Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter from Backpacker Magazine demonstrates the basics of upper body layering for cold weather hiking and camping.

Next to the skin: Your base layer should wick sweat away from your body to keep your skin dry. Cotton should not be used – save your t-shirts for other purposes. Good long underwear pieces are appropriate made from fabrics such as Thermion, polypropylene, Thermax, Thinsulate, and silk.

Insulating layer: This layer will keep you warm and can be shed once you warm up. Wool, fleece, pile, down in a jacket, shirt or vest.

Outer layer: To protect you from the elements, a windproof and water resistant jacket. It should be worn loosely.

Pants: If the weather is frigid, long underwear bottoms or tights underneath another pair of pants will keep you warm. Cotton and denim should be avoided. Running pants or running tights made of synthetics that wick moisture will keep you more comfortable in rain and snow.

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