We're aware the layers in this video aren't available anymore, but we do have plenty of other options in the same categories! Fleece: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/fleece-jackets/male Synthetic: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/synthetically-filled-jackets/male Down: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/down-filled-jackets/male

Great speaking skills. 4 trims during 14 min video, no prompter apparently. I’m impressed.

Awesome video. Answered a lot of questions for someone like me who's still learning the pros and cons of each type of mid layer. I subscribed and look forward to looking at more of your content.

Thank you for the advice. For a beginner like me clothing is a mine field. You have made it much clearer for me.

Very good information. Also love the dog having a great roll in the pasture behind you!

For mid layer my go to is wool. The reason is that wool, be it sheep or alpaca is a natural fiber and has the ability to insolate when wet. Wool can absorb can be 30% of its weight before they feel wet and before their insolation value goes down. Natural fibers have thermal range. they keep you cool when it is hot and keep you warm when it is cold. Unlike man made fibers that have only one temperature. that is determined by thickness. Wool also has the property of vaporizing moisture as it moves way from the skin. After a day's bike ride at -16 C I will be dry and warm with my base layer Fishnet top, alpaca sweater or tight weave pullover wool shirt and a good wind jacket and head covering. When I finish I put my down jacket or over the top of my wind jacket. My closet has sheep wool, alpaca fleece and every down garments in every loft from shirts to polar parka. At 80 I still like a good day or better weeks under the stares. Over the years I used them on solo trips as well as a wilderness guide.

Good video..I still prefer fleece, mainly because of durability. Have used a fairly expensive primaloft mid-layer recently but it got a tear on the outer fabric after I tripped and fell into a bush. On the other hand, have been wearing a ten year old fleece jacket, which I’ve abused daily through winter, and its still going strong.

Only just discovered Trekkit product videos. Got to be the best out there. Brilliantly detailed and described and presented perfectly. You guys are doing an amazing job. Think I'll buy one of your water bottles now😂😂

I love your vids And I like the way you present info. Subscribed.

Excellent, well thought through and informative video

I've had a north face Denali fleece I bought in 08. Still works and looks flawless. It's a tough fleece

Thank you: very informative and appreciated !

Very well done. Another very informative video.

Watching this while waiting for my Proton LT

Just got the cerium sl. My first puffy and I love it.

Good review. Agree on the Atom LT, everyone should own one.

Fantastic video and guide. Will you be posting a video on what outerlayer/shell we should choose?

Totally agree about the Atom LT. Genuinely one the greatest pieces of outdoor kit ever. Ironically it’s actually a better fit for our climate than the environment it was designed for - winter climbing in the Canadian Rockies. As you say - it’s a hugely versatile option for the humid UK hills. I wear mine literally everywhere.

Paramo enduro fleece for me. Topped with enduro wind proof jacket for the bad weather

Great advice

Thanks for the info. A few tricks missed here - a wind shirt on top of a standard fleece weighs almost nothing but boosts up a standard 100 or 200 Polar tec fleece to make a very versatile combo (very very breathable but not in the least waterproof). Buffalo make a wonderful Pile & Pertex series of synthetic jackets which are super warm even when wet - Buffalo jackets are worn by half the Game Keepers of Scotland as their main winter wear - so that ought to tell you something about actual performance in the real world! I have the Buffalo Six Special as my winter jacket and a Buffalo Wind Shirt as my summer every day carry warmth booster.

Very informative video. Would you recommend ever using overshirts as a proper midlayer?

Very useful, thank you!

Great videos, very helpful

I tend to carry both a fleece and a down puffy. Fleece is to sleep in something dry and clean at night. The fleece will keep me slightly warmer, keep my bag cleaner, and is an extra layer that is better to hike in than the down. The down is my quick stop or evening insulation piece for most warmth possible. Fleece and Down is what I take backpacking, but for everyday use I go for a synthetic (specifically atom LT) for the cheaper cost than down, light weight, and some warmth when wet to get me home those last few minutes.

My favorite midlayer is my 100wt usmc fleece pullover. Not too warm for 15C, which is as cold as it gets where I tend to use it. i'm looking to replace ot with a hoodie, though as I want something that has better torso ventilation. I also have the 300wt fleece shirt. It's excellent on its own for the lowest temps here. I used to have a synthetic puffy, but it was way too bulky and too fucking hot even for 0C. And it took days to dry.

