Mid layers for winter sports: the perfect insulation for skiing

As the name suggests, the middle layer is the centrepiece of your layering. It is part of the onion principle and separates itself on the outside from the hard shell and on the inside from the base layer.

Each layer has a specific function. A good mid layer:

• stores body heat.
• protects against the cold.
• is breathable.
• is lightweight.
• has a small pack size, depending on the material.

To ensure that the mid-layer works optimally during sporting activities, you should make sure that you buy breathable materials. The more intense the activity, the more important it is that moisture can be transferred from the inside to the outside. Otherwise, your skin or base layer will remain wet and there is a risk of you cooling down.

The trick behind how the middle layer works is simple. Materials that are used have very fine fibres, which turn into countless branches. The air collects inside these microscopically small air chambers and is warmed by the body's own temperature. The stored heat ensures that the upper body does not cool down. Incidentally, both synthetic and natural textiles are being used.

Advantages:

• has odour-inhibiting properties
• is very hard-wearing
• does not need to be washed often
• offers good temperature regulation
• stores heat
• generates heat independently
• no scratching on the skin thanks to very fine fibres
• warms even when wet

Disadvantages:

• becomes heavy when the fibre is wet
• is quite expensive
• is not quite as breathable as synthetic fibres such as polyester

Synthetic fibres are industrially produced and obtained from crude oil or recycling processes. In this context, it is important to note that synthetic fibres such as polyester, polyamide or elastane can take on different shapes and structures. This means that those textiles can be developed to mimic the properties of natural fibres (e.g. synthetic down).

Advantages:

• Soft to the touch
• dries quickly
• is long lasting
• very breathable
• keeps you warm even when damp
• has excellent moisture-regulating properties

Disadvantages:

• is not ideal for wet and windy conditions
• is less compressible than softshell or down and therefore more difficult to stow away

Advantages:

• offers excellent heat retention
• is extremely light
• retains its shape
• is highly compressible (high Cuin value)
• loses its insulating effect when damp

Disadvantages

• requires special cleaning
• is relatively expensive
• loses its warming properties when wet

Which fibre you prefer depends on your liking, the intended use and your budget. Are you planning a ski tour on a warm spring day? Or do you want to undertake a multi-day traverse in the middle of winter? Depending on what you are planning, certain product features are more important than others. In addition, comfort and weight are always a question of personal preference. If you are unsure, our RENTertainers will be happy to advise you in one of our shops near you. Here you can try on the mid layer directly. It's best to take your  ski jacket with you.

Tip: There are also hybrid forms that combine the advantages of synthetic fibres and natural fibres.

Consequences at a glance:

• Too wide: Loss of warmth, draughts, lower insulation performance
• Too tight: Restricted freedom of movement, uncomfortable fit, poor moisture transport

• ... stores heat exceptionally well
• ... is extremely light
• ... has hydrophobic (water-repellent) properties
• ... is very breathable
• ... high wearing comfort even during the most intensive activities

Note: Although hydrophobic LIFA® fibres do not absorb water, they are designed in such a way that they allow moisture to pass through in the form of water vapour. Moisture is therefore not absorbed, but can diffuse through the airy structure between the fibres.

In short, Helly Hansen's LIFALOFT^TMproducts fulfil all the criteria of a perfect mid-layer. So, if you are looking for an excellent mid layer, try the LIFALOFT HYBRID INSULATOR jacket, which is available in both women's and men's styles!

If your mid layer gets dirty, only the right care will help. The most important information can be found in the manufacturer's instructions. You should always follow these manuals, as the textiles are sensitive materials that can lose their shape or simply lose their function if not cared for properly. The rule is: as often as necessary, as little as possible.

In most cases, external dirt can be treated with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Stains can be removed by using circular movements. If this does not help, special detergents or pH-neutral soaps for functional fibres can be used. However, bear in mind that different washing and drying processes are required for down, merino and synthetic fibres.

In our more than 800 locations worldwide we have a colourful selection of different mid layers as well as the corresponding care products. Our RENTertainers will be happy to advise you.

Layering or the onion principle basically involves three layers of clothing. These include:

• Base layer
• Mid layer
• Hard shell

Each of these layers has a specific task. While the base layer absorbs and transfers moisture, the mid layer stores body heat. The outermost layer in turn guarantees protection against snow and wind.

What you wear under your ski jacket depends largely on the outside temperature. In spring, when temperatures on the mountain are warmer, a layer of ski underwear can be enough to keep you warm. In sub-zero temperatures, however, a mid layer is recommended as it retains body heat better and prevents you from cooling down.

Basically, you wear ski underwear under a mid layer. This is another layer of functional underwear, also known as a base layer. Its task is to absorb moisture and pass it on to the layer above. In the best-case scenario, it keeps your skin dry and - depending on the material - guarantees optimum thermal performance.