“What do you wear when you go up the mountain?”
Hmm, sometimes I like to be surprised to see people who are climbing, but the suit is already like going to the mall.
It’s not wrong, but I think going up the mountain – or backpacking into the wild – is one form sport. And sports are supposed to wear gym clothes, right? It feels strange if we play futsal but wear a flannel shirt and jeans.
It doesn’t look weird, it’s actually cool. But I assure you, those who wear cool clothes like that will not feel comfortable at all.
I adhere to layering system in dressing when doing climbing activities. This layering system allows us to regulate our body temperature by adjusting the layers we wear.
So, we don’t need to bring thick jackets that are too big like going to the north pole…
There are three layers that we need to know. First layer (base layer) which directly touches the skin to regulate moisture; second layer (insulating layer) to protect the cold and provide warmth #eaaa; and the last layer (shell layer) is to protect us from the weather of nature.
Let’s see one by one, brother~
1. Base Layer : Humidity Regulator
The purpose of this first layer is not only to absorb sweat, but also to make it evaporate to the next layer. That’s why I don’t recommend using cotton because it will only absorb sweat, but can’t evaporate it.
The sweat on the clothes doesn’t evaporate = it’s drenched, wet and smells like stale oncom sauce. Been there and I don’t want anymore.
What’s more, cotton shoulders can increase the risk hypothermia. I once used cotton as a base layer under a raincoat. Even though the water didn’t penetrate at all, but because I was sweating and didn’t evaporate, I felt cold.
For this base layer, it is better to use materials such as wool or synthetics such as polyester. Because these materials not only absorb sweat, but also transfer it to the outer layer of clothes.
The result: our bodies are drier when sweating, and clothes will dry quickly after that. And the most important : no smell :))
2. Insulating Layer
This insulating layer functions to “trap” hot air near the body so that we will stay warm. For this layer, I like natural fiber materials like goose down sweaters (down).
The material is very light and small when packaged. But it can only be used when it’s dry. But not long ago I saw the north face website there is a technology called thermoball, a material that looks like down but can still be used even when wet.
Materials other than down which are popular are available fleece, in Indonesia generally referred to as ‘polar’ materials. Polar is actually one of the per-fleece-an. But usually, Indonesian people like to mention the brand as the name of the object.
Fleece is also light, retains heat well, but is a bit bulky when packed because the material tends to be thick. Fleece jackets are usually much cheaper than down.
For winter, just replace this second layer with a thicker down or fleece material. Usually there are levels, how come mild, chill, cold; like macih chips.
3. Shell Layer
This last layer is very important for unpredictable mountain weather. This layer is important, because it prevents water from still reaching the bottom two layers. If the water has entered, then this layering function is destroyed.
The shell can range from a regular windproof jacket to a jacket windproof-waterproof-breathable with all kinds of technology that the price can make buying a used motorcycle.
When buying a shell jacket, make sure it’s the right size when you wear two layers underneath.
Better to use a ritepe shell windproof/Waterproof/breathable : This is the type I recommend the most. Technologies like Gore-Tex fall into this category. This type retains water, resists wind, but can still expel steam. So when wearing it in the hot sun it won’t be too hot.
There are also cheaper types such as only windproof, or windproof/waterproof. But for outdoor activities, which of course have a high level of movement, I recommend a breathable type to make it more comfortable. It’s more expensive indeed, but you won’t regret it when you use it on the mountain.
4. Additional Layers – your style layer.
It’s a layer that we can take selfies with. But don’t use it on the road, just take pictures. Have fun! :))
For subordinates, it’s actually the same as the first layer of clothes. The important thing is that the material dries quickly, and if possible, it’s also waterproof & breathable, so you don’t have to bother carrying all the ponchos.
DON’T WEAR JEANS YES! 🙂
So, how do you dress in the mountains? Share in the comments yes!
Thanks!
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