Hiking Clothing Layering Tips: Removing Layers Keeps You Warm

Did you know that removing layers keeps you warm when walking or trekking? If not then you need to read that article! As we explain one of the most useful hiking clothing layering tips.

I live in the United Kingdom, a well known destination for variable weather all year round. This has taught me the importance of layering, and how removing layers at the right time is key to keeping warm.

This advice applies for all kinds of walking, hiking and trekking. So whether you are on a Walk With Williams hiking holiday in the UK, independently trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal or joining a local guide to scale Mt Toubkal in Morocco – you need to get your kit off to stay warm!

Hiking Clothing Layering Tips

Despite having just two mountains over 1,300m, people regularly die on the British peaks – even in summer. Sadly this is often because they are not prepared with the right clothing.

And if walking in the UK can be dangerous, imagine the difficulties you can have in an Alpine environment. The Alps, Rockies, Andes, Atlas, Himalaya, and pretty much all mountain ranges, are popular destinations with hikers. But they can pose a significant risk if you do not use your layers properly.

So in this series of hiking clothing layering tips, we are going to help you make better decisions. First up we are exploring how removing layers is key to staying warm.

Removing Layers Keeps You Warm

We all keep on far too many clothes when we warm up while walking. This leaves us with little else to put on when the temperature drops, or when you stop moving. So it is no wonder we feel cold even when mummified in winter jackets and fleeces.

The same applies when we come in from the cold or are sheltering for a while when out hiking. Most of us are happy to play the layer game when the temperature drops, but we don’t like to reduce layers when it rises again.

The key to getting your layers right is not to judge temperature by what’s outside, but on how warm you feel inside.

Practice Layering Away From the Trails

This judgement, is all down to experience. So you can learn when to remove layers in everyday life. Start by walking to the shops – you don’t need to be trekking in Nepal to apply the onion-skin approach to layers.

This winter, have a look at people around you making the same mistake. You’ll see they’re keeping layers on when they should be getting their kit off!  Honestly, sat on a train, in a shop, or even a pub, you could easily believe it was snowing inside!

So, next time you step indoors, take off as many layers as possible. Remember, it’s likely the shop, bar, cafe or restaurant is no colder than a typical British summers day. You wouldn’t wear a big jacket then would you?

If you are rushed, or only popping inside for a few minutes, at least loosen your clothing and take off your hat. This allows excess heat to escape.

Importance of Removing Layers When Hiking

When out on the trail, removing layers to keep warm is even more important. Excess heat means that you will sweat, and if the amount of moisture you produce exceeds the breathability of your layers, it will start to accumulate.

This dampness can be far more dangerous than just feeling uncomfortable. Moisture within your layers, particularly close to your skin, will drop your core temperature and make you feel colder.

In some situations this can lead to hypothermia even though you are wearing an adequate amount of clothing. While this is unlikely, imagine if you got lost, or injured and have to spend the night out. In those circumstances damp inner layers could be the difference between life and death.

Removing Clothing Tips When Hiking

• Get your kit off! As soon as you warm up, take off a layer or two. Keep adjusting as your temperature (not the environments) changes.
• Indoors? Strip off! Walking gear is made to survive the elements – it’s too technical for a retail expedition, or lunch by a roaring fire.
• Vent off! You don’t have to remove a layer. Open up gaps in your clothing, unzip, loosen collars and cuffs, and get rid of the earmuffs. Let the heat, and importantly moist air escape, only close if you start to feel chilly.
• Take your hat off! It may be silly season on headwear, but you can easily reduce unnecessary trapped heat by dumping your cap, beanie or bobble.
• Damp clothing? Off! If you feel wet under your layers it is usually due to sweat. Replace these layers if you can, or when appropriate strip down to allow them to dry. Never wear cotton as it will hold moisture.
• Put on what you took off! When you stop, head back outside, or are suddenly exposed to wind or shade you can put on layers, do your zips up and put your jacket and hat back on. But so it remember to reduce your layers as soon as you heat up!

So, to help keep warm when on a walking holiday in the UK, hiking in the Rockies or trekking in the Andes, remember: Get your kit off to keep warm!

We hope you found these hiking clothing layering tips useful! Want to read more? Check out these walking gear articles and trekking holidays worldwide.