Cascade Performance Hoody

The foundation which starts the heat generation and moisture transport process. This is the wicking layer which transports away moisture from the skin and helps regulate body temperature. Sweat passes into the next layer of clothing so the base stays dry.

The baselayer is one of the most integral pieces of clothing, forming the key foundation of the layering system and enabling you to stay warm and dry. This layer is worn next-to-skin, creating a thin layer of warm air against the body. It helps to transport moisture and sweat vapor from the skin to regulate the body’s temperature.

Our ultralight baselayers combine the excellent antimicrobial properties of Merino Wool with the quick-drying and 4-way stretch of synthetic fabrics. In our midweight baselayers, our proprietary HexWeave™ gridded fleece adds engineered air channels to both trap heat and wick moisture away from the body.

Midlayer garments have insulating properties which trap the warmth generated by the body. This layer is worn over the baselayer to help trap in body heat, as well as further transporting sweat away from the body to keep you warm and dry.

A versatile layer, with different types of insulation and moisture transport technology: waterproof down or loft insulation, high-pile fleece, specialized quilted panels, DWR-treated shells and more. In some instances, our versatile midlayers could also act as the outerlayer, depending on weather conditions.

This protective layer is crucial for protection against the elements, including wind, rain and snow. This “working layer” provides elemental protection, allows for ventilation and heat management, and is the final stage of moisture transport to move water out of your system to get you dry. There are different types of protective layers. For example, a waterproof jacket for rain or an insulated softshell jacket for protection against cold.

Two things to consider and plan for when selecting your apparel: Level of Activity and Weather Conditions.

Level of Activity

High Intensity Activities will generate body heat and sweat, so it’s necessary to wear clothing that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and has good temperature regulation properties. Over-layering will introduce too much heat and moisture into your system, and can cause problems later on. For a high intensity activity, like a high-altitude hike into elk territory, starting with a light baselayer, a versatile midlayer like a vest and a softshell outer layer stowed in your pack is a good strategy.

Low Intensity Activities, like glassing and or treestand hunting often require more insulation and weather protection to retain heat during the long static periods.

Often, a hunt will consist of both types of these activities. Planning ahead, wearing the best layering setup to start and having packed other options to maintain heat and keep dry is critical. An old adage, “Start Cold” refers to starting with lighter layers, allowing the activity to build heat and ensuring sweat is being wicked away and evaporated to make temperature regulation easier and more comfortable overall for the long haul.

Weather Conditions

Level of activity is a good starting point when choosing appropriate layers, but weather conditions and temperature are also very important to consider. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, which is why it’s helpful to bring additional layers with you so you can remove or swap pieces to change the dynamic of your layering system.

Extreme cold conditions will often dictate a warmer, thicker baselayer and more insulation for your midlayer, whereas wet and windy conditions will often require a hardshell to seal out the external moisture while still offering some breathability.

Conversely hot weather conditions often require deliberate selection of layers to cover skin, prevent moisture loss but wick sweat, and cover skin from exposure, while helping regulate temperature via evaporative cooling.

UPF protection is also a key factor to consider, and some hybrid layers (baselayer/outerlayer) like our Bruneau Hoodie offer wicking, wind protection and UV protection as well.

Wet/Cold environments are the most dangerous, as they rob the body of heat via conduction, convection and evaporation. Waterproof hardshells and wicking inner layers are key to managing moisture and preserving core body temperature.