Dressing for British Weather: A Walker's Guide to Layers

There is an old saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. It is a bit generous, but it holds a grain of truth for anyone who walks in Britain, where a single afternoon can bring sunshine, wind, hail and a rainbow. The answer is not one heavy coat, but a few thin layers you can adjust as conditions change.

The idea behind layering

Trapped air keeps you warm, and several thin layers trap more air than one thick one. They also give you control. When you warm up on a climb, you take a layer off. When you stop for lunch on a windy ridge, you put it back on. Staying at a comfortable temperature matters, because sweating heavily and then cooling down is how many walkers end up cold and miserable.

Base layer: next to your skin

The job of the base layer is to move moisture away from your body. Good choices are:

• Synthetic fabrics, which dry quickly and are usually affordable.
• Merino wool, which stays comfortable across a wide range of temperatures and resists odour, though it costs more.

Avoid cotton next to the skin. When it gets damp, it stays damp and pulls heat away from your body.

Mid layer: for warmth

The mid layer provides insulation. A fleece is a classic choice, since it is light, warm and breathes well. A thin insulated jacket packs small and is handy for rest stops. In colder months you might carry two mid layers of different weights, to mix and match.

Outer layer: wind and rain

A waterproof, breathable jacket is the most important item in a walker's wardrobe. Look for a proper hood that moves with your head, adjustable cuffs and a hem that stays in place. Waterproof trousers are worth carrying for rain and wind and are easy to slip over other clothing.

No waterproof is truly breathable under heavy effort. If you find yourself getting damp inside, open the zips, take off a layer or slow your pace slightly.

Legs and feet

• Trousers that dry quickly are better than jeans, which are heavy and cold when wet.
• Socks matter more than most people expect. Walking socks in wool or a wool blend cushion your feet and manage moisture. Carry a spare pair.
• Gaiters can help keep mud and wet vegetation out of your boots on boggy ground.

Head, hands and neck

We lose a lot of heat through the head, and a hat is a simple way to stay warm. Gloves are worth carrying even in spring and autumn, as hands feel the wind quickly. A neck buff weighs almost nothing and can be a hat, a scarf or a sun shield.

A simple strategy

1. Start the walk slightly cool. You will warm up within ten minutes.
2. Take off a layer before you start sweating heavily, rather than afterwards.
3. Put layers on at rest stops before you cool down.
4. Keep an eye on the forecast for wind as well as rain, because wind chill can make a mild day feel much colder.
5. Keep spare dry clothes in a waterproof bag in your rucksack.

Our day walker's kit list shows how clothing fits into the rest of your pack.

Looking after your gear

Wash waterproofs according to the label, since dirt can reduce their performance. Re-proofing treatments can restore water repellency to the outer fabric. Dry clothes properly after each walk to avoid smells and damage.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need waterproof trousers? On wet or windy days, yes. They protect your legs and keep you warmer. On dry days, they stay in the bag as a safety item.

Are expensive waterproofs worth it? Higher-priced jackets often breathe better and last longer, but a good mid-range jacket is sufficient for most walks.

What should I wear in summer? Light, quick-drying clothes, plus a thin waterproof and a warm layer for higher ground or the evening.