The 8 Layer clothing system: Dressing for New Mexico’s wild

Talk to any experienced outdoorsman or woman, and you will hear a story about someone getting lost or injured and having to spend an unplanned night in the wild waiting for rescue. Every year, the Journal reports on an adventurer gone missing or needing rescue.

In my last column, GO New Mexico laid the foundation of survival priorities with the Rule of Threes (air, shelter, water, food). 

With that foundation, let’s explore the second tenet: Shelter or exposure. 

When it comes to staying warm or cool in the wild, managing moisture is your top priority. One of the most practical and fundamental ways to safely set out on an adventure in our great outdoors is to dress appropriately. Wearing the right clothing and carrying a few back-up layers can make all the difference when or if the inevitable happens.

The U.S. military has invested considerably in research, consulting the best in the industry to develop the 8 Layer System — a simple and repeatable method for any adventurer. This system can be customized to suit your adventure conditions and activity level. Its versatility is unmatched for hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing or any adventure in the wild.

Layers 1 and 2: The Base (moisture management)

The first two layers (top and bottom) make up the most important tool for moisture management. They aren’t typically planned for removal, as they are always in contact with your skin. These layers should be either wool (preferably merino to avoid the itch) or synthetic — never cotton. While various thicknesses exist depending on the temperature range and activity level, the key is a material that wicks away sweat or moisture to keep you dry and warm. If you ask any kid in Alaska what they think about cotton, you will hear a resounding “Cotton kills!”

A light version of these layers is important even in the hotter months to help facilitate cooling. 

 Layers 3 and 4: The active and outer shell

These layers represent your protection and working layer. This could be your skiing, hunting or hiking pant (many come with great knee pad options) or even waders. Look for a pant that has a hip or thigh vent zipper to help shed some heat after a steep ascent. Your top should be an active insulation layer. Great options include a fleece, merino or synthetic blended top, or even a pullover wool sweater. I suggest something with a partial or full zip and/or armpit vents.

These layers are the most subjective to your environment. For example, you may want a pant with a waterproofed seating material, or heavy-weight abrasion resistance for those desert adventures. One rule of thumb: better to start a little cold and avoid sweating, especially before exertion. If you struggle with cold feet, don’t wear your boot socks in the warm car up the mountain; put them on once you park, and enjoy many more hours of warm feet.

Layers 5 and 6: The puff layer (insulation)

These are your primary puff layers, and there are many options and fill weights available. Puff jackets and pants primarily come in either synthetic insulation (PrimaLoft and the like) or down.

Synthetic is best for staying warm in more humid environments. These garments are not as light or packable as down but handle moisture best.

Down is typically warmer and more packable but loses its insulation when wet and takes longer to dry (I’m currently testing a treated down jacket that claims to be water-repellent; a review on that to come).

These layers are key for staying warm when activity is limited. “Puffing up,” as we called it in the military, was common for water breaks and long stretches of inactivity (hunters glassing, campers settling in for a nightcap, skiers on a long lift). Puff gear is essential for a life-saving situation like an injury or cold-water exposure. After all, hypothermia is part of the lethal triad. These layers can be kept in a backpack or stuffed into a hand warmer pouch for easy access.

Layer 7 and 8: The hard shell (waterproof/windproof)

These are your waterproof layers: Gore-Tex jacket and pants, often referred to as “rain gear.” Many people are tempted to leave these behind or build them into their initial layering system; however, both of these errors can create problems. The weather in New Mexico can change without notice, and having a waterproof layer to weather a storm or wet snow can make all the difference.

Many products in Layers 3-6 have water-blocking coatings but should not be considered sufficient. Rain gear also traps in heat over the first six layers and is a great option for those cold mornings or evenings. Layers 7 and 8 live in my backpack 99% of the time and also double as a wind blocker.

This tried-and-true system is an easy default layering plan for your next cross-country adventure through the Enchanted Forest, a late season January mule deer hunt, or an Eagle Nest Lake ice fishing trip. This system is not brand specific, and there are many great brands that are always testing and innovating. The key is to pick the right materials and patterns that fit your adventure needs. Check out your local retailer, ski swap or even eBay for deals. Most importantly, get outside and enjoy this beautiful, wild state we are fortunate to live in.

I’m always looking for new and better ways to pack light and stay warm. If you have tips, photos, or a story to share, we would love to feature them in GO New Mexico!

Check out John Barklow’s YouTube channel “Knowledge From Storms” for more on layering when adventuring. Barklow was one of my instructors in the military and has some great content to further your adventure safety education.