The Rohan Layering Guide
Breaking down our layering system to help you build your own
For more than 50 years, we’ve made clothes that provide consistent functionality, comfort and convenience when worn in different conditions and environments. This high degree of versatility can be taken even further when layering our clothes as part of a well-curated layering system.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to our own 5-Layer System, breaking it down layer by layer. By following it, you’ll always be prepared with the right combination of clothes for the journey ahead of you, whether that’s a light summer walk or a rugged winter trek.
What is the 5-Layer System?
Layer 1: Base Layer
The soft, breathable and comfortable foundation of every outfit.
Layer 2: Mid Layer
A thicker, warmer piece worn to reduce heat loss and increase comfort in cooler conditions.
Layer 3: Insulation
A layer purpose-built to offer warmth and protection against cold weather outdoors.
Layer 4: Softshell
A lightweight, stretchy, wind-resistant, and water-repellent jacket or gilet.
Layer 5: Hardshell
The top layer of the system is a reliable durable, completely waterproof and highly protective hardshell jacket.
Building your layering system
When followed correctly, our 5-Layer System can help you maximise the comfort, protection, and longevity of your favourite outdoor clothes. At the same time, it’s a flexible approach that can change dynamically based on the occasion, activity, weather conditions, and time of year you’ll be wearing your clothes in.
On a warm, dry day enjoying the summer sun, for example, you could head out with just a Base Layer, packing a Softshell or Mid Layer in your backpack just in case the weather takes a turn.
When packing for a cold winter trek through the Highlands, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all bases covered, wearing at least three layers outdoors and saving one or two for sudden showers or chilly gusts of wind.
Base Layer
The base layer is the foundation of every outfit and the heart of any layering system. Whether sleeveless, short- or long-sleeved, it can utilise cotton for everyday comfort or a lightweight polyester for active wear.
Wherever and whenever you’re wearing it, this layer works to keep you comfortable and stay reliable across different conditions, environments and settings. This makes the base layer a great year-rounder, the scope and form of which can change dynamically between the seasons.
In the summer, for example, a lightweight moisture-wicking t-shirt offers not only comfort but helps you stay cool in warmer temperatures, while in the winter a thicker, long-sleeved cotton top maintains this level of comfort and ensures consistent warmth and coverage in colder conditions.
Mid Layer
Representing the system’s most versatile layer, working both standalone and as part of layering system, the mid layer comes in a variety of forms and weights spanning low-bulk gilets, half-zip fleece tops, heavyweight hoodies and more.
These styles introduce warmth and add comfort to the system without compromising movement or functionality, trapping warm air and reducing heat loss while ensuring ventilation and moisture management through versatile use.
The mid layer’s broad versatility allows for it to be worn at different times of the year. In transitional periods with changing temperatures lighter mid layers can offer a reliable source of warmth and comfort. Heavier mid layers thrive particularly in autumn and winter by guaranteeing instant and consistent warmth in colder conditions.
Insulation
While the prior layers offer various styles and high versatility, the insulation layer is focused more closely on delivering consistent warmth and maintaining comfort in the cold.
Here it traps heat generated by the body, preventing it from escaping the layering system to keep you warm. Most importantly, the insulation layer achieves this warmth while building on the functionality of the layers underneath, helping you achieve optimal movement, comfort and performance outdoors.
The warmth offered by this layer and the warmth it adds to the base and mid layers make it perfect for the colder season, particularly when wearing it on winter walks, hikes and treks outdoors, or when exploring destinations further afield with colder climates.
Softshell
On dry days the softshell layer offers comfort, warmth, and robust protection against windy weather and light rain. Often a jacket or gilet, its lightweight design and protective features give it a high degree of versatility.
While offering wind- and water-resistant protection, the softshell layer’s lightweight design ensures consistent performance through versatile wear, whether you’re wearing it over a base layer for everyday protection or to enhance the insulating effects of a full layering system.
Altogether the lightweight construction, protective capabilities, and versatile adaptability of the softshell layer make it an essential for transitional wear. Between the seasons it ensures reliable warmth, comfort and protection in the face of sudden showers, changing winds and unpredictable weather conditions.
Hardshell
Leading our 5-layer system is the hardshell: a durable, breathable and completely waterproof jacket that offers a comfortable shield against the elements.
Purpose-built for the outdoors, it provides rugged and robust protection against the toughest weather conditions. Here, it offers features and technologies that maximise waterproofing to ensure no water passes through it and comprises the thermal regulation, protection, and comfort of the layers beneath it.
Like the softshell, the hardshell offers a degree of versatility that allows it to work with any combination of layers within the system, or all 5 together. However, it is truly at its best when worn across the colder months, where drizzle, downpour, wind chill and more are easily encountered and a reliable layer of robust weatherproof protection becomes a necessity.
Shop the 5 Layers
Build your own layering system today by learning more about the products we offer across each of the 5 layers, how best they can serve your needs, and how they can help you make the most of your next journey.
