Mid Layers

Midlayers are an integral part of the layering system used by outdoor enthusiasts and everyday wearers alike. This system typically consists of three primary layers: a base layer next to the skin, a midlayer for insulation, and an outer layer for protection against the elements. The midlayer sits between the base layer and the outer layer, playing a crucial role in maintaining warmth and comfort in various conditions.

The concept of layering has been around for centuries, with early adventurers and explorers using multiple layers of clothing to stay warm in harsh environments. However, the modern approach to midlayers has evolved significantly, incorporating advanced materials and technologies to enhance performance and comfort. Today, midlayers come in various forms, including fleeces, softshell jackets, sweaters, and hoodies, each offering unique benefits for different activities and conditions.

The primary function of a midlayer is to trap warm air close to your body, providing insulation and regulating your temperature as conditions change. This trapped air acts as an insulating layer, keeping you warm even in cold conditions. Additionally, many midlayers are designed with moisture-wicking properties, which help move sweat away from your skin to the outer layers of clothing. This process keeps you dry and comfortable, preventing the chilling effect of damp clothing against your skin.

The question of "Why Choose Mid-Layers?" is central to understanding the importance of these garments. Midlayers offer several advantages that make them essential for outdoor activities and everyday wear. Firstly, they provide exceptional versatility. Midlayers can be worn on their own in mild conditions or as part of a layering system in colder weather. This adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of activities and climates, from a brisk autumn hike to a winter ski expedition.

Secondly, midlayers excel at temperature regulation. By trapping warm air and wicking moisture away from your body, they help maintain a comfortable body temperature in varying conditions. This is particularly important during activities where your exertion level may fluctuate, such as during stop-and-go activities like mountaineering or ski touring.

Thirdly, many modern midlayers offer excellent breathability. They are designed to allow excess heat and moisture to escape, preventing overheating during high-intensity activities. This breathability is crucial for maintaining comfort during prolonged periods of exertion, where the build-up of sweat can lead to discomfort and even hypothermia in cold conditions.

Comfort is another key reason to choose midlayers. The soft, lightweight materials used in many midlayers provide a comfortable fit and freedom of movement. This is particularly important for activities that require a full range of motion, such as climbing or cross-country skiing. Brands like The North Face and Patagonia have been at the forefront of developing comfortable, high-performance midlayers that don't sacrifice mobility for warmth.

Finally, midlayers are typically easy to pack, making them an excellent choice for travellers and backpackers. Most midlayers are lightweight and compressible, allowing them to be easily stowed in a backpack or travel bag when not in use. This packability, combined with their versatility, makes midlayers an efficient choice for those who need to pack light but be prepared for various conditions.

Fleece has been a staple in outdoor clothing since its invention in the late 1970s. This synthetic material, typically made from polyester, is known for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, quick-drying properties, and soft, comfortable feel. The insulating properties of fleece come from its structure, which consists of a knit fabric that's been brushed to create a napped surface. This surface traps air, providing warmth without excessive weight.

One of the key advantages of fleece is its versatility. It can be worn as an outer layer in mild conditions or as a midlayer under a waterproof shell in harsher weather. Fleece is also highly breathable, allowing moisture to escape and helping to regulate body temperature during active pursuits. This makes it an excellent choice for activities ranging from casual walks to intense mountain expeditions.

Fleece is also easy to care for, being machine washable and quick-drying. This low-maintenance aspect makes it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable, easy-to-care-for gear. However, fleece does have some limitations. It's not wind-resistant, which means it may not provide sufficient protection in windy conditions when worn as an outer layer. Additionally, some fleece materials can pill over time, affecting their appearance and potentially their insulating properties.

Brands like The North Face and Patagonia have been at the forefront of fleece innovation, developing new technologies to enhance performance. For example, Patagonia's Regulator fleece uses a grid pattern to improve breathability and reduce weight, while The North Face's TKA (Thermal Kinetic Advancement) fleece offers enhanced durability and warmth.

Softshell jackets represent a more recent innovation in midlayer technology. These garments combine the insulating properties of traditional midlayers with some of the protective features of outer shells, making them incredibly versatile. A softshell jacket typically consists of a woven fabric that offers some degree of wind and water resistance, along with stretch for improved mobility. The interior of the jacket often features a soft, brushed lining for warmth and comfort.

