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Hi there,

Layering systems for the upper body aren't complicated. Layers are easy to take on and off, easy to ventilate, and easy to move around in when you're wearing multiple layers.

It's not like that for the lower body.

The fact that you're wearing shoes or boots, and sometimes gaiters, makes changing layers more of a pain.

Limited options exist for pants with decent ventilation options.

And even simple base layer-trekking pant combinations (only 2 layers) can be uncomfortable while walking because the layers don't do a very good job at sliding against each other. Because we use our legs so much when backpacking, the result is bunching, constriction, and general discomfort.

This is the main reason why I'm not a huge fan of wearing a base layer while trekking, even in winter conditions. Instead, I like a more robust soft-shell pant with some thickness (insulation) or inside napping (e.g., microfleece).

No baselayer + a 13 oz softshell pant in the Rocky Mountain National Park backcountry. Lighter than a base layer + trekking pant combo AND simpler and more comfortable.

What about insulation?

In addition to my softshell pants, I have two lower body layers that I use for insulation.

The first is a pair of rain pants.

Yes, you read that right. I use rain pants for added insulation while hiking.

Because so-called waterproof-breathable rainwear is not really so breathable, it makes an effective layer for trapping heat!

So if I'm hiking, and I get cold, I put on my rain pants.

For winter, when I don't want to take off my shoes/boots/gaiters/snowshoes/skis/crampons, I like rain pants with side-zippers.

When I get to camp, I'm no longer generating much body heat, so I now need some insulation.

This is where down pants come in.

I love down pants.

No other lower body garment will give you as much comfort and true joy as a pair of down pants in camp.

Again, for winter, consider side zips so you can put them on easily without removing your footwear.

In addition, side zips offer ventilation options so you can spill heat when you get too warm. This may happen when you're pitching your tent, hauling firewood, or postholing in search of the perfect LNT toilet.

What happens at bedtime?

Lazy mountaineers (I fall into this camp not infrequently) just crawl into their sleeping bag wearing their camp clothes.

For me, that's usually my trekking pants (sans base layer), sometimes my rain pants, and then my down pants.

Most of the time, this works just fine and keeps life pretty simple. Wearing all of these clothes means you can get away with a lighter sleeping bag.

But some hikers, especially in the winter, like to cozy up in their winter down bag. Sometimes, all those layers can be a little hot in there.

This is one case where I actually do like to bring a base layer. I'll strip off my hiking/camping layers and sleep in a nice soft pair of merino 150 leggings. That's a lot more comfortable than spending the night in your hiking clothes.

And if it gets really cold, you can then add the down pants. A base layer, down pants, and a down sleeping bag on the coldest nights - what a great combination!

I know we're just a few weeks on the downside of the summer solstice, but that holiday is one of my favorites, because it signals shorter days and the coming of my favorite backpacking season! Winter!

More ➤ Become a Layering Expert:

Here are a few resources if you're interested in learning more about layering skills and clothing performance:

1 • Webinar ➤ Synthetic Insulation: Technology, Use, and Applications

2 • Online Course ➤ Lightweight Backpacking in Inclement Conditions

3 • Webinar ➤ Lightweight Footwear and Traction Systems for Snow Travel

4 • Member Q&A ➤ Base Layers, Wicking, and Backpacking

5 • Member Q&A ➤ Lightweight Clothing Layering Systems for Backpacking

6 • Testing & Technology ➤ The Search for a Fleece Replacement – A Close Look at Active Insulation and the role of MVTR
 

⚠️ Help! I need your feedback!

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Here's my question for you:

Do you trust that the internet is going to help you be a better consumer, or a more deceived consumer - and why or why not - and what can we do to help?

➥ Just hit reply and let me know!

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