How to dress in layers for the mountains: Discover Audant fabrics

When the mountains call, every layer matters. Facing a hike in the mountains, especially in winter or under variable conditions, means preparing carefully. It’s not just about covering up, but about creating an intelligent system of protection and breathability.

The best strategy?

Dressing in layers, following a functional logic based on climate, activity, and duration of the hike.

Why layering is essential in the mountains

In the mountains, conditions change quickly. Gaining altitude or moving to another side of the ridge can mean a sharp temperature difference. The body itself also goes through different phases: sweating uphill, cooling down during breaks, facing wind and humidity on the descent.

That’s why the layering system is the most effective approach: it allows you to add or remove garments depending on the situation, maintaining constant thermal comfort.

The three main layers of mountain clothing

The most common method includes three main layers. Here’s how they work:

Base Layer: The layer directly in contact with the skin. Its job is not to warm you up, but to manage moisture. A good base layer absorbs sweat and transfers it outward, keeping skin dry and preventing sudden cooling. Cotton is not recommended; instead, opt for technical fabrics like merino wool or breathable synthetic fibers.
Mid Layer: The insulating layer. It retains body heat and protects against temperature fluctuations. Technical fleece is a popular choice, while wool or advanced thermal materials are suitable for colder conditions.
Shell (Outer Layer): The protective barrier. It must be waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Its role is to shield against the elements without trapping the body’s moisture.

This system is also known as layering, where each layer has a specific function and works together with the others to provide maximum thermal efficiency and breathability.

Practical tips for layering in the mountains

Match layers to activity: If your hike involves long ascents, choose an ultra-breathable base layer. For more static activities, go for a warmer mid layer.
Plan for changing conditions: In winter, always carry a waterproof, windproof shell. Even when the weather seems stable, conditions can change rapidly with altitude.
Don’t overdo thickness: Too many bulky layers can be counterproductive. Opt for multiple lighter layers instead of fewer heavy ones. Layering allows you to regulate temperature according to effort and weather.
Don’t forget accessories: Gloves, hats, neck warmers, and technical socks are part of the layering system. They are essential for overall thermal regulation.

AUDANT-X®: performance and comfort in the most important layer

The base layer is the foundation of the entire system, and its effectiveness impacts all the other layers. AUDANT-X® garments, developed by Audant, combine two technologies in one fabric:

Superfine merino wool on the outside, for natural warmth and odor control;
Polyester on the inside, a special fiber that promotes quick-drying and efficiently wicks away moisture produced during activity.

This polyester is 100% sustainable (ecomade), produced entirely from recycled resources such as textile waste and recycled PET bottles. It retains the same breathability and freshness, while significantly reducing environmental impact by lowering waste, resource use, and microplastic pollution.

Merino wool regulates body temperature, while polyester reinforces the fine merino and enhances moisture transport, keeping the body dry and fresh.

AUDANT-X® fabric has been tested by athletes, mountain guides, amateurs, and outdoor workers such as hut keepers and rescue operators. Despite containing 65% merino wool, it does not itch thanks to the quality and fineness of the fibers, measured by their micron count.

Enjoy the mountains with the right layers

Learning how to dress in layers is the first step to enjoying the outdoors with safety, freedom, and comfort. The layering system works because it adapts to your body and to changing conditions, minute by minute.

Choose technical materials, build your kit carefully, and rely on solutions designed for the mountains—like Audant, which has made layering a design principle.

With the right layers, your body is supported during performance and effort, helping it stay warm. When every layer works with you, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the mountains.