One of the key advantages of softshell jackets is their ability to balance protection, breathability, and comfort. They offer more wind and water resistance than fleece, making them suitable for use as an outer layer in milder conditions. At the same time, they're more breathable than hardshell jackets, making them ideal for high-intensity activities where moisture management is crucial.

Softshell jackets come in various weights and designs, from lightweight, minimalist styles for high-output activities to heavier, more insulated versions for colder conditions. Many softshell jackets also feature additional features like adjustable hoods, multiple pockets, and thumbholes for enhanced functionality.

Brands like Montane have been at the forefront of softshell innovation, developing fabrics and designs that push the boundaries of performance. Their range of softshell jackets caters to various activities, from mountaineering to everyday wear, showcasing the versatility of this type of midlayer.

While synthetic materials dominate the midlayer market, traditional sweaters still have a place in outdoor and everyday wear. Sweaters, particularly those made from wool, offer excellent insulation and natural moisture-wicking properties. Merino wool has gained popularity in recent years due to its superior performance characteristics. Merino wool fibres are finer and softer than traditional wool, making them comfortable against the skin. They also have natural temperature-regulating properties, keeping you warm when it's cold and cool when it's warm.

Hoodies have long been a staple of casual wear, but they've also found a place in the world of performance midlayers. A well-designed hoodie can offer excellent insulation, comfort, and versatility, making it suitable for both everyday use and outdoor activities. Performance hoodies often feature technical fabrics that offer improved moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties compared to traditional cotton hoodies. They may also incorporate design elements like thumb holes, adjustable hoods, and zippered pockets for enhanced functionality.

Brands like Passenger have embraced the benefits of merino wool, offering a range of sweaters and other midlayer options that combine traditional materials with modern design. These garments often blend the natural benefits of wool with the performance advantages of synthetic fibres, creating versatile and comfortable midlayers suitable for a wide range of activities and conditions.

Synthetic fibres, particularly polyester and nylon, form the basis of many modern midlayers. These materials offer several advantages that make them well-suited for outdoor and active wear. Firstly, synthetic fibres excel at moisture-wicking. Their hydrophobic nature means they repel water, allowing them to quickly move moisture away from your skin to the outer layers of the fabric, where it can evaporate. This property is crucial for maintaining comfort during high-intensity activities or in variable weather conditions.

Another key advantage of synthetic fibres is their quick-drying nature. Unlike natural fibres that absorb water, synthetic fibres dry rapidly, helping to maintain insulation and comfort even in damp conditions. This is particularly important for activities where you might encounter rain or snow, or when you're likely to work up a sweat. Brands like The North Face and Patagonia have developed advanced synthetic fabrics that push the boundaries of quick-drying technology, ensuring that their midlayers perform well even in challenging conditions.

Durability is another hallmark of synthetic fibres. They are typically more resistant to wear and tear than natural fibres, making them suitable for rugged outdoor use. This durability ensures that your midlayer can withstand the rigours of outdoor activities, from scrambling over rocks to carrying a heavy backpack. Many synthetic midlayers also offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratios, providing insulation without unnecessary bulk. This lightweight nature makes them ideal for activities where every gram counts, such as backpacking or mountaineering.

Finally, synthetic midlayers are generally easy to care for. Most are machine washable and quick-drying, making them low-maintenance options for regular use. This ease of care is particularly valuable for extended trips or expeditions where washing facilities might be limited.

While synthetic fibres dominate the midlayer market, natural fibres, particularly wool, offer unique benefits that make them popular choices for certain types of midlayers. Merino wool, in particular, has gained significant popularity in recent years. This fine, soft wool comes from Merino sheep and offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for midlayers.

One of the key benefits of merino wool is its natural temperature regulation. Merino wool fibres can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture without feeling wet, helping to regulate body temperature in both warm and cold conditions. This property makes merino wool midlayers exceptionally versatile, performing well across a wide range of activities and weather conditions.

Odour resistance is another significant advantage of merino wool. The structure of merino wool fibres naturally inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria, making it ideal for extended wear during outdoor activities. This property is particularly valuable for multi-day trips or expeditions where washing opportunities may be limited.

Unlike traditional wool, which can be itchy and uncomfortable, merino wool is soft and comfortable against the skin. This makes it an excellent choice for midlayers, which are often worn next to the skin or over a thin base layer. Brands like Passenger have embraced the benefits of merino wool in their midlayer offerings, often blending it with synthetic fibres to create garments that combine the best properties of both materials.