Informative video, as always, Paul. I've tried to crack the conventional 3 layer system for years and simply can't get on with it. Too much faff exchanging/removing /replacing layers. I've mostly ended up using a two-layer, all-day approach, with over-layering as required. A merino mesh base, comfy and quick drying and, depending on anticipated weather, my Mountain Equipment Frontier Jacket if precipitation is likely to be only light/sporadic, Paramo if it's sure to be wet. The Frontier is lightly lofted on it's inner face and fairly air-permeable but still weather resistant, which works better for me than the fleecy-liner/wind shell type jackets such as Vapour-rise, ME Kinesis etc. which get too hot for me once they start to warm up unless it's below freezing. Similarly, I find fleece a bit of a fug-trap and just uncomfortable and clammy. It's too bulky in the bag for the warmth it provides and then we're back to the midlayer shuffle again - not for me, thanks. Fleece lasts forever, but shedding during washing means it's also environmental waste forever. Over-layering when I need additional insulation works best for me. I'm still using my 8 year old Rab Xenon I for static warmth - needs replacing though, as it's lost a bit of loft now. The Paramo jacket I've settled on is the Velez, which has Paramo's mesh liner, which is effectively a midlayer, and works well with my wool mesh base layers. I've found this mesh liner to be significantly better at moisture transport and temperature regulation than the fuzzy liners, such as Alpha, Bemburg (Vapour-rise) and Octoyarn (ME). When less extra insulation is needed but I still want to bolster the Paramo or the Frontier I'll slip a Paramo Enduro wind-proof jacket over them instead. In this scenario the Frontier/Velez is my midlayer. 2023 edit. This winter I've been adding in another woolmesh base layer over my first base layer in cold weather. Principle jacket remains my Velez with either my Páramo Enduro windshirt over it whilst active or my venerable Rab Xenon when stationary, as required. The Enduro can replace the Velez if it's less wet/cold, and has largely ousted my ME Frontier from my system. Legwear is generally Páramo Cascada II's, modified to take braces, with woolmesh (all worn out) or polypropylene mesh (cheaper, more durable) leggings if required. Montane Terra Mission trousers are pretty good if the Cascadas aren't needed. There's clearly the potential for faff if swapping out layers becomes necessary but still much less than conventional layering systems, and I can quite often go a whole day only having to adjust the venting options on the Velez/ Cascadas.

That doggo in the background...lol

Great video! For someone who sweats a lot would you suggest a breathable lightweight fleece like the patagonia r1 or a breathable synthetic like the proton lt(considering the vest version as well)? Thank you very much in advance!

A light fleece for me anyway as a mid layer . Those synthetic windproof mid layers are hopeless on fast ascents as they heat you up too much . Too many gimmicks out there .For hiking it’s a base layer . Fleece . Hard shell for me with a spare down jacket in my bag for breaks should I need it . Simple . Effective and proved . Beware the gimmicks

Hi, very nice video, very clear and informative. I used to be a north face guy and I own a lot of their stuff, but I cannot rely on them being waterproof. So I’m looking for a change. I’m no hiker or mountain climber but I enjoy walking outside and I walk to work in all types of weather. My gear at the moment is merino wool base layers (long sleeve top and long johns) north face goretex skin leggings, north face down700 jacket and a north face shell that was recently stolen. Can someone please recommend the correct type of gear I should be using to stay dry and be able to breathe in any weather for someone who is not very active outside just mostly walking the dogs or walking to and from work? Cheers

Finally I'm getting answers. I actually own a marmot synthetic down so that's good!

Useful introductory guide to mid-layers. Be interested to see where something like Rab's Alpha Direct jacket(which I'm a fan of), utilising water & wind resistant PerTex Quantum shell and PolarTec Alpha Direct wicking fleece lining, would be placed based on warmth-to-weight in comparison with the mid-layers in this review? Appreciate your efforts. Regards

awesome info

Very useful video

ducks and geese don't come cheap! there is rock'n roll in there , well done sir

Another factor to think about of the Atom LT vs fleece (synthetic): Atom LT - the outer DWR fabric is separate from the insulating filler underneath. Having tried the Atom LT in the shops, I don't know how durable the outer fabric would be to with stand wear when used with a back pack, with the straps and buckles that would rub and pinch against it, this outer fabric feels very thin and delicate.

Useful advice thanks, personally gone back to wool, seems to work better for me mostly coming of lower fitness levels, generating more moisture, particularly in wetter weather. It works much better under waterproofs than fleece (only good for shopping or pub) doesn't end up in dolphins unlike polyester.

Wow impressive, clearly explained, clarifying some issues I had, learned something today, great job Paul, could have used something on the microphone to choked the wind hard sometimes to understand you, English not being my first language I must have listened to your video at least 10 times to pick up everything you said and mention. Otherwise nice video, I like Murphy! I live in North America so not easy to get the brand name you mention. like Rab, etc....

