHO shirt, Navy color.

    At Lagoped, we have selected the best recycled materials in Europe to offer optimal breathability and lightness to your first layers:

    • The TEETREK t-shirt , made from a blend of fibers that keeps you dry for a long time and provides stretch comfort. It is made from plastic bottles and recycled carpets and fishing nets.
    • The TEEREC t-shirt , designed from a recycled cotton and recycled polyester blend which guarantees you will be dry for longer than pure cotton. Its composition is innovative, more virtuous than classic cotton - even organic. You find this same composition in the PERDIZ shirt .
    • The RAICHO shirt and the TANKTREK women's tank top ensure stretch comfort and lightness thanks to their composition: a recycled polyamide and elastane blend, a more virtuous composition than a classic polyamide.

      Second layer, the intermediate

      Second layer technical clothing helps retain heat, it is an insulating intermediate layer. The heat released by the human body is preserved and regulated. In the Lagoped wardrobe, there are two types of intermediate technical clothing: fleeces and down jackets.

      The fleece

      Fleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester and often used in the manufacture of products intended 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 touch Nature's resources. An essential for outdoor enthusiasts, fleeces are known for offering good thermal insulation, being light, breathable, and quick to dry. Its other advantages that should not be overlooked: they have good resistance to wear, they are easy to maintain and offer excellent comfort thanks to their soft touch. In short, fleece is a complete, versatile and very popular product.

      Lagoped fleece, the PHANTOM fleece, ideal for climbing

      The model is wearing the PHANTOM unisex technical fleece, khaki color.

      Discover without further delay our soft fleece recommendations for your adventures in Nature.

      • The RYPA fleece features a “sheep’s wool” finish and waterproof shoulder panels derived from our technical jackets. It is ideal for hiking, climbing and mountaineering.
      • The HOODEECE fleece , warm and light, is recognizable by its stretch technical fabric insert to provide greater comfort. Technically, it retains heat thanks to its brushed fleece on the inside and smooth on the outside.
      • The PHANTOM fleece is a technical piece thanks to its stretch, lightness and ventilation.
      • The SWEECE fleece offers great comfort. Its very “soft” sheepskin material is warm but less insulating than the other fleeces in the range.
      • The JULEECE fleece is what we call a micro fleece. It is highly appreciated by climbers for its warmth, lightness and simplicity.

      The down jacket

      At Lagoped, down jackets have their place on our shelves. Indeed, they are known for offering high thermal insulation, essential to make them an ideal intermediate layer. The arguments in favor of down jackets are as follows: they are light, very 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 the plucking of feathers.

      Lagoped down jacket, the HEYDO2 warm down jacket

      The model is wearing the HEYDO2 warm down jacket, Graphite color.

      At Lagoped, we have made the choice, once again, to differentiate ourselves and find an alternative to the use of this animal material. All of our down jackets are made from wadding, an insulating material produced from polyester fiber and which has several significant advantages: they are resistant to humidity, dry quickly, are easier to maintain and hypoallergenic.

      • The HEYDO down jacket is light and offers a windbreaker for active outings. It stores easily in its compression bag and is made from recycled plastic bottles. The second version of this down jacket, for its part, is made from recycled carpets and fishing nets. It is light and provides high thermal insulation (CLO = 4.52).

      Third layer, outer

      With the third and final layer, we seek protection above all. The outer layer must be protected from wind, rain, snow and all weather conditions, without sacrificing breathability. This is why the vast majority of our last layer jackets and pants are designed with the Sympatex membrane, a more durable alternative to Gore-Tex technology .

      TETRAS Lagoped hiking jacket

      The model is wearing the TETRAS hiking jacket, Camel color.

