A GUIDE TO LAYERING
Having as much fun as possible starts with what you choose to wear. More comfort means more time outside, simple as that. Burton layers are built for this with options for base, mid, and shell layers that work together to keep you warm and dry. Add or remove layers depending on the activity or conditions and you get the versatility to do whatever, whenever. Pretty neat, right?
HERE’S A SIMPLE RUN-DOWN:
Adjust to Your Needs
Look around next time you’re outside. Everyone dresses differently. Some people overheat easily; others are always cold. Layering gives you the versatility to add or remove layers based on what works for you.
Adjust to the Weather
Weather conditions can change rapidly. Rain, sun, snow, wind—you never know what you’ll get. Especially in the mountains. When you’re dressed in layers that take advantage of different materials, fits, and features you can quickly adjust to stay warm and dry.
Fit is Essential
How your base layer fits under your fleece or insulator, and how your shell jacket slides and moves over all that makes a difference. That’s why we design and test everything to ensure each layer works together in the best way possible.
LAYERING 101
How you layer is determined by a few factors. Do you tend to run warm or cold? Are you going to be really active? What’s the weather forecast? And what do you prefer for features, like hood vs no hood?
It might seem like a lot to consider, but the beauty of layering is that it gives you options. By adding or removing layers you can quickly adjust your comfort. Work up a sweat hiking in just your base layer, then throw on a warm mid-layer and a protective shell jacket at the summit…BOOM, that’s smart layering.
Now let’s break it down with some basics on the benefits of each layer:
Fabric
Quick-drying and breathable materials (avoid 100% cotton) are key to base layer’s performance and include the following technologies along with natural or synthetic fibers.
Highly breathable and ultra fast-wicking, these fabrics use microscopic fibers that pull heat-robbing moisture vapors away from your skin.
Reacts to your body heat, accelerating moisture wicking when you're hot and retaining warmth when you're cold for balanced comfort all day long.
Available in a variety of high-performance base layer fabrics for any activity or weather condition.
Natural fibers, like wool, better retain warmth even when wet and are naturally odor-repellent. Synthetic fibers are usually lighter weight, faster-drying, and can be more durable.
Fit
Base layer fit should be comfortable but not too baggy so that you can easily wear it under your mid layer.
Features
Softlock Seams, stretch, thumbhole cuffs, and added stink-proofing are just a few of the base layer features that add to your overall comfort.
Fabric
Mid layers offer lots of materials and technologies to choose from.
Best for dry and mild conditions and is highly versatile with a wide variety of weights from light to heavy. It’s also breathable and warm and can be worn on its own without a shell jacket in dry conditions.
Best for variable and mild conditions. It’s highly breathable, moisture-wicking, and many styles have water-resistance (DWR) for more protection than traditional fleece. Bonded or hard-faced fleece typically feels smoother than traditional fleece due to the bonded outer layer that increases weather protection.
Best for dry and cold conditions, down mid layers offer higher warmth-to-weight meaning they are very light for how warm you’ll feel. Down layers are also easily compressible and/or pack into themselves via a pocket or stuff sack. All Burton down is 100% responsibly sourced.
Best for variable and cold conditions, synthetic insulation is very good at keeping you warm even when wet. It tends to be more breathable and durable, too, making it great for when you’re really active.
Fit
Mid layer fit should be loose enough to slide easily over your base layer but trim enough to wear under your shell layer.
Features
Hoods, zippered vents, pockets, thumbhole cuffs, and stretch are just a few of the versatile mid layer features that add to your overall comfort.
Shell layers are offered in uninsulated and insulated versions. Uninsulated shell layers are the most versatile since you can simply add or remove base and mid layers to dial in your warmth depending on the weather or activity. Insulated shell layers feature down or synthetic insulations to give you an extra level of warmth in colder conditions. You can still control your warmth and comfort by adding a base and mid layer underneath your insulated shell.
Fabric
Shell layers offer lots of materials and technologies to choose from.
All Burton products with the DRYRIDE membrane are waterproof and breathable.
Ultimate waterproof, windproof, breathable performance that’s GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™.
Windproof, durable, and highly water-resistant with great breathability and flexibility.
Maxes out comfort while protecting you against the elements through varying levels of wind- and water-resistance, and features four-way stretch performance for enhanced mobility.
Fit
Just like your base and mid layers, the fit should be considered, and with a shell, you want to ensure you have enough room to move freely while wearing your other layers underneath.
Features
Adjustable cuffs and hoods, zippered vents, pockets, and ergonomic fits are just a few of the versatile shell layer features that add to the overall comfort.
Overjacket/Belay Jacket
If you’re always cold, winter camping, live in Antarctica (or just like to hang out in the resort parking lot), Burton offers one belay jacket: The [ak] Expedition Down. Unique to the shell layer category, it’s super warm and oversized so you can throw it on over your other layers and comfortably kick back in the coldest conditions.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
WE'VE PULLED TOGETHER THE PERFECT
LAYERING SYSTEMS FOR
YOU TO EXPLORE.
FOR VERSATILITY IN ANY CONDITION
Get a fast-drying base layer against your skin, an insulating fleece to regulate warmth, and a protective shell to block the elements. Add or remove any layer to adjust your comfort.
EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING.
LEARN WHAT LAYERING WORKS BEST
FOR THESE EXPERTS.
“I want the most technical outwear so I don’t have to think about staying dry. I can just focus on riding, and that’s where [ak] does an amazing job.”
- Kimmy Fasani, Burton Team Rider
