Mountain climbing demands a lot from your body. One of the biggest challenges in cold environments is regulating your body temperature, which is critical for optimum performance. The best way to stabilize your temperature is through layering. Layering allows you to:
a. Manage body temperature efficiently b. Minimize sweat c. Insulate from the cold d. Protect from wind, rain, snow
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Apparel and Layering
Baselayers
This is the first layer of your system. Long sleeves are mandatory on the summit climb and upper mountain to protect your skin against abrasions should you slip or need to self arrest. This should be a quick drying, fast wicking, non-cotton, and comfortable top.
We recommend a long-sleeve wool or synthetic top. Quarter zip or loose fitting sun hoody styles will allow for better temperature regulation. We recommend light colors, which best reflect the intense sun on hot days.
Advice in Motion
The Logic Behind Baselayers
Lightweight Insulation
Also know as fleece layer, expedition base layer, and second layer. This layer adds a bit of warmth to your system, while maintaining breathability during heavy exertion.
Midweight Insulation
Also known as insulated layer, softshell layer, sweater, puffy. Warmth, wind, and water resistance are the primary functions of the medium insulation. This layer can be added over the base and light insulation layers for instant weather protection.
Medium Insulation is a heavier insulating layer that includes a broad range of materials and styles including Down, Synthetic, Fleece, or Soft Shell jackets and sweaters.
A Great Fitting Top for Wicking Sweat
This midweight zip-neck finds the right balance between weight, breathability and wicking performance. Versatile enough to wear alone or under layers, it keeps...
Gives new meaning to the word multitasker
Summer, winter and both shoulder seasons, Patagonia's Capilene® Midweight fabric hits the sweet spot of weight, breathability, and wicking that, worn alone...
There is Nothing Better than Merino Wool
A breathable merino technical top, designed to naturally regulate your temperature, control odor and keep you comfortable when you’re working hard in the wi...
Breathes Well, Great Sun Protection, and Comfortable
For long, exposed approaches, summit naps and sunny sessions at the crag, the Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody keeps you covered when sunscreen ...
The Solstice Graphene is guide grit plus lab smarts.
This is the best baselayer we've ever made. Period. Years of development and iteration led us to a new synthetic fabric that feels like cotton,...
Your Favorite Ultralight, Breathable, Odor-blocking T-shirt
This t-shirt sports all of the essentials you already love about the Echo Collection, with upgrades that make this the best tee for extre...
Stretchy and Quick Drying Top That's Great for Hiking
Our most versatile technical top is built for use on the trail or on the water: It’s quick drying, has stretch for mobility and comfort, plus H...
Perfect Layering Piece for Climbing Any Peak
With a waffle weave that extends all the way into the hood, the R1 Air is the perfect second layer for high-exertion activities in the mountains. It'll...
From the Summit to the Board Room
We liked our Alpha Ascender hoody so much, we decided to hack the sleeves off and turn it into one of those technical vests everybody’s wearing these days. But th...
Fleece Is Not Dead
It still has a place in our kit. The Fissure is built for active, technical, and aerobic use with a generous hood stretchy enough to fit over a helmet, extra length in the sleeve...
Incredibly Soft, Yet Durable
Better than a sweatshirt and KÜHLer than a sweater! The versatile REVEL™ outperforms on every level. Super soft, lightweight warmth and comfort that easily transitions ...
You'll Want to Wear this All-The-Time
Lightweight yet super cozy, the KÜHL PRISM™ Women's Hoody is that go-to fleece you've been searching for. Experience breathable warmth and superior comfort wit...
This Fleece Never Goes Out of Style
Providing everyday warmth and comfort, this lightweight, classic pullover is made of Synchilla® 95-100% recycled polyester fleece. Made in a Fair Trade Certif...
A Great Layer for a Great Price
Providing everyday warmth and comfort, this lightweight quarter-zip fleece is made of 100% recycled polyester and can be worn as a lightweight jacket or layer. Made ...
Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ Factory
A lightweight version of our classic Snap-T® Pullover that's made with warm and durable midweight 95-100% recycled polyester fleece.
A Zip-Neck Version of the Award Winning R1 Air
The R1® Air Zip-Neck is a lightweight, breathable and quick-drying technical fleece for high-exertion activities in cold conditions. The 100% recyc...
A Sustainable Reimagining of our Best-selling Ultralight Down Hoody
A sustainable reimagining of our best-selling ultralight down hoody. Because a hoody is supposed to keep you warm (surprise—t...
Toasty Warm
Midweight insulating piece that keeps you toasty, packs down tight, and honestly looks fabulous! DWR treated to repel moisture, providing lightweight warmth even in foul conditions. St...
Our Favorite Ski Jacket This Past Winter
The Swelter rides cold chair lifts like a champ, keeps you warm while watching an alpine sunrise, and covers all the right places when the cold hits. Extra ...
Revolutionary Insulation for an Ultra-Lightweight Jacket
The Micro Puff® Hoody combines ultralight Pertex® Quantum shell fabric with PlumaFill insulation, and the result is the best warmth-to-weigh...