Awesome video! I was at our local outdoor shop yesterday and I tried on a Arcteryx Atom and a Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody. The lady in the shop gave me a lots of information on both of the jackets. Regarding prices they are both around 300 Swiss francs. In feel and look I really like both. Main intended you for the jackets would be all around meaning for cycling, trekking, hiking, skiing but also mainly everyday use in general. Which one would you recommend? Thank you in advance!

hi interesting video, I would agree that this is very informative. I am curious though whether the down jacket would be affected by hiking in a very damp humid environment accepting that a waterproof shell was worn over the top?

Great vid! Which of the options is the best from an environmental standpoint? I'm guessing short term down is the worst but if you can use it for a really long time it would be the best?

great video, helped me understand the differences between synthetic and natural down more. going to be moving to Golden in 2 weeks and currently have some UA coldgear tights, patagonia guide pants (2010 model, lighter weight non softshell) and a 3/1 pat windspeed jacket. it's nice because the down jacket it comes with is 150g synthetic, just in case I have a duck down jacket actually from tommy hillfiguer, not durable at all but it's so warm and light. then I have an underarmour fleece and base t incase it's super cold, hoping that I can get good trail time without freezing! for any gearheads interested I'm also going to be wearing saloman x ultra 3 gtx, outdoor research PL150 gloves and an ATX belt and rho beanie.

If your outerlayer fails and water gets in, what do you want as your next layer of protection, fleece, down or softshell. I prefer softshell. Great videos, you cant have too much info when it comes to keeping warm and dry!

I've got the Atom LT hoodie and absolutely love it. I'd like a recommendation on which outer layer to go with it. What are your preferred hard/soft shells? I'd like to stick to Arc'Teryx.

hello mate great video.. seen a couple of layering vids mostly of you but got 1 question I can't find answer too.. if it was getting really cold while camping would it be smart to wear a fleece under the likes of the insulation jacket or would it not for some reason ? thanks in advance and thanks for info in vids !

Thanks for the clear video. Out of interest, how would the icebreaker merinoloft mid layers compare? (Besides the incredible cost)

Great video. Synthetic "down", also breaks down faster over time, losing some insulation ability, right? gets a bit compressed/flattened. Still works rather good even then though, apparently. But it makes me think twice about packing it as small as I can manage. With natural down, the chilly wind can apparently get through the gaps between the down sections, where the stitching is (unlike synthetic versions). Not sure how big of an issue that is (not an issue if you have an outer layer shell of course). Also it's not vegan-friendly, of course. Something many people consider.

An advantage of fleece you neglected to mention: I'd be willing to wager that the fleece jacket is much, much more durable than either the synthetic or the down jackets. Maybe the durability wouldn't get tested if you were just walking through an open field and nothing ever touched the jacket, but if you're scrambling up rock or walking through a forest it would.

Hello! Planing some trekking in Nepal and im now not sure about the down jacket. I was looking into a high fill power jacket to keep me warm but i think i wont be able to trekk in that jacket cause i will get too warm but what i want to ask is if this down jackets can get their down wet from my sweat and loose the insulation properties or the sweat cant get it so wet? I was planing to buy a good polar/fleece too but im not sure about it either. I will bring couple of merino wool and some synthetic t-shirts, long sleeve merino shirt too. After seeing this video im thinking of loosing the polar/fleece cause im afraid it wont wind proof me if needed and instead of fleece to bring a lite and thin primaloft jacket that could go over the merino base layer, to keep me warm and to wind proof me and if raining or too windy to add a goretex or some membrane hard shell over it. Will be this enough for keep me warm when i reach passes over 5k meters and it gets cold? Im thinking to bring a 800 fill power down when im in the quest houses to keep me warm in there or when im not active and on the move. Whats your opinion on this? And what pants should i bring beside my tracking pants for up there at 4.5-5k meters? Are soft shell pant windproof enough to be good up there? Seen some soft shell pants that are lined with fleece too but im afraid those will be overkill while trekking. Thanks in advance for the help!

The dog rules 😂😂😂

What's the trekitt take on the Paramo alternative to traditional layering? Seems to be the system of choice for pretty much all of the U.K. MRTS & a large proportion of guides Also, not sure about fleece being least breathable - Patagonia R1 hoody will blow pretty much any synthetic or down jacket out of the water. Additionally, fleece is definitely the most durable and has the fewest issues if you were to snag and tear it during climbing. Finally it's the easiest to repair.

