Mid Layer Buying Guide
A mid layer is the garment you wear as your second layer from the skin – on top of your base layer. If the base layer's job is to keep you dry, the mid layer's job is to keep you warm. This is where you can easily adjust the thickness and number of layers so you stay just warm enough in all kinds of weather. The right mid layer makes a big difference to your comfort, whether you're skiing hard on-piste, ski touring or taking it easy on the slopes.
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What a mid layer is for
The purpose of a mid layer is to retain body heat while letting moisture escape. It should keep you warm without making you sweaty or overheated. When you're moving a lot, the garment needs to breathe and dry quickly. In colder weather, or when you're skiing at a gentler pace, good insulation matters more.
That's why mid layers come in different thicknesses and materials, from light fleece tops to warmer insulated jackets. That way you can always adapt the warmth to the activity and the weather.
In short: a mid layer is the key to keeping an even, comfortable temperature, whether you're sweating on the climb or standing still on the lift.
Materials – fleece, wool and synthetic insulation
The material you choose affects how warm and breathable your mid layer will be. The most common materials are fleece, wool and synthetic insulation, each with different properties depending on activity and temperature.
Fleece is the most common mid layer for skiing. It's light, soft and quick-drying. Fleece breathes well and wicks moisture away, which makes it perfect for active days when you're moving a lot. It comes in different weights, from thin tops to heavier models for cold days.
Wool keeps you warm even when it gets damp and suits you if you prefer natural materials. It breathes well but doesn't dry as quickly as fleece. Wool garments work brilliantly for more relaxed skiing or as an extra insulating layer under your shell jacket.
Synthetic insulation is used in thin insulated jackets that also work as mid layers. They are filled with synthetic fibres that resemble down but cope with moisture far better. This is a good option when you want more warmth than fleece while keeping the weight low and your freedom of movement high.
In short: choose fleece for active skiing, wool for natural warmth and synthetic insulation when you want an extra-warm mid layer that also works as a light jacket.
