Layering tips from 15 backcountry guides in 2023-2024 | What to wear and how to wear it? Layering tips from the peak season to the spring season

In the snowy mountains, bad weather and the risk of hypothermia are always close by. You may be hit by a sudden snowstorm, or in the spring mountains, you may be forced to hike up for long periods under the intense sunlight. Even in such harsh natural conditions, backcountry guides must act appropriately while ensuring the safety of their guests. To do this, it is important to stay in perfect condition so you can move around freely. Clothing plays a major role in regulating body temperature. We asked professional guides what kind of layering they use in the mountains and what their impressions are

*The colors of the clothing shown may differ from the colors worn by the model. Please view this as a model introduction only.
*For detailed information about the guide club, please click on the guide club name and visit the guide club introduction page on STEEP!

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Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T | Kenichi Akutsu

Original styles tailored to the unique situations of Minamiaizu

High season layering

Outer layer:SCOTT|Explorer 3L Jacket & Pants
Middle layer:patagonia | R1 Pullover Hoodie
Base layer:patagonia | Men's Capilene Midweight Crew

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

The SCOTT Explorer 3L outerwear jacket and pants are a bestseller among SCOTT apparel. They offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, and there are plenty of convenient pockets for notebooks, smartphones, maps, and other items. Though made overseas, the sizing is similar to Japanese sizes. The price is also reasonable. The Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoody mid-layer is the thinnest fleece available, but pairing it with the base Capilene provides excellent warmth and moisture-wicking properties for hiking up steep Russell slopes in Oku-Aizu during the harsh winter

What about layering for spring?

Instead of an R1 Free mid-layer, I wear a Capilene Hoody as a base layer, with an even thinner layer of Capilene on top (March-April)

Are there any other ideas you have added?

During the harsh winter months, I carry a Patagonia Nano Air Hoody, and from March onwards, I carry a down vest

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Rhythm Works (Rhythm Works) | Ryuta Asahi

Consider the characteristics of the area and altitude where you will be working, and choose a balance of warmth, moisture permeability, and breathability

High season layering

Outer layer:Patagonia | Pousslayer Jacket
Middle layer:Patagonia | Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoodie
Base layer:Patagonia | Capilene Midweight Crew

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

Consider the characteristics of the region and altitude where you will be active, and choose a jacket that balances warmth, breathability, and ventilation. For the 2023-2024 season, I changed my mid-layer to Patagonia Nano Air Hybrid. Taking into account humidity and temperature, this set allows heat to escape while hiking and keeps you from getting soaked with sweat. Because you will be active in dry, cold, and windy areas at high altitudes, inland areas, and high latitudes, I used Nano Air with Capilene Air, which prioritizes warmth and breathability

What about layering for spring?

Outer layer: Patagonia | Pluma Jacket
Middle layer : Patagonia | Nano-Air Light Hybrid Jacket
Base layer: Patagonia | Capilene Cool Lightweight or Midweight Windshell (Houdini Air can also be carried)

Are there any other ideas you have added?

When taking a break, immediately put on insulation to keep your body warm

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Kagura Powder Station | Kazuya Igarashi　

It has good heat retention, breathability, waterproofness, etc., and can be used functionally

High season layering

Outer layer:STRAFE |Nomad Jacket & Nomad Bib Pants
Middle layer:STRAFE|Aero Insolator
Base layer:STRAFE|Hoodie Base Layer

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

Each layer provides excellent heat retention, breathability, and waterproofing, making it highly functional. The jacket's pockets are large and easy to use even with gloves on

What about layering for spring?

A thin windbreaker is used as an outer layer, and a down jacket is always worn as an inner layer

Are there any other ideas you have added?

