Layering has a major impact on your performance when skiing and climbing in the backcountry. It's essential know-how for maintaining an appropriate body temperature and ensuring safety even when dealing with sudden temperature changes, sweating, or getting wet in snow or rain. It's important for backcountry guides to stay in top condition so they can act appropriately while ensuring the safety of their guests. We asked professional guides based in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost point, about their layering habits in the mountains
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CIRCLE GAME guide service | Shohei Sasaki
The secret to layering is not to be lazy
High season layering
Outer layer: klättermusen | Skirner Jacket/Skade 2.0 Salopette
Middle layer: klättermusen | Hödur Hooded Zip/Nal Vest
Base layer: klättermusen | Huge Crew/Hugin Pants
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
The outer shell is a relaxed fit and the fabric is very soft, so it's comfortable to wear all day. For the mid-layer, I combine a hoodie-type fleece with a windshell vest. I often walk at the front, breaking through the snow, so I like the ability to make precise adjustments, such as taking off the fleece and putting on a vest over my base layer to avoid overheating.
I chose the over-down jacket in a size that can be worn over the outer shell. There are many days when I can't let go of my down jacket, from when I'm getting ready to ski, to when I'm already on the slopes, and right before starting the next climb. I recommend wearing a down jacket on the outside rather than under an outer shell, as it's easier and warmer.
What about layering for spring?
I changed the top of my base layer to a light wool one, but otherwise I'm using the same clothes as I did in the high season
Are there any other ideas you have added?
It's not a trick, but if you're hot, take off your clothes immediately, and if you're cold, put them on immediately. The trick to layering is not to be lazy. Once you've mastered that, the next step is to take off your clothes if you think you're going to get hot, and put on your clothes if you think you're going to get cold. If you're hiking in the mountains, be sure to be conscious of observing and predicting the route and conditions a little ways ahead, such as climbing a long, steep climb or a windy ridge
Reviewer
CIRCLE GAME guide service | Shohei Sasaki
Originally from Nanae-cho, Hokkaido, he is based in Sapporo and works as a backcountry ski guide in the winter and a guide in the Hokkaido wilderness in the summer. He likes to combine climbing and skiing
Niseko Mecca ｜Hisataka Tanaka
The MAMMUT Eiger Extreme series is highly breathable and fits perfectly to your movements
High season layering
Outer layer: MAMMUT | Eiger Free Jacket & Pants
Middle layer: MAMMUT | Eiger Speed Middle Layer Hooded
Base layer: MAMMUT | Tree Wool First Layer Long Sleeve
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
The MAMMUT Eiger Extreme series is designed for use in alpine areas (including climbing), and is highly breathable and adapts to the body's movements. The Eiger Free is a recommended model for backcountry skiers and snowboarders who enjoy backcountry freeriding
Reviewer:
Niseko Mecca | Hisataka Tanaka
He has experience in the mountains of Hokkaido as well as climbing and backcountry in the Canadian Rockies and New Zealand. He has been working as a guide in Niseko since 2002
TERUI DAICHI | Daichi Terui
I try to wear layers that allow sweat to escape easily and prevent me from getting cold even when I sweat
High season layering
Outer layer: ARC'TERYX Alpha Jacket & Alpha SV Bib
Middle layer: ARC'TERYX Delta Hoody
Base layer: ARC'TERYX Low LT Hoody
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
I try to wear layers that allow sweat to escape easily even when I'm sweating, and that don't make me cold even when I'm sweating. For cold weather, I carry an insulated jacket that I can wear over a shell, such as the ARC'TERYX Nuclei SV. I don't want to have to take off my shell just to get cold, so I make sure my sizing is such that I can wear it over a shell
What about layering for spring?
Layering is still the norm in the harsh winter, but there are more opportunities to change pants for thin tights and wear softshells or windshells instead of fleece. In spring, there are more mountain hikes where I camp in tents, so I try to keep in mind to divide my clothes into two main categories: light clothing for when I'm out and insulation for when I'm in a tent
Are there any other ideas you have added?
