The Best Layering System for Hillwalking in the UK

This guide covers the best base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers, along with tips for choosing the right gear for British conditions.

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Hillwalking in the UK is usually a wonderful experience, but the weather is unpredictable. The hills can throw everything at you during a day out (don’t we know it!) – rain, sun, wind, snow.

To stay warm, dry, and comfortable, you need the right layering system. It’s really important.

This guide tries to cover the best options for base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers, along with top tips for choosing the right gear specifically for British mountain conditions.

The Best Base Layers for Hillwalking in the UK

Base layers are your first line of defense against the cold. They sit next to your skin and manage moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. We think that they are probably the most underlooked part of a layering system, we also think they’re the most important part of that system.

Top Tips –

  • Base layers with hoods are very useful.
  • Always carry a spare base layer – they can get sweaty and cold after a climb.

Merino Wool vs. Synthetic Fabrics

Merino Wool

  • Pros: Natural, breathable, excellent moisture-wicking, and naturally antibacterial (so it doesn’t need loads of washing), great warmth to weight ratio.
  • Cons: Usually more expensive and slower to dry compared to synthetic options, can be a little harder to care for.

Synthetic Fabrics

  • Pros: Usually more affordable, quick-drying, lightweight, and better suited for high-intensity activities like hiking uphill or running, easy to wash and care for.
  • Cons: Less odor-resistant than Merino wool and not as warm in very cold conditions.

Recommendations for Base Layers

For cold, wet hikes, a Merino wool base layer is ideal. If you’re planning an intense or fast-paced walk, a synthetic layer may be more practical.

The Best Mid-Layers for Hillwalking in the UK

Mid-layers provide insulation by trapping warm air nest to your body. They work best when they’re breathable so that they allow the moisture that wicks from your base layer to escape.

Fleece Layers

  • Pros: Midtweight, quick-drying, and available in loads of different weights – you’ll be able find something that works for you.
  • Cons: Not windproof on their own, less compact than other insulated options, can get very smelly, warmer fleeces get bulky and heavy.

Down Jackets

  • Pros: Lightweight, highly packable, and extremely warm.
  • Cons: Expensive, loses insulation when wet, a pain to look after.

Synthetic Insulated Jackets

  • Pros: Retains warmth even when wet, more affordable than down, quick-drying.
  • Cons: Slightly heavier and bulkier than down.

Down or Synthetic Insulation for Hillwalking in the UK?

For dry, cold days, down jackets are unbeatable for warmth. However, synthetic insulation is defo a safer choice for the UK’s warmish/ wet conditions.

Synthetic jackets are also better if you’re moving quickly or uphill, they breath well and the fact they’re not super-duper warm is a plus point.

Top Tip – In Winter we wear synthetic insulation on the hill but carry a second hand down jacket in a dry bag ‘just in case’ – having a down jacket in your bag if you need to stop for a while is brilliant.

The Best Waterproof Jackets for Hillwalking in the UK

Your outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow. It needs to be waterproof and breathable to keep you comfortable.

There are lots of different waterproof, breathable, fabrics out there, it’s important to remember that a jacket will only breath while it is clean and water ‘beads’ off the surface. If you’re jacket gets dirty and/ or ‘wets out’ it will not breath and you might as well be wearing a bin bag.

If you ‘run hot’ of often get sweaty walking uphill, make sure you buy a jacket that has good venting options – ‘pit zips’ might be essential. A ‘normal’ sweat rate for a healthy adult during prolonged exercise is 1 – 1.5 litres an hour!

Which shows just HOW important hydration is.

Look for quality jackets with durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings, taped seams, and adjustable hoods. Brands like Patagonia, Paramo, and Keela offer reliable options at a range price points.

Top Tip – We wear Keela Pinnacle jackets with Mountain Rescue. We wear Mountain Equipment jackets on normal hill days – we buy them second hand, there’s normally loads available.

Combined Layering Systems

On a cold, rainy day, start with a moisture-wicking base layer (or two), add a warm mid-layer (like a fleece or insulated jacket), and finish with a waterproof shell. This combination ensures your best chance of staying warm, dry, and comfortable.

Great Value Brands That Make Base Layers?

For affordable and reliable base layers, brands like Decathlon and Keela offer great value. These brands balance price and performance, making them ideal for most people. Lidl and Aldi often have base layers for sale very cheaply, they work fine, we use them – look out for ‘hiking’ or ‘skiing’ weeks.

FAQs About Choosing the Right Layering System for Hillwalking in the UK

What’s better for hillwalking: down jackets or synthetic jackets?

  • Down Jackets: Best for dry, cold conditions due to their superior warmth-to-weight ratio. However, they’re not suitable for wet weather.
  • Synthetic Jackets: Ideal for wet or unpredictable weather as they retain insulation when damp – GREAT for the UK.

Should I always wear three layers when hillwalking?

Not necessarily. In mild conditions, you might only need a base layer and a softshell.

In colder weather you might end up wearing 5 (or more) layers under your waterproof.

Adjust your layers to the weather and your activity level.

Are Merino wool base layers worth the cost?

Yes, if you hike regularly in cold or moderate conditions. Their comfort, odor resistance, and durability make them a long-term investment.

Can I use a softshell jacket as an outer layer?

Softshells are great for light rain or windy conditions but won’t replace a proper waterproof jacket in heavy rain.

By understanding and investing in the right layering system, you’ll be ready for any hillwalking adventure in the UK. With the right gear, even the most unpredictable weather won’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors.

Wild Wales in North Wales

Wild Wales helps people have brilliant adventures in North Wales.

We specialise in Mountain Walking and Wild Swimming.

Here’s a link to our Swim Retreats: https://shorturl.at/klt1W

Here’s a link to our single day adventures, Mountain Walking and Swimming: https://shorturl.at/LxA2S