From the Summit to the Board Room
We liked our Alpha Ascender hoody so much, we decided to hack the sleeves off and turn it into one of those technical vests everybody’s wearing these days. But th...
Your Go-to Insulation Piece for Mixed (and Possibly Miserable) Cold Conditions
The Micro Puff® Hoody combines ultralight Pertex® Quantum shell fabric with PlumaFill insulation. The result is the...
Great For You And The Planet
The Fuego is our quintessential insulation layer. Made with responsibly sourced 800-fill down and a DWR-finished ripstop nylon shell, this lightweight insulated jacket ...
Great For You And The Planet
The Fuego is our quintessential insulation layer. Made with responsibly sourced 800-fill down and a DWR-finished ripstop nylon shell, this lightweight insulated jacket ...
So Light You Don't Know You're Wearing It
A sustainable reimagining of our best-selling ultralight down hoody. Because a hoody is supposed to keep you warm (surprise—this one does!) but what about ...
Hardshell Jackets
Also known as outer shell, rain shell, waterproof layer, shell layer, wind shell. The hard shell layer is your armor against bad weather....snow, rain, sleet and wind are all blocked by the hardshell. It is your protection against the elements.
This jacket is made of water and wind-proof material (such as Gore-Tex®, eVent®, WeatherEdge®, or Dry.QTM ) with an attached hood. Hard shell jackets don’t breath as well as other layers. This is your insurance policy against nasty weather and bad conditions.
Advice in Motion
Choosing a Hardshell
Expedition Parkas
Also known as loft layer, puffy. This is your biggest, baddest, protection from the cold. It should feel like you are wearing half of a sleeping bag. It can be synthetic or down but should have ample insulation... 600 to 800 fill down or around 200g of synthetic insulation. This is your outermost layer. At rest breaks on the mountain it helps trap your body heat. It also keeps you warm when hanging around camp.
Super Light Protection
The Black Diamond Helio Active Shell is built to handle big vert and fast descents during epic days in the backcountry. The jacket’s 3-layer Gore-Tex® Active technology provi...
Your Go-to Rain Jacket
Constructed with a waterproof, breathable, and seam-sealed DryVent™ 2.5L fabric, the Venture 2 is a classic year-round rain jacket designed to withstand backcountry storms a...
Everyday Good Looks, Serious Features
Made with waterproof, breathable DryVent™ 2.5L fabric, the Women's Venture 2 Jacket has everyday good looks and fit, but it also has the durability and featur...
Handles It All, From Alpine Squalls To Urban Downpours
Alpine squalls or urban downpours, the StormLine Stretch Rain Shell can handle it all. Featuring our BD.dry™ waterproof/breathable/windproof s...
Reliable GORE-TEX Protection
The Namche GTX is built with fully recycled, fluorocarbon-free fabric, a ground-breaking fluorocarbon-free membrane, and a solution-dyed backer created using less ener...
Streamlined and Lightweight Shell
The Black Diamond Helio Active Shell is built to handle big vert and fast descents during epic days in the backcountry. The jacket’s 3-layer Gore-Tex® Active techn...
"I found it to be the insulating layer I grabbed most often for moderate-output activity with temperatures near freezing."
- Gear Junkie's Best Synthetic-Insulated Jackets of 2020
Our favorite ski ...
Top of the Mountain Warmth
There are three key features any high-altitude ascentionist needs: warmth, lightweight, and windproof. The Nilas™ from Mountain Hardwear nails all three of these, and is ...
Stay Warm!
Our warmest down layer for shiver-free belays on ice and alpine routes, après-trek at Everest Base Camp, and light-and-fast pushes in the high mountains that inspired Mountain Hardwear'...
Mountain Hardwear's Ultra-Warm Down Parka in 800-fill RDS®-certified Down for Bone-Chilling Temps
Our ultra-warm down parka for shiver-free belays on ice and alpine routes, après-trek warmth at Eve...
Mountain Hardwear's Ultra-Warm Down Parka in 800-fill RDS®-certified Down for Bone-Chilling Temps
Our ultra-warm down parka for shiver-free belays on ice and alpine routes, après-trek warmth at Eve...
Our recycled PrimaLoft® Gold P.U.R.E. insulated jacket with a durable outer for base-to-summit action.
When the going gets wet and cold while pitching climbs, the Compressor™ Alpine Hooded Jacket i...
Lower Body Layering
We recommend a system of 3 layers, all of which can be used in conjunction with each other. Products which combine several layers into one garment, such as traditional ski pants, don’t work well as they don’t offer the versatility of a layering system.
Guide to
Lower Body Baselayer
Depending on the weather, you'll want to go with baselayer bottoms or non-cotton underwear. A lightweight pair of baselayer bottoms provides added insulation for cold climbs when worn in conjunction with the climbing pants. Lighter is often better, as it easy to overheat, and difficult to remove baselayer bottoms mid-climb.
Guide to
Climbing Pants
Soft-shell climbing pants offer a wide range of versatility. You can wear them in combination with the base layer on colder days, or alone on warmer days.