I try to maintain a consistent rhythm that doesn't make me sweat, and keep the slope of the hike as consistent as possible. To combat sudden chills, I warm my body from the core with hot drinks and encourage blood circulation. I also bring several pairs of gloves so I can use them according to the temperature. I also encourage my companions to communicate with each other to maintain a rhythm that doesn't make me sweat, and I keep an eye on them to make sure they don't have frostbite on their faces
Reviewer
Daichi Terui
While attending university, he aspired to become a mountain guide and studied under international mountain guide Hirofumi Ishizaka. Upon graduating, he became a certified guide by the Japan Mountain Guides Association. In his early twenties, he began heli-ski guide training in Northern Europe and experienced mountaineering and ski touring in the European Alps
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE｜Riki Nakajima
It's definitely wool that touches your skin!
High season layering
Outer layer: Patagonia Men's Untracked Jacket & Pants;
Middle layer: Patagonia Men's Houdini Jacket;
Base layer: Patagonia Men's Long Sleeve Capilene Cool Merino Graphic Shirt;
Puromonte Men's 3/4-Length Down Jacket (Fully Open)
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
It's lightweight and compact, yet has sufficient heat retention. It's definitely wool that touches your skin!
What about layering for spring?
All Patagonia ultra-thin wool short-sleeved shirts. If it's cold, the R1 Pullover Hoody.
If you want to keep out the wind, the Houdini Jacket.
Are there any other ideas you have added?
Adjust your clothing as you go so that you don't get cold or sweat. It's important to take off and put on clothes frequently
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE | Riki Nakajima
He obtained a CSIA instructor qualification in Canada and was the first Japanese person to be certified as a CFSA freeski instructor. He expanded his activities from freeski competitions to backcountry skiing, and is currently based at Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort, where he provides guided and instructed lessons
Mountain Guide Coyote | Ryuta Furuichi
I love this all-weather jacket because it's so comfortable when hiking
High season layering
Outer layer: SALOMON｜QST GORE-TEX PRO JACKET & BIB
Middle layer: SALOMON｜OUTLINE DOWN JKT＋OUTLINE HZ MID M
Base layer: SALOMON｜SNTIAL WOOL LS TOP M(top) SNTIAL WOOL SEAMLESS(bottom)
How does it feel to use? (Impressions)
Featuring Motion Fit™ patterning, this jacket adapts to your every movement, even on tough, technical slopes. It's a reliable piece built for rugged adventures. It's highly waterproof yet breathable thanks to GORE-TEX fabric. It offers exceptional peace of mind, even on wintery mountain days. It's also durable and durable, even with heavy use. Four front pockets provide quick access to winter accessories like scrapers, ski bands, and passes, making it incredibly convenient.
These days, the OUTLINE HZ MID M midlayer is all I need. With the hood pulled over, wind and snow stay away from my neck, keeping me incredibly warm. I also always carry the OUTLINE DOWN JKT down jacket in my pack during the harsh winter months of January and February, as it's lightweight and compact. Simply throw it on over your shoulders during short breaks to conserve energy. It's warm and comfortable, making it the perfect way to unwind.
I use wool for my base layer because I absolutely hate getting cold during the snowy season. Even if I sweat a little, I don't feel cold at all.
What about layering for spring?
For my inner layer, I'm wearing a thin Salomon "OUTLINE FZ HOODIE" (a thin fleece, similar to Houdini). I also have a thin, crinkly material in my backpack
Reviewer Mountain
Guide Coyote | Ryuta Furuichi
Interested in the environment and food, after graduating from Meiji University's Faculty of Agriculture, he joined a company in Hokkaido to live in the magnificent country. He founded Mountain Guide Coyote to feel closer to nature and live a life that has no impact on the environment. He loves telemark skiing down snowy mountains