I always wear an inner down jacket and over mittens

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Kuroda Mountain Guide Office | Kuroda Makoto

Each layer is selected and adjusted to suit your movements on the snow

High season layering

Outer layer:Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Middle layer:Patagonia Capilene Thermalweight
Base layer:Icebreaker 200 Series

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

When climbing, I wear a Patagonia Houdini jacket, Capilene Thermalweight base layer, and Icebreaker thermal underwear. If it gets cold, I put on a Micro Puff vest over it. I always wear a hard shell, and to avoid overheating, I frequently use a thin softshell like the Houdini jacket. It's also more economical because the hard shell lasts longer. I

often take off and carry my shell, so it's important that it's light and packs down. And the shape of the hood is important for a shell. Can it ensure visibility and breathing in strong winds? The powder skirt on a hard shell is actually unnecessary equipment when I'm wearing a backpack in the mountains, so I cut it off.

What about layering for spring?

I usually wear a lightweight Icebreaker wool T-shirt and a Patagonia Airshed Pro pullover. For day trips, I use softshell pants with a light rain jacket as a backup, and for overnight stays, I use Black Diamond Activeshell pants

Are there any other ideas you have added?

I pack my synthetic jacket in a convenient location so that I can put it on first during breaks

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CIRCLE GAME guide service | Shohei Sasaki

The secret to layering is not to be lazy

High season layering

Outer layer:klattermusen | Skirner Jacket/Skade 2.0 Salopette
Middle layer:klattermusen | Hodur Hooded Zip/Nal Vest
Base layer:klattermusen | Huge Crew/Hugin Pants

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

The outer shell has a relaxed fit and the fabric is very soft, so I can wear it all day without any stress. For the mid-layer, I combine a hooded fleece with a wind shell vest. I often walk at the front, breaking trail, so I really like that I can make fine adjustments, such as taking off the fleece and wearing the vest over the base layer to prevent overheating.

I chose an over-down jacket that is sized to fit over the outer shell. There are many days when I can't take off my down jacket, from preparing to ski down, skiing, and right before starting the next climb. It's easier and warmer to wear the down jacket on top of the outer shell than to layer it inside, so I recommend it.

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 and are climbing a long, steep climb or a windy ridge, be sure to be conscious of observing and predicting the route and conditions a little ways ahead

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Power Zone Hakuba | Mamoru Takahashi

My beloved MAMMUT: different outfits for high season and spring

High season layering

Outer layer:MAMMUT｜La Liste HS Hooded Jacket
Middle layer:MAMMUT｜Aconcagua ML Hooded Jacket
Base layer:MAMMUT｜Aenergy ML Half Zip Pull

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

My high-season outer layer uses Gore-Tex, and I really like its design, which is very typical of Mammut.
For the mid-layer and base layer, this loft is sufficient for the cold weather in Hakuba, and it's easy to use with good breathability.

What about layering for spring?

Outerwear: MAMMUT Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket　
Mid-layer: MAMMUT Eiswand Advanced ML Hooded Jacket　
Base layer: MAMMUT Aenergy FL ​​Half Zip Longsleeve

Are there any other ideas you have added?

During the harsh winter, I generally adjust my layering so that I can climb without taking off my outer layer, and if it's cold, I put on insulation over my outer layer

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BLUECLIFF｜Tomoo Takimoto

Emphasis on comfort, with both heat retention and breathability

High season layering

Outer layer:unfudge | SMOKE ANORAK＆ PEEP BIB PANTS
Middle layer:unfudge | UN2100
Base layer:unfudge | UN1000・UN1050

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

My favorite feature of the anorak is the large Doraemon pocket. The side zipper opens wide, providing excellent ventilation. The bib pants have excellent heat retention and convenient chest pockets. There are slits that allow you to reach your hands from the anorak into the bib pockets. The mid-layer has a grid design that provides both heat retention and breathability, and the hoodie allows for quick adjustments depending on the weather. The first layer also has a grid design that provides excellent heat retention, breathability, and comfort

What about layering for spring?

The outerwear will be soft shell type for both the top and bottom to be able to adapt to changes in temperature. If it looks like it might rain, a hard shell may also be used

Are there any other ideas you have added?