The soft shell material breathes well and allows the sweat and heat generated during the climb to dissipate, while still offering some resistance to light wind and precipitation. These climbing pants are our main workhorse layer, often worn alone to ascend the snowfield, and with a baselayer on the upper mountain for added warmth. A fleece pant serves the same function but is not as durable, breathable, or weather resistant and as a result are rarely used by guides. Depending on the model, soft shells come in varying thicknesses If you are climbing in the middle of the summer climbing season when temperatures are higher, or you tend to run warm, aim for a lighter weight version. If you are climbing in the early or late season or find yourself always being the person wearing an extra layer, use a pair made from a thicker material.
Guide to
Hardshell Pants
A waterproof pant with 3/4 side zippers (sometimes called 7/8 or full side zips) are required for facilitating quick clothing adjustments over boots and crampons.
So Nice You'll Forget You're Not Going Commando
Designed to manage the extremes of high-output exertion, Patagonia's Capilene® Midweight fabric hits the sweet spot of weight, breathability and wick...
So nice you'll forget you're not going commando.
A classic, all-around 100% recycled polyester baselayer. The smooth, soft face makes for easy layering. Hollow-core yarns and a diamond-grid back...
A Great Feeling First Layer
A year-round favorite, our Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottoms work hard to keep you comfortable everywhere, from the ski lifts to the campsite. With an updated...
Durable and Breathable First Layer
Our Women's Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Bottoms are the perfect layer to put on for your warm-weather adventures. Made of lightweight, breathable Merino,...
100% Merino. 100% capable.
Our Women's Merino Base Layer Bottom is always ready for what's ahead and what's next. With a fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics for a range ...
A Thicker Baselayer for Cold Weather
We've updated our Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottom to bring you a better fitting, more functional tight. The technical benefits of 100% Merino woo...
100% Merino. 100% Capable.
Our Women's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer B is always ready for what's ahead and what's next. With a fit updated to improve functionality while enhancing ae...
Boxes = Checked
When it comes to climbing pants, there are quite a few boxes that need to be checked. They've got to be comfortable with and without long underwear, be harness compatible, and reg...
Our Guides Recommend these Pants
When it comes to climbing pants, there are quite a few boxes that need to be checked. They've got to be comfortable with and without long underwear, be harness com...
Hike, Alpine, or Rock, this Pant does it All
Fully featured, lightweight soft-shell pants with added durability for long alpine rock routes and all-day movement above the tree line. Inseam is 32 in...
Great for Climbing Rainier or a Hike in the Woods
Fully featured, lightweight soft-shell pants with added durability for long alpine rock routes and all-day movement above the tree line. Inseam is ...
Year-round Workhorse
During any spring or fall mission, the Black Diamond Alpine Pants marry extreme durability with a highly breathable construction. Designed with a four-way stretch fabric, th...
The lightweight, sustainable sibling to the Halle Pant, this style has all the performance you need for long days outdoors.
Made from our recycled nylon ReZion™ fabric, this lightweight pant pa...
The Tough, Stretchy, Super-durable Softshell Pants You Want to be Wearing For Your Next Summit Push
Your new go-to. These softshell alpine climbing pants are built with a 4-way stretch, hyper...
The Tough, Stretchy, Super-durable Softshell Pants You Want to be Wearing For Your Next Summit Push
Your new go-to. These softshell alpine climbing pants are built with a 4-way stretch, hyper...
The Tough, Stretchy, Super-durable Softshell Pants You Want to be Wearing For Your Next Summit Push
Your new go-to. These softshell alpine climbing pants are built with a 4-way stretch, hyper...
Everything You Love About The Nuker Jacket Now In Pants.
The waterproof breathable performance of NeoShell® protects from the elements, is quiet, and packs down well. The 7/8 side zips make transi...
Our Mountain Guides Love Them
Black Diamond's Stormline Stretch hardshell pants are a necessary addition to your mountaineering layering system. Featuring the BD.dry™ waterproof/breathable/windpro...
Tough and Protective 3-Layer GORE-TEX Waterproof Pants
Built for total protection in wet weather, the Kangri GTX pants are ideal for long mountain days in changeable conditions. They are made from ...
Tough and Protective 3-Layer GORE-TEX Waterproof Pants
Built for total protection in wet weather, the Kangri GTX pants are ideal for long mountain days in changeable conditions. They are made from...
Highly versatile GORE-TEX PRO pant delivering durable, breathable weather protection.
Beta Series: All round mountain apparel. | AR: All Round.
As you travel across wild terrain, conditions chang...
Highly versatile GORE-TEX PRO pant delivering durable, breathable weather protection.
Beta Series: All round mountain apparel. | AR: All Round.
Wind, then sleet, snow, then sleet again – mountain w...
Stay Dry From the Inside and Out
A ski touring pant designed to move with you on the uphill, yet keep you dry and warm all day, the Helio Active Pants feature innovative Gore-Tex® Active 3-layer te...
Check out our other guides
Want to learn more?
Mountaineering Footwear
Ice Axes & Crampons
Sleep Systems
Gear for Rainier
Thanks for reading
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