Proper clothing is key to staying comfortable and safe outdoors. Whether it’s cold, hot, wet, or windy, dressing in layers allows scouts to adjust their clothing as conditions change. This page offers guidance on how to choose and use layers effectively for camping and hiking.
Why Layers?
Layering your clothing helps regulate body temperature and keeps you dry — both from rain and from sweat. The basic layering system includes:
- Base Layer – Wicks moisture away from your skin
- Insulating Layer – Traps body heat
- Outer Layer (Shell) – Blocks wind and rain
You can add or remove layers depending on the weather and your activity level.
1. Base Layer (Next to Skin)
Purpose: Keeps you dry by moving sweat away from your skin
Common materials: Synthetic (like polyester), merino wool
Avoid: Cotton – it holds moisture and makes you cold when wet
Examples:
- Lightweight long underwear top and bottom
- Synthetic T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
- Merino wool socks (instead of cotton socks)
2. Insulating Layer (Warmth)
Purpose: Keeps you warm by trapping body heat
Options: Fleece, down, or synthetic-insulated jackets
- Fleece – Warm, breathable, dries quickly
- Down – Very warm and lightweight, but loses warmth when wet unless it’s treated
- Synthetic insulation – Warmer when wet, more affordable
Examples:
- Fleece pullover or jacket
- Puffy jacket (down or synthetic)
- Insulated vest
3. Outer Layer (Shell)
Purpose: Protects against wind, rain, and snow
Key features: Waterproof and breathable material, adjustable hood and cuffs
This is your rain jacket or shell jacket, covered in more detail on the Rain Jackets page.
Other Clothing Considerations
Pants
- Convertible pants (zip-off legs) are great for variable weather
- For cold: synthetic or fleece-lined pants
- For wet: lightweight rain pants
Hat & Gloves
- Warm hat – essential for cold weather
- Sun hat – helpful in hot/sunny conditions
- Gloves – lightweight liner gloves for cool weather; insulated gloves for cold
Socks
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks
- Bring an extra pair or two — dry feet are happy feet
- Avoid cotton socks, which cause blisters and stay wet
Underwear
- Synthetic or wool preferred over cotton
- Look for quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric
Extra Layers
- Always pack at least one dry backup layer in a plastic bag or dry sack
Tips for Scouts
- Layer smart – You don’t need heavy clothes, just the right combination of layers.
- Stay dry – Wet clothes can make even mild weather dangerous.
- Pack extras – Especially socks, base layers, and a warm hat.
- No cotton – Seriously. Once it’s wet, it’s useless.
Where to Buy – Local
REI – www.rei.com
Eastern Mountain Sports – www.ems.com
LL Bean – www.llbean.com
Walmart, Target, and Costco (for basics like base layers and fleece)
Where to Buy – Online
Sierra Trading Post – www.sierra.com
Campmor – www.campmor.com
Backcountry – www.backcountry.com
Amazon – www.amazon.com
Hiker Direct – www.hikerdirect.com