I love Dynafit's insulated pants, which have a full zipper and can be put on and taken off under the outer pants

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Daichi Trui

Assuming you'll sweat, wear a base layer that provides minimal warmth and dries quickly

High season layering

Outer layer:Arc'teryx | Alpha Jacket
Middle layer:Arc'teryx | Proton Lightweight Hoodie
Base layer:Arc'teryx | Low LT Hoodie

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

I don't want to get too cold from sweat, so my basic outfit consists of underwear, a mid-layer, and a shell. If it's cold, I'll wear synthetic insulation over the shell. I sweat a lot when treking in deep snow, so I need a quick-drying base layer, and a mid-layer that's both warm and breathable. I choose a shell that's soft and strong

What about layering for spring?

Since this is a season with large temperature fluctuations, there is no set layering, but I tend to use soft shells a lot

Are there any other ideas you have added?

When hiking, I assume I'll sweat, so I only wear the minimum amount of insulation. When I'm resting or when it gets cold, I wear the Arc'teryx Nuclei SV that's in my backpack

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COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜Tomohiro Sagawa　

Enjoy a great skiing experience with this layering!

High season layering

Outer layer:PERMANENT UNION ｜KOVAL JACKET ＆ KOVAL BIB PANTS
Middle layer:AKLIMA｜HotWool Polo W/Zip＋PERMANENT UNION｜scapa jacket
Base layer:AKLIMA｜WoolNet Crew Neck ＆ WoolNet 3/4 Longs＋ LightWool Sports Shirt＆LightWool Longs 

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

The base absorbs sweat and lets it escape, leaving no room for reversal. The wool mid-layer is soft to the touch and moves with your body effortlessly, the synthetic cotton jacket also functions as a wind shell, and the PERMANENT UNIO outer layer adds elegance to your life on the snow. This will be a wonderful skiing experience

What about layering for spring?

The basic layering is as above, but each layer should be thin

Are there any other ideas you have added?

Keep your head warm, including your ears, wear overgloves on your hands, and if you are going to be doing something for a long time, wear a synthetic cotton jacket over the outer shell to increase breathability and keep your body humid and comfortable

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JUNRINA mountain service｜Jun Nagai

He loves Arc'teryx, a brand made with layering in mind

High season layering

Outer layer:Arc'teryx | Saber SV Jacket + Saber Pants
Middle layer:Arc'teryx | Saber Insulated Midlayer
Base layer:Arc'teryx | Low LT Hoodie

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

The best thing about Arc'teryx is, first and foremost, its stylish design. The three-dimensional cut is superb, not hindering movement during skiing or hiking. It
keeps you dry even in wet snow or rain, feeling like a wearable shelter. It has excellent windproof performance, keeping you comfortable even in blizzards.

What about layering for spring?

Outer layer: Arc'teryx | Alpha Jacket + Rash Bib Pants
Middle layer: Arc'teryx | Proton Lightweight Hoodie
Base layer: Arc'teryx | Cormac Arcward Long Sleeve Shirt

Are there any other ideas you have added?

I use the Proton LT Hoody as a mid-layer, which is good at wicking sweat and retaining heat. I also compress the Nuclei SV Parka and keep it in my pack as an emergency cold weather garment

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RIKI JAPOW GUIDE | Riki Nakajima

It's definitely wool that touches your skin!

High season layering

Outer layer: Patagonia Untracked Jacket
Middle layer: Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoodie
Base layer: Patagonia Capilene Aircool Top and Bottoms
　　　　　 Puromonté Down 3/4 Length Full 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: an ultra-thin wool short-sleeved shirt. If it's cold, a Capilene Air Hoodie.
If you want wind protection, a 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

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Infield ｜Toyo Nakano

Use synthetic or wool base layers depending on the type of tour

High season layering

Outer layer:MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR | Boundary Ridge Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib
Middle layer:MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR | Core Air Shell Warm Jacket
Base layer:MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR | Air Mesh Hoodie

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

Since I use them for many days, I prioritize durability in my outerwear. For winter, I use bib pants that offer high insulation and prevent snow from getting in. For mid-layers, I prefer models that keep me warm while also allowing sweat to escape, reducing the need to adjust my clothing frequently. Since the insulation is synthetic, I don't have to worry too much about it getting wet.

