{"id":5032,"date":"2021-02-03T06:25:17","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T12:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/?p=5032"},"modified":"2022-03-18T06:08:55","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T11:08:55","slug":"can-you-wear-two-base-layers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/can-you-wear-two-base-layers\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Wear Two Base Layers?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The base layer is quite possibly the most important component of the layering system when dressing for being outdoors in cold weather for an extended time. Does it hurt or help to wear multiple base layers? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In very cold weather, it\u2019s fine to add an extra base layer. Two layers will be able to wick away additional moisture keeping you drier and more comfortable. Base layers should be tight-fitting, so an extra layer may inhibit mobility somewhat. In that case, one thicker base layer is also an option.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outfitting your winter weather clothing system can be daunting. There are all sorts of opinions floating around about what’s necessary. We’ll try and demystify the base layer’s purpose as well as clarify why two base layers won’t ruin anything.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Multiple Base Layers Won’t Hurt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The layering system has three parts: The first is the base layer which is typically a thin layer (synthetic, wool, or silk) next to your skin. The purpose of any base layer is to wick moisture away from your skin<\/strong>. If your skin gets wet, you\u2019ll start to cool down, which is nice in the summer, but not what you want in the colder months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about it like this, if you have a thicker base layer, that’s an extra bit of insulation for you<\/strong> while still performing the essential task of wicking moisture from your skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It works the same if you have two base layers that are equally tight and equally effective. Both base layer garments will perform their duty in this case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have one base layer that is baggy and one that is tight, then you will disrupt the wicking and insulation process. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s an unbelievably complex interaction between molecular fabric structures and hydrodynamics. It’s safe to say though that if either base layer you wear doesn’t fit like a base layer should than it will disrupt its primary function. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The question is, is there a reason to double up on base layers at all? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is There a Reason To Double Up On Base Layers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The primary purpose of the base layer is to wick away moisture, and provide a bit of insulation. If you add a second base layer, are you just trying to add insulation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that case, you should consider adding a mid-layer instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mid-layer’s purpose is to insulate your body and is often made from fleece or down.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mid-layer is usually a breathable layer so that you can wear it as the outermost layer<\/strong> without making a personal sauna out of your own clothes. (If you want to see how breathable fleece is, check out our post, here<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make no mistake, a thick base layer<\/strong> can add significant insulation. My ColdPruf thermals (see my recommended gear page<\/a> to find out more info) are thick, and they are definitely warm even just to wear them by themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of factors determining your layering system. If you wear two or more base layers, remember that if you get too hot you have to take that layer off at some point–how easy a layer is to remove may be the difference of you ever removing it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So all in all, adding another base layer will help you retain some warmth, but it may not be the most efficient, effective, or comfortable way to add that warmth. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Ideal Clothing Layering System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To summarize everything we’re talking about, for an effective layering system you need the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n