Playing a sport outdoors exposes us to temperature changes that are especially tough in winter. You need to be ready for cold, rain, wind, or even snow—and sometimes all at once! The 3-layer system will be your best ally to shield you from the elements. It’s by layering these 3 layers that you’ll be sure to stay warm and dry:
- A breathable base layer directly on the skin that wicks sweat.
- A second insulating and comfortable layer to keep the heat in.
- A third layer to protect you from the elements: waterproof and windproof.
A few explanations to better understand the 3-layer system principle.
The base layer: breathable to wick sweat
When you pick your base layer, go for synthetic fabrics like polypropylene, polyamide, or polyester. If you prefer natural fabrics, you can opt for Merino wool with its unique properties: this wool offers excellent heat and moisture management while being durable and antibacterial, preventing bad odors. Cotton, for example, will hold water, poorly wick sweat, and will quickly make you cold.
The polypropylene and polyamide fibers used for the Seamless shirt improve thermal insulation while promoting ventilation, essential for handling temperature changes on the trail. Polypropylene, naturally hydrophobic, allows for quick drying, while polyamide provides effective insulation to keep the heat in. This combo is specially designed to optimize heat exchange and better regulate your body temperature, keeping you dry during effort.
The second layer: insulating to retain heat
The second layer’s goal is to keep the heat your body produces while insulating you from the cold. For this layer, choose a warm fabric like technical fleece, with breathable properties and quick-drying.
If you get too hot during effort, it’s usually this layer you’ll want to take off first. If you wear a second layer that’s too insulating, you’ll overheat and sweat a lot. Soaked, your second layer loses its insulating power and all the moisture buildup will increase the cold feeling.
Our Wintertrail shirt, perfect as a second layer, features Thermofleece technology that provides excellent insulation by trapping air in the fabric to keep you warm. Made of 89% recycled polyester, it efficiently wicks sweat vapor thanks to its hydrophobic properties.
The third layer: protective to shield you from outside elements
The third layer must act as a barrier against outside elements: cold, moisture, wind, rain, or snow. We recommend a waterproof and breathable jacket with a specific membrane like Gore-Tex.
At Raidlight, we developed our own MP+ membrane, designed with innovative technology. It’s a solid, non-microporous membrane that guarantees total waterproofing, excellent breathability, and wind protection. Made of a hydrophilic polyurethane film, it offers remarkable comfort during your trail runs thanks to its unique physico-chemical properties.
👉 To learn more about our technologies and materials.
👉 To learn more about how to choose your waterproof jacket.
Adapting the 3-layer system
The 3-layer system is a concept you need to fully get to then adapt it depending on the situation. For example, if it’s raining but not cold, it’s smart to take off the second layer. On the other hand, if it’s very cold and sunny, it makes more sense to remove the 3rd layer.
Experience and testing will teach you how to choose the right gear based on outside temperatures. Don’t listen to others, only you know what suits you!
Dressing with the 3-layer system at Raidlight
Here are 2 examples of 3-layer systems you can adopt:
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Women's R-Light long-sleeve trail shirt
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Women's Sorona Hybrid sleeveless trail jacket
- Women's Top Extreme MP+ 20K/20K trail jacket
