Layer 2

Mid layers for skiing and other activities

Your mid layer helps you adapt your warmth to the temperature and your activity. At Roupéz Skidshop you will find women's mid layers, men's mid layers and junior mid layers. Choose between fleece, wool sweaters, thin insulated jackets and vests depending on the weather and your activity.

What is a mid layer?

The mid layer is what you wear between your base layer and your outer layer. Its main job is to add warmth while still letting you move freely.

Layering can be divided into three simple parts. First comes a base layer closest to your body. Next comes your mid layer. Finally, you wear a ski jacket or shell jacket as your outer layer.

The advantage of several layers is that you can easily adjust your clothing during the day. If it gets warmer, take off your mid layer. When the temperature drops, choose a thicker garment or combine several layers instead.

Different types of mid layers

Which mid layer suits you best depends on the temperature, your activity level and the rest of your clothing. Our range includes several options:

• Fleece: A versatile mid layer that provides warmth and works in many different conditions.
• Wool and merino wool: A good choice when you want a warm layer that also manages moisture.
• Synthetic: A quick drying option that suits higher activity levels.
• Insulated jackets: Add more warmth and work well under a shell when temperatures drop.
• Vests: Add extra warmth to your core while giving your arms plenty of freedom of movement.

We carry mid layers from brands such as Elevenate, Haglöfs, Helly Hansen, 8848 Altitude and Mons Royale.

How warm a mid layer do I need?

Start with the temperature and how active you will be. A thin fleece or sweater may be enough on milder days. When the temperature drops, choose a thicker mid layer instead.

Your jacket also affects the choice. An insulated ski jacket already keeps you warm, so a thinner mid layer may be enough underneath. A shell jacket, on the other hand, has no insulation, which makes your mid layer extra important in the cold.

On really cold days you can also combine several mid layers. For example, start with a merino wool base layer, add fleece or wool and then a thin insulated jacket or vest. Your ski jacket goes on top.

Mid layers in fleece, wool or synthetic

The material affects how your mid layer feels and performs. That is why it pays to choose based on both the weather and your activity.

Fleece offers good warmth for its weight and is easy to use as a mid layer. It also comes in different thicknesses, which makes it easier to match the garment to the temperature.

Wool and merino wool regulate temperature naturally. The material also keeps you warm when it gets damp. So a thicker wool mid layer is a good choice if you get cold easily.

Synthetic materials dry quickly and work well when you are active. Synthetic insulation is also used in many thin jackets that add warmth without becoming bulky.

Think about the fit

A mid layer should keep you warm without restricting your movement. So it needs to work together with both your base layer and your outer layer.

A big fleece sweater can feel comfortable on its own but become too bulky under your ski jacket. Try on the whole combination together if you can. You should be able to move your arms and upper body without the clothes feeling tight.

At the same time, the garments should not be so tight that the layers get compressed. The right fit leaves room for your layers while keeping good freedom of movement.

A mid layer for more than the slopes

Many mid layers also work well on their own. A thin insulated jacket, fleece or vest is great for spring and autumn, for example.

That makes your mid layer useful outside of skiing too. You can easily adapt your clothing to your activity and the temperature for much of the year.

Find the right mid layer

First, think about when you will use the garment. Then choose the material and thickness based on the temperature and your activity level. Also consider which jacket you wear, since a shell and an insulated jacket need different amounts of insulation underneath.

Want more help? Read our mid layer buying guide. It gives you more guidance on materials, warmth and how to build your layers.