How to Layer Clothes for Hiking

Whether tackling a snow-tipped summit glistening in the morning light or exploring the raw cliffs and canyons of the desert at high noon, the wrong outfit can turn a great adventure into an uncomfortable ordeal.

Layering hiking clothes isn’t as simple as staying warm or cool; it’s about adapting to changing elevation, weather patterns, and your body’s own fluctuating temperature. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Our guide details how to layer for hiking in any conditions and how to keep everything organized when you’re on the trails.

Meet Your Clothing Layers

Base Laye

Your base layer sits directly on your skin, so it’s important for regulating temperature and moisture¹. With that in mind, this foundational layer should never be cotton, which retains moisture. Even in hot weather, cotton holds sweat against the skin, which prevents the evaporation process from naturally cooling the body. And that’s not even mentioning the uncomfortable chafing that can occur.

During physically demanding and sun-exposed hikes, your best bet is Topo Designs’ Sun Hoodie. It offers extensive coverage, so you don’t need to constantly stop to reapply sunscreen. Meanwhile, the interior has a uniquely gridded threading to enhance breathability, so air circulates better as the fabric wicks moisture from your body².

The Sun hoodie, which is available for men and women, also offers UPF 50+ protection, shielding your skin from UV rays on long hikes through trails with little tree cover. Additionally, the hood provides extra neck and head protection when the sun is at its peak.

But the best part? The Sun Hoodie is lightweight and well-fitted, so it doesn’t weigh down your pack and can move comfortably with your body when hiking rough terrain.

Middle Layer

While the base layer offers some insulation, the majority will be in the middle to trap warm air close to the body while also allowing moisture to pass through the outer layers¹. The middle layer also needs to be easily adjustable or removable, so you can remain comfortable as environmental changes occur.

If you’re gearing up for a cold-climate adventure, add our HighPeak Jacket and Townie Puffer Jacket to your packing list. These jackets provide much-needed protection during winter hikes without leaving you feeling overheated when you’re exerting yourself.

If you need more flexibility for certain activities, check out our Vista Lightweight Fleece Vest, for core insulation and unrestricted arm movement.

Not everyone is a winter adventurer. If you prefer hot climates, layering for hiking in the heat takes a different strategy. The ideal middle layer offers enough coverage for body temperature regulation and UV protection without being too heavy in hot conditions. In addition to our HighPeak Jacket, we recommend the Vista ¼ Zip Lightweight Fleece. It protects while still being lightweight, so you’re prepared for cooler seasons, changing elevations, and temperature drops when the sun sets. It’s a smart investment that won’t weigh down your pack.

Outer Layer

The outer layer serves as your primary defense against wind, rain, and snow. The goal of this layer is to balance being waterproof with breathability to keep you dry and comfortable.

At Topo Designs, we don’t do anything halfway, and our Global Jacket is a great example of this philosophy. Both the men's jacket and women's jacket adventurers, combining a 10K waterproof rating with wind protection. It’s also immensely durable and can handle rough terrain and rock scrambling on challenging trails. Even better, the jacket’s design allows for easy on-and-off adjustments as weather patterns change, so you’re prepared even if you’re facing a sudden downpour or heavy ridge winds.

Finally, the Global Jacket’s design balances protection with packability, so it won’t take up too much space. With first-rate durability and adaptability, the Global Jacket is a must-have for any outdoor excursion.

Leg Layer

We’ve been focusing on the upper body quite a bit, but your legs need protection too. Topo Designs' Dirt Pants Classic won’t let you down. The men’s pants and women’s pants versions of these pants offer the rugged construction necessary for snow-covered trails and harsh weather while still being comfortable during long hikes. The classic fit allows room for base layers underneath when temperatures drop significantly.

The Dirt Shorts are perfect for warm-weather hiking. They’re light and stretchy for unrestricted movement, especially during steep climbs. The relaxed fit and broken-in feel make them perfect for active days. Both the men's shorts and women's shorts provide the comfort and functionality that hikers need.

You can also try our men’s Desert Shorts for a breathable option and plenty of pocket room for the necessities, or the women’s Mesa shorts for a quick-dry option that is ideal for multi-day adventures.

Packing Your Layering System

Now that you have the gear you need, it’s important to pack it in a way that’s easily accessible. The middle layer will be adjusted often, so keep it near the top. This goes for the outer shell, too, since the weather can change rapidly in mountain regions.

Use a lightweight pack bag to keep clothing contained without overly compressing them, which can damage insulation materials. Our pack bags are available in 5L and 10L volumes to accommodate a wide variety of hiking essentials.

Knowing how to layer for hiking helps ensure your outdoor experiences are more comfortable, no matter what the trail has in store.

The Strategy Behind Layering Hiking Clothes

Once you’re in motion, you’ll need to manage your layering. As you start out on a hot weather hike, remember that your body needs time to warm up and generate heat. Stay cool and don’t wear too many layers at first. Your body will signal you as the environment changes. If you start to sweat, take a layer off; overheating leads to extra sweat that can chill you later¹.

The same goes if you’re on a cold-weather hike. It’s better to add layers before you feel genuinely cold since it’s easier to maintain warmth than to generate it once you’re chilled.

During rest breaks, add a layer immediately to prevent rapid cooling. This is because your body temperature drops quickly when you stop moving, especially in cold conditions³. Packing an insulation layer that’s easily accessible makes these adjustments seamless. In the end, you can focus on the incredible landscapes and personal achievements that make hiking so rewarding.

Shop Topo Designs for durable, reliable men’s apparel and women’s apparel and backpacks that will make your next hike one to remember.

Sources

1. Hiking Layers: Everything You Need to Know. Backroads. Retrieved on June 20, 2025, from https://www.backroads.com/pro-tips/hiking/hiking-layers
2. Rohrig, B. (7 October 2024). Don’t Sweat It: How Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Keep You Cool and Dry. InChemistry. Retrieved on June 20, 2025, from https://inchemistry.acs.org/atomic-news/dont-sweat-it.html
3. (7 February 2024). Preventing Hypothermia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on June 20, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html