From an environmental perspective, merino wool has the advantage of being a natural, biodegradable fibre. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for many consumers, this aspect of merino wool adds to its appeal.

Many outdoor brands have developed proprietary fabric technologies to enhance the performance of their midlayers. These innovations often focus on improving warmth, breathability, and moisture management. For example, Polartec, a company that produces a range of technical fabrics used by many outdoor brands, has developed technologies like Power Grid, which uses a grid pattern to improve warmth-to-weight ratio and moisture-wicking, and Power Air, which encapsulates fibres to reduce microfibre shedding.

Patagonia's Regulator Fleece is another example of innovative fabric technology. This fabric uses a unique grid pattern to trap warm air while allowing excess heat and moisture to escape, improving overall temperature regulation. Similarly, The North Face's FlashDry technology accelerates the removal of moisture from the skin and speeds up drying time, helping to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

Montane's APEX fabric, used in their softshell jackets, is designed to balance wind resistance, breathability, and stretch for optimal performance in various conditions. These innovative fabrics demonstrate how technology is continually pushing the boundaries of midlayer performance, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to stay comfortable in an increasingly wide range of conditions.

One of the most crucial factors in selecting a midlayer is the type of activity you'll be engaging in and its intensity. Different activities require different levels of insulation and breathability, and choosing the right midlayer can significantly impact your comfort and performance.

For high-intensity activities like trail running, ski touring, or high-energy hiking, look for lightweight, highly breathable midlayers. A thin fleece or a lightweight, active insulation piece would be suitable for these activities. These types of midlayers allow excess heat and moisture to escape quickly, preventing overheating and the accumulation of sweat. Brands like Montane and Patagonia offer excellent options for high-output activities, with garments designed to provide just enough warmth without compromising on breathability.

For moderate-intensity activities like day hiking, skiing, or climbing, a midweight fleece or softshell jacket often provides the right balance of warmth and breathability. These midlayers offer more insulation than their lightweight counterparts, making them suitable for cooler conditions or activities with intermittent periods of rest. The North Face and Patagonia offer a range of options suitable for these activities, with features like zippered ventilation to help regulate temperature during periods of high exertion.

For low-intensity or static activities, or for very cold conditions, consider a heavier fleece, an insulated softshell, or a warm wool sweater. These midlayers prioritize warmth over breathability, making them ideal for activities like winter camping, ice fishing, or spectating at outdoor events in cold weather. Brands like Barbour offer stylish options that provide excellent warmth for less strenuous activities, combining traditional design with modern performance fabrics.

The climate and weather conditions you'll be facing play a significant role in midlayer selection. In cold, dry conditions, warmth is the priority. A thick fleece or a warm wool sweater would be suitable. Look for options with wind-resistant properties if you'll be exposed to cold winds. Some softshell jackets offer excellent wind resistance while still providing the breathability and flexibility of a midlayer.

In wet, cool conditions, you'll want a midlayer that retains its insulating properties when damp. Synthetic materials or merino wool are good choices in these conditions. Many modern synthetic midlayers are designed to continue insulating even when wet, making them ideal for activities in damp or rainy environments. A softshell jacket can also be effective in light rain, offering some water resistance while still providing the breathability and flexibility of a midlayer.

If you'll be facing variable conditions, consider a versatile option like a midweight fleece or a breathable softshell jacket that can adapt to different conditions. Look for features like full-length zips, which allow for easy venting when temperatures rise. Some midlayers also offer removable components, allowing you to adjust the level of insulation as conditions change.

For milder weather where you might only need occasional insulation, a lightweight fleece or a thin merino wool layer can provide just enough warmth without causing overheating. These lightweight options are also easy to pack away when not needed, making them ideal for activities where conditions might change throughout the day.

When choosing a midlayer, it's important to consider how it will work with your other layers. Your midlayer should fit comfortably over your base layer without restricting movement. Look for midlayers with smooth inner surfaces that won't catch on your base layer, allowing for easy layering and unrestricted movement.

If you'll be wearing your midlayer under a shell jacket, consider a slimmer fit to avoid bulk. Excessive bulk can restrict movement and create cold spots where insulation is compressed. Many modern midlayers are designed with a trim fit specifically for layering under a shell jacket.