      • The EVE jacket is a must-have in our collection. A waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket. Adapted to unfriendly weather conditions, it stops rain and wind and retains body heat, it can be worn 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 freshness of the powder.
      • The URSK2 jacket is a warm jacket suitable for skiing. It protects against wind, rain and cold thanks to a 100gr/m² wadding lining on the body, and 80gr/m² in the sleeves.
      • The TETRAS jacket is a technical jacket for all seasons and almost all activities. Waterproof, light, breathable and discreet, it is as comfortable in the mountains as on the bike.
      • The TENGMALM jacket is a versatile softshell jacket. Softshell fabric is designed to provide a balance of protection, breathability and stretch, ideal for hiking, skiing, mountaineering and climbing. The jacket is windproof, water-repellent, stretchy and has a more virtuous composition thanks to the recycled polyamide and elastane blend that makes it up.
      • The NAGALAKA jacket is a windproof jacket that is easy to carry in its compressed bag. Ideal for daytime refreshments, it is water-repellent, lightweight and durable thanks to its ripstop fabric, designed to resist tears and the spread of holes and often used in the manufacture of backpacks and tents.

      All the jackets in our collections are produced from recycled plastic bottles in Italy. We thus guarantee a short circuit and avoid using natural resources, whether plant or animal.

      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 the vagaries of the weather with or without tights to increase comfort and the feeling of warmth.

      Outer layers for ski touring: SUPA ski pants, EVE Lagoped waterproof jacket

      The model is wearing the SUPA ski touring pants, Royal Blue color and the EVE jacket.

      • The HARFANG tights can act as a second layer under waterproof pants for skiing or directly as a third layer for sustained activity such as running, cross-country skiing or "pipette tights" skiing. Designed with two materials: a stretchy, warm fabric combined with a stretchy, lightweight fabric to wick away moisture. Made from elastane and recycled polyamide produced from recycled carpets and fishing nets, it offers warmth and elasticity.
      • The SUPA pants are ideal pants for ski touring and ice climbing. Slightly stretchy and soft, you can wear it without tights down to -5°C or with tights for the coldest days. Its material is warm, waterproof and windproof, it is a good example of a third protective layer. The SUPARIDE version offers maximum comfort thanks to its cut and straps. This is an ideal third layer for freeride skiing or other active activities.
      • The PTARMITOUR pants are pants suitable for spring skiing and summer mountaineering in the high mountains. Its softshell fabric, like the TENGMALM jacket, provides protection, breathability and extensibility. It is stretchy, water-repellent and windproof thanks to the blend of elastane and recycled polyamide produced from recycled carpets and fishing nets.
      • The PTARMIGAN pants are recommended for hiking or climbing, and are suitable for summer mountaineering. The fabric is stretchy, water-repellent, comfortable and indestructible, which allows great freedom of movement.
      • The PERNICE pants are light, stretchy, fit, and water-repellent, they are ideal for summer activities. It is made of elastane and recycled polyamide from recycled fishing nets.

      Play with layers depending on climatic conditions and seasons

      The main advantage of this system of superimposed layers is to be free to remove or add layers during your adventure in Nature, depending on the intensity of the effort, the climatic conditions, or any other simply, depending on the seasons.

      So the second layer can be kept in the bag to warm you up at altitude or during stops. Conversely, the third layer can be reserved for a temporary downpour. Regarding this last layer, you can choose a warm, waterproof and/or light jacket depending on the season and the activity carried out. Four of our jacket collections offer 20,000 Schmerber waterproofness, which is recommended for hiking, skiing, mountaineering in harsh weather conditions. These are the EVE, TETRAS, EVERIDE and URSK2 jackets.

      Lagoped down jacket, HEYDO2 down jacket with hood for hiking and skiing

      The model is wearing the HEYDO2 Hoodie down jacket, Soleil color.

      TETRAS jacket and warm HEYDO2 down jacket, ideal for mountaineering

      The model is wearing the TETRAS jacket, Camel color and the HEYDO2 down jacket, Navy color.

      As you can see, multi-layering is a must-have in Nature. It provides comfort, insulation, and protection, whatever the weather or the season.

      In short, multi-layering is the basis.