Got an arcteryx atom lt hoody in L but eventhough this is definitely my size, its tailored to tight around the chest (im too wide due to work-outs :( ), also now that I had the chance to wear it, it feels not like keeping me really warm. Since you guys test a lot of jackets, which jacket could you suggest as an alternative for backpacking/trekking as mid-layer + camp-pauses + daily use in winter (i am usually not freezing quickly)? I think the jacket should be able to handle -5 degree celsius

Going to Nepal and have bought thick merino midlayers for my partner and me. There were a few options from Icebreaker and Macpac. There is also cashmere and cashmere/merino midlayers available. Do you have an opinion on these natural fibre alternatives?

Very interesting. What are the differences in terms of breathability between these 3 options?

For multi-day trips where you're going to experience a wide range of conditions, 3 layers is pushing it. A more typical approach would be: 1) Base layer 2) Lightweight, breathable mid-layer for active wear 3) For static warmth in wet cold and active wear under a shell in severe weather - a thin synthetic insulated jacket, or purely for camp wear, a down puffy 4) A hard shell for rain and snow 5) Optionally, a very light wind shirt. Using this as an active shell when it's cold, windy but dry will be more comfortable than a hard shell. It will also reduce wear on the hard shell, which will prolong its life or give you the option of using an ultralight hard shell supplemented by the wind shirt underneath.

I love fleece

Could I wear a down jacket for my mid layer then a waterproof jacket over the top? Or would i get really hot in mountain climbing in Scotland

How does this compare to the Arcteryx Fortrez hoodie? I currently own the Fortrez but have been considering the Atom LT.

Hi from Chile.... wich fleece or second layer can you recommend me? I want a light fleece but regular cit, not so stretch. I was thinking in something like Montane Protium, Rab Nexus or Arcterix Kyanite. Mi 185 cm, 46-48 chest and 100 kg (because this, regular fit jejeje).

What everyone forgets to mention is that fleece will stay at 100% capacity over time. Any synthetic fill will get less warm every time you compress it.

I’d really REALLY like an Arcteryx Atom LT jacket, but the zip on the wrong side is a deal breaker for me - do you have any suggestions for something similar? TIA

What do you think of the Patagonia Nano Puff? Would that be alright in a light shower of rain?

Just tried to look at the Arcterx on your website and it seems to be no longer available? What is its replacement model please?

Hi, thank you for your video. I have a comment and it's just constructive criticism from a fan. It took over 2 min to start talking about the first idea of second layer. It's too long. When one's researching on the net, one goes through lots of these videos and the ones who go straight to the point are the ones we watch.

Any thoughts on Arcteryx Atom Lt vs Arcteryx Proton Lt? Appreciate the feedback

I know this was 2017 but why the continuum over the Arcteryx cerium lt? Price?

Downside of sythetic insulation layers can be limited breathability, depending on the outer layer...

Is there any reason to use Tech-wash for fleece or base layers?

Mate you're having a laugh about the wooley pully, I'm a big fan of them and not sure what you're on about! Think you were a bit harsh on it in a couple of areas!

How can be synthetic more breatheable than fleece? Isn't fleece the most breatheable?

I see you’re a tall guy like myself because the sleeves look a bit short. What brands have tall sizes.

Nice video, but seriously you need to get a muffler for your mic so difficult to hear you.

What color is the Atom LT in the video?

Nice informative video, but not totally honest on pack size of that down jacket, i have an Expedition rated down jacket and that packs down less half of what size you're showing for that lightweight down jacket (that jacket when really packed down would be more like 6x6 inches?)

Rab with hoodie or without hoodie ?

Synthetics are absolutely heaviest ....balances out the clear advantages but fleece and down are much lighter .....atleast at comparable price tiers I've found

What about buffalo special 6

down is cozier, but synthetic warms up faster

is the dog chowing down on the grass?

I rather like the wind noise in my ears... feels like I’m out there ;)

atom lt is NOT windproof and it gets soaked in rain

Yet to come accross any critical remarks on any product on this channel.

The Atom LT doesn't seem to have any real reason for being? Its not completely waterproof or windproof and not the best breathability. Wouldn't down be a better choice all around if money is not a factor?

I find it so ironic that duck feathers are not waterproof.

Wind noise was a bit mad. But good vid otherwise.

dude the wind is killing me, cant continue sry

wool was smelly? i think your memory is bad, or maybe you aren't a backpacker? fleece will get smelly in 3-4 days, and that smell can be hard to wash out...wool can be worn almost indefinitely without picking up body odor or other smells... unless you mean just the natural smell of some wools when it is wet, which i actually like. wool is also way more breathable and can be worn in a very wide temperature range. also, wool doesn't melt like petroleum-based synthetics.

Great video! For someone who sweats a lot would you suggest a breathable lightweight fleece like the patagonia r1 or a breathable synthetic like the proton lt(considering the vest version as well)? Thank you very much in advance!