Hey Folks,
The Layering Myth in Alaska Backpacking
I think one of the most commonly misunderstood phrases/ideas in the backcountry is “layering” (along with “if your feet are cold, put a hat on your head”). I’m not about to tell you to layer, but I do want to shed a little light on what all this means.
The Most Common Layering Mistake
The single most common ‘mistake’ (I use that term very loosely; it’s far too subjective to be seriously called a mistake) I see people make on their Alaska Backpacking Trip is bringing a whole bunch of thin to medium layer in the hope of staying warm. Baselayers, polypro layers, lightweight fleece, etc are all great pieces of gear, but you don’t need to swamp your pack down with them. You need, at most, 2.
What to Actually Wear While Hiking
You can see my standard recommended gear list for Alaska backpacking trips here. Rarely, if ever, do I need to hike with more than one layer on my torso:
- Warm weather: Single polypro t-shirt
- Standard conditions: Long-sleeved nylon button-down shirt (tight-weave for bug protection – You know the generic ‘safari-style’ shirt you find in any outdoor store; dawky looking, button-down, collar. and rolled up sleeves.)
- Rain: Add thin waterproof-breathable shell over shirt
That’s it.
When Temperatures Drop
In temperatures around 30°F, I’ll add a layer briefly in specific situations:
- During descents in wind and rain
- After stopping at a pass following a climb
- At rest breaks
For example, on a descent, in blowing wind and rain, after we stop at the pass after a climb and take a break, I’ll throw a light fleece (usually my Patagonia R1) over my shirt, under my rain shell. When we get moving, downhill, I’ll leave my R1 on, and maybe my fleece/wool hat.
Downhill hiking generates less heat
I know when I’m hiking downhill, I’m not burning energy too much, and not throwing out as much excess heat. So that layer of insulation comes in handy. But as soon as we level off, or start climbing again, I almost always lose that layer.
What I need insulation for is (a) when it’s really, really cold (rare) or (b) when I’m inactive, and so not generating a ton of heat myself. In other words, every evening in camp, morning in camp, taking a lunch break or a rest stop on the hike. (b) is far, far, far more common than (a). (b) happens every day. (a) happens maybe once a summer.
When You Actually Need Insulation
You need serious insulation for two scenarios.
Scenario A: Extremely Cold Weather
This happens maybe once per summer. It’s rare.
Scenario B: When You’re Inactive (Most Important)
This happens every single day:
- Evening time in camp
- Morning in camp
- Lunch breaks
- Rest stops during hikes
Scenario B is far more common and important than Scenario A.
The One Warm Layer You Actually Need
Instead of three base layers and four lightweight fleece pullovers, bring:
- One decent base layer: Light to medium-weight wool, fleece, or polypro pullover
- One warm insulation piece: Quality down or synthetic jacket
My Go-To Insulation
My go to piece is my Montbell Down jacket; specifically, the Ex Light Down Jacket – this keeps me warm. It keeps me genuinely warm, but I can’t remember the last time I hiked in it—it’s too warm for active movement. However, it’s perfect when sitting in the cook tent at dinner time with temperatures around 35°F and damp air settling in.
But I can’t tell you the last time I actually hiked in it; it’s way too warm for that. I’ll throw it on at dinner. I don’t get cold sitting in the cook tent in the evening at supper time, when the temperatures might drop to 35 degrees F, and the cold damp air seeps in through your skin.
See a picture of Rhane guiding in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge above. He’s hunkered down for some chilly winds in a coupe of baselayers and a puffy vest over the top of that. Toasty and warm, but not what he’d wear once we’re on the move again.
Why Multiple Thin Layers Don’t Work
Adding four relatively light, thin polypro base layers together won’t keep you warm. Every time I see someone try this approach, they end up being too cold.
Lower Body Layering System
What I Bring for Legs
- Essential: One heavyweight pair of long johns (Patagonia Capilene 4)
- Optional: Lighter weight wool or Capilene pair for sleeping
I hike in long pants most of the time. Even when temperatures drop and I’m inactive, my long johns combined with hiking pants and rain shell pants provide adequate warmth.
I really don’t see the need or point in bringing lots of light-weight, thin (meaning light/mediumweight) baselayer style items; and virtually every time I see someone do so, they end up being too cold.
Accessories: Hands and Head
Gloves
I carry fleece gloves but almost never wear them while hiking.
Hat
A fleece or wool hat is essential. I prefer wool. I wear it during
- Evening camp time
- Lunch breaks on cold, nasty weather days
The Bottom Line on Layering
Don’t bring lots of lightweight, thin base layer items. You want warmth when you’re not hiking, and that’s best served by a puffy down or synthetic fill jacket.
The Most Important Principle
Do what works for you. We all respond to temperature differently. Our bodies run differently at various temperatures. What works for me at 45°F might not be ideal for you, and vice versa.
Quick Reference: Minimal Layering Kit
Upper Body
- 1 hiking shirt (long-sleeve nylon)
- 1 base layer (medium-weight)
- 1 light fleece (optional, for brief use)
- 1 puffy insulation jacket (down or synthetic)
- 1 waterproof shell
Lower Body
- 1 pair hiking pants
- 1 heavyweight long johns
- 1 pair rain pants
- 1 lightweight sleep layer (optional)
Accessories
- 1 fleece/wool hat
- 1 pair fleece gloves
Conclusion
Layering is a verb. It’s something you DO. Do it wisely.
Cheers
Carl