For base layers, I use a mix of synthetic and wool depending on the type of tour. The Air Mesh Hoodie combines the seemingly contradictory functions of being warm thanks to its brushed lining and breathable thanks to its mesh, making it my most frequently used piece of clothing lately.

What about layering for spring?

In early spring, temperatures are higher than in the depths of winter, so I use a thin outer layer and combine it with a model that is resistant to sweat and rain, but it's also important to be able to handle sudden drops in temperature

Are there any other ideas you have added?

I always carry a thin down jacket or wind shell that I can quickly put on when I take a break. Recently, there has been an increase in models that are good at wicking sweat, both for cold weather and wind protection, so I use those

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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 conforms to your body's every movement, even on tough, technical slopes. It's a reliable garment built for demanding adventures. It's highly waterproof, yet breathable thanks to the GORE-TEX material. You'll feel incredibly secure even in winter mountains. It's also tough enough to withstand hard use. With four pockets on the front, you can easily access winter essentials like scrapers, ski straps, and passes, making it incredibly convenient.

Lately, this mid-layer, the "OUTLINE HZ MID M," is all I need. When you pull up the hood, it keeps wind and snow out around your neck, making you feel quite warm. I also always keep the "OUTLINE DOWN JKT" down jacket in my backpack during the harsh winter months of January and February because it's light and not bulky. Just putting it on during short breaks helps conserve energy. It's warm and comfortable, perfect for taking a breather.

I use wool as my base layer because I absolutely hate getting cold in snowy conditions. Even if I sweat a little, I don't feel any chill at all.

What about layering for spring?

I wear a thin Salomon OUTLINE FZ HOODIE (thin fleece, Houdini) as an inner layer, and a thin, crinkly material in my backpack

Locus guide service ｜ Furuse Kazuya　

Layering to keep you warm and keep pace with your guests

High season layering

Outer layer:Patagonia | Pousslayer Jacket
Middle layer:Patagonia | Nano-Air Hoodie
Base layer:Patagonia | Capilene Thermalweight Zip-Neck

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

When guiding, it's cold to match the pace of the guests, so I often wear layers that prioritize warmth. I'm sure everyone is concerned about the guide's layering, but this depends on individual differences, differences in physical strength, and differences in how you act based on experience, so I think most people would end up too hot if they tried to imitate the guide's layering

What about layering for spring?

Outer layer: Patagonia | Pawslayer Jacket
Middle layer: Patagonia | R1 Air Crew
　　　　　　　Patagonia | Houdini Jacket
Base layer: Patagonia | Capilene Midweight Zipneck

Are there any other ideas you have added?

Store your thermals in an easily accessible location. I always bring the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody as a backup and throw it on over my shell when I'm stuck or feeling cold. It's super compact and warm when stored

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KinTouN Backcountry Guide | Kenichi Minegishi

The thing I always keep in mind is that it's warm enough

High season layering

Outer layer:NORRONA | tamok pro jacket & pro big pants
Middle layer:NORRONA | trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hood
Base layer:Smartwool | Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer (top and bottom)

How does it feel to use? (Impressions)

When it comes to layering, I always prioritize sufficient warmth. For base layers, I choose something that's warm, supple, and comfortable enough to wear all the time. Personally, I prefer natural merino wool to synthetic fibers, and I've been using Smartwool base layers for over 10 years. I

also like supple mid-layers, so I wear Power Stretch. I also really like balaclava-like fitted hoods. For shells, I like Gore-Tex Pro. I use Tamok and Lofoten from Norrona, but in the coldest winter months, I prioritize warmth with a longer Tamok jacket and bib pants.

What about layering for spring?

Outer layer: NORRONA | falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket & lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants
Middle layer: NORRONA | trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hood
Base layer: Smartwool | Classic All Season Merino Base Layer Top and Bottom

Are there any other ideas you have added?

For warmth, I add a balaclava.
In spring, I wear a thin neck tube that absorbs sweat around my neck or use it as a headband.