Men's Mid Layers

For active sports in mountain environments, the clothes you wear play a key role keeping you comfortable and safe. The best way to dress is to use a 3-layer system with a base layer, mid layer and outer shell. That way you can add or peel off layers depending on your activity level.

Hiking mid layers should provide insulation to retain the heat radiated by your body to keep you warm and protect you from the cold. Bear in mind that you will want different layering systems in summer and winter.

Mid layers come in a wide range of options that include both synthetic and natural fabrics. Generally speaking, the thicker the fabric, the warmer they come. The main choices for mid layers are: wool or wool blends, synthetic fleeces or hybrid jackets and down insulation. Whatever the weather forecast, if you’re heading into the mountains, you should always carry an insulation layer with you.

Fleece jackets offer ideal lightweight quick-drying insulation that stays warm even if it gets wet. Most fleeces are not windproof though. Salewa has hybrid designs that include elements such as bodymapping for targeted insulation and breathability, weather-resistant overlays, microgrid fabrics for enhanced moisture management, and hybrid wool-blend fleece knits. Lightweight fleeces offer versatility for active days and technical mountain use. Midweight fleeces are ideal for cold winter days or as an outer jacket in milder temperatures. Heavyweight fleeces are mainly too thick to be layered effectively during activity, but they’re great for cold nights outdoors.

Down insulated jackets are wind-resistant, super compressible and offer more warmth for weight than any other insulating material. The only downside is that down is only good for dry days, as once it’s wet it loses its insulation properties.
Synthetic insulation jackets offer a good alternative. They might not compress as well as down, but they do continue to work when wet.
Salewa also offers mid layers with Responsive smart fabric technology based on far-infrared radiation and naturally-occurring, thermoreactive minerals.

For active use, we recommend lightweight fleeces with a slim, athletic fit, so that they trap warm air close to the body and layer more easily. On colder days, a looser midweight fleece can be incorporated into a larger layering system or worn as a stand-alone piece.

Hoodies made from cotton get cold and wet, and will end up cooling you down rather than adding warmth. However, a technical fleece hoodie is a smart option for your insulating mid layer and the hood will help prevent you losing heat via radiation from your head.