Consider midlayers that can be worn in multiple combinations. For example, a zip-up fleece can be easily adjusted for ventilation and works well both as a standalone piece and under a shell. This versatility can be particularly valuable when packing for trips where you need to be prepared for a range of conditions without carrying excessive gear.

Proper cleaning and washing of your midlayer can significantly extend its lifespan and maintain its performance characteristics. The cleaning process for your midlayer will depend on the material and construction of the garment. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most midlayers.

First and foremost, always check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing your midlayer. Different materials and treatments may require specific care. For example, a fleece from The North Face might have different care requirements than a merino wool sweater from Passenger.

Unlike base layers, which are in direct contact with your skin, midlayers often don't need to be washed after every use. Spot cleaning and airing out can often suffice between washes. This approach can help preserve the performance characteristics of your midlayer and extend its lifespan.

When it's time to wash your midlayer, use appropriate detergents. Regular laundry detergents can leave residues that affect the performance of technical fabrics. Instead, use a specialist cleaner designed for outdoor gear, such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash. These cleaners are formulated to clean technical fabrics without compromising their performance properties.

Avoid using fabric softeners when washing your midlayer. These products can clog the fibres of your midlayer, reducing its ability to wick moisture and breathe effectively. This is particularly important for synthetic midlayers, where the ability to move moisture away from your body is a key performance feature.

Before washing, close all zips and fasten any Velcro closures to prevent damage to the fabric during the wash cycle. Most midlayers should be washed on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water. After washing, ensure all soap is rinsed out of the garment, as residue can affect performance.

Different materials may require specific care. For fleece garments, wash them inside out to maintain the surface texture. Avoid high heat in both washing and drying, as this can damage the fibres and reduce insulating properties. Softshell jackets often benefit from periodic re-treatment with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. Products like Nikwax Softshell Proof can help maintain water resistance.

For wool and merino midlayers, use a gentle wool-specific detergent and wash in cool water on a gentle cycle or hand wash. Avoid wringing or twisting the garment, as this can damage the fibres and affect the shape of the garment.

Proper drying is crucial for maintaining the performance and shape of your midlayer. When possible, air dry your midlayer by hanging it in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources. This method is particularly important for wool garments, which can shrink or lose shape if exposed to high heat.

If the care label allows, you can tumble dry your midlayer on low heat. This can help restore the loft of insulated garments and reactivate DWR treatments on softshell jackets. When tumble drying synthetic insulated midlayers, consider adding a tennis ball or dryer ball to help maintain loft.

Never dry your midlayer on radiators or other direct heat sources, as this can damage the fibres and affect performance. This is particularly important for synthetic midlayers, which can melt or deform when exposed to high heat.

When it comes to storage, always store your midlayer clean and completely dry to prevent mould and odours. Most midlayers can be hung on a padded hanger or folded and stored in a cool, dry place. For insulated midlayers, avoid storing in stuff sacks for long periods, as this can compress the insulation and reduce its effectiveness.

Consider using cedar blocks or lavender sachets in storage areas to naturally repel moths and keep your garments fresh. This can be particularly beneficial for wool midlayers, which are more susceptible to moth damage.

Minor repairs can significantly extend the life of your midlayer. For small tears or holes, use a fabric patch or tenacious tape designed for outdoor gear. These repairs can be particularly effective for fleece and softshell garments, which are more prone to snags and tears during rugged outdoor use.

For broken zips, many outdoor shops offer zip replacement services. For high-quality midlayers from brands like Patagonia or The North Face, this repair can be more cost-effective than replacement. Some brands, including Patagonia, offer their own repair services for their products, emphasizing durability and sustainability.

Fleece garments that develop pills (small balls of fibres on the surface) can be refreshed using a fabric shaver or pill remover. Carefully remove these pills to maintain the appearance and performance of your fleece midlayer.

To extend the life of your midlayer, rotate your gear if you have multiple options. This distributes wear evenly across your garments. Address issues promptly; don't wait to repair small tears or broken zips, as these can quickly become larger problems.

Ensure you're using your midlayer as intended. Overheating and excessive sweating can lead to unnecessary wear and washing. Be mindful of abrasive surfaces when wearing your midlayer, especially when carrying a backpack or climbing. When not in use during activities, store your midlayer properly in your pack to avoid snagging or tearing.

By following these care and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your midlayer continues to perform at its best for many years, providing excellent value for your investment and reducing the need for frequent replacements.