Over the past 15 years, a shift has occurred in the outdoor apparel industry. Rather than relying on a single garment to provide adequate protection from the elements, most manufacturers now advocate a layered approach that can be adapted to any situation.
In most cases, layering includes a base layer garment, a middle layer and an outer shell. While each layer plays an important role in protecting the wearer, the critical foundation of the clothing system is the layer closest to the skin. This base layer must be comfortable, dry quickly, and efficiently wick moisture, even when worn in extreme conditions.