What to wear in the mountains in winter. Discover Audant Products

Preparation, technique and targeted clothing choices are essential for facing the mountains in winter. The cold is never uniform; it changes with altitude, wind and walking pace. This is why dressing correctly is not just a matter of fashion, but also of your well-being, safety and performance.

The layering system is a tried-and-tested strategy

The principle of layered clothing originated in the mountains. Each layer has a specific function and works with the others to create an ideal microclimate close to the skin. The system generally consists of three layers:

The base layer (technical underwear) is in contact with the skin. Its function is to wick away moisture produced by the body to keep you dry. In winter, this capacity is vital as retained sweat can rapidly cool the body.
The middle layer serves to insulate and retain body heat, as well as protecting against temperature fluctuations. It is usually made of technical fleece or wool.
The outer layer (shell) has a protective function against wind, rain and snow. It must be waterproof and breathable to prevent internal vapour from accumulating.

Dynamic clothing for dynamic activities

In the mountains, conditions can change rapidly. You may start out in bitter cold, get warm on the ascent and risk getting cold on the descent. Your clothing must adapt to these changes.

At the start, you need light insulation and minimal perspiration so that you don't start out sweaty.
During the ascent, your body produces heat and sweat. You need a base layer that wicks moisture away quickly.
During pauses, the body slows down, so if moisture remains in contact with the skin, there is an increased risk of chilling. You need a base layer that either stays dry or dries quickly.
On the way downhill, there is less effort, but more wind and wet areas. The body is more vulnerable, so protection without bulk is needed.

Problems can arise from wearing the wrong clothing

One of the most common mistakes is wearing a cotton garment as a base layer. Cotton absorbs sweat but does not expel it, so it gets soaked, cools and stays damp. In the mountains, this can lead to constant discomfort or, worse still, dangerous conditions such as hypothermia.

Similarly, wearing a non-breathable outer layer can increase moisture inside, rendering all other layers ineffective.

AUDANT-X®: double-layer technology

Audant has developed AUDANT-X® fabric, consisting of two fibres that work together.

The outer layer is made of superfine merino wool, which is breathable, warm, naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant.
On the inside, Coolmax® EcoMade is used. This is a recycled fibre. It dries quickly. It wicks moisture away from the skin.

It is a sustainable and durable choice

Audant garments resist odour and washing. Merino wool reduces the need for washing thanks to its natural resistance to bacteria. This means less water is wasted, garments last longer, and a more sustainable approach is taken to outdoor activities.

AUDANT is the solution

Dressing for the mountains in winter requires technical expertise. You need knowledge and experience. The first real step towards an adventure experienced at its best is choosing garments designed to accompany you every step of the way — from start to finish. AUDANT has designed each layer with a precise objective: to make you forget what you are wearing and focus on where you are going.