At Snowcountry, you'll find high-quality technical clothing for winter sports and outdoor activities. In this article, we'll delve a bit deeper into the different types of midlayers and their use.

What is a Midlayer?

A midlayer is intended as an additional insulating layer in the three-layer system. You wear the midlayer over a base layer (thermal underwear) and under a hardshell outer layer. Together, these three layers ensure that you stay warm during outdoor sports activities. The midlayer creates a still air layer around your body, which becomes comfortable due to the heat your body produces. A good midlayer transports moisture layer by layer to the outside, keeping you dry and warm.

Types of midlayers

The type of midlayer you need depends on what you're going to do, the conditions, and your personal preference. In general, we distinguish between a vest, jacket, pullover (anorak), hybrid, and bodywarmer.

Using different types of midlayers

It's important to remember that you should use midlayers in a way that suits you. Some people get warm more quickly than others. While one person may remove their midlayer, another may opt for a thicker one.

Midlayer vest or jacket

A midlayer vest is usually made of thinner material and is used solely as an intermediate layer. Midlayer jackets are more insulating and, therefore, warmer. Moreover, these jackets sometimes feature a water-repellent outer layer, allowing you to use them as standalone jackets.

Hybrid midlayer

A hybrid midlayer combines different materials. It consists of an insulating material and a flexible, breathable material. The goal is to combine the benefits of these different materials. The insulating layer keeps you warm, while the flexible material provides ample freedom of movement and breathability for moisture management, ensuring you stay dry. Hybrid midlayers are typically chosen for highly active sports. They are suitable for dry and not too cold conditions, serving as an outer layer protecting you from the wind.

Midlayer bodywarmer or pullover (anorak)

You also have the option to choose a bodywarmer or pullover. This choice is often a matter of personal preference. If you prefer fewer zippers, you can go for a pullover. If you want extra insulation but don't want additional layers on your arms, opt for a bodywarmer.

Midlayer materials

Midlayers consist of a breathable fabric layer with insulation material made of synthetic, wool, or down. Down provides the most insulation, is lightweight, and compresses well. If you prefer not to use down, synthetic material is a good alternative. It's a non-animal product, and it usually comes at a lower price. Wool also offers good insulating properties and dries quickly.

Which midlayer should you choose?

If you're considering purchasing a midlayer, think about the essential features for you. To help you with this, you can filter not only by material or midlayer type in Snowcountry's online shop but also by 'Features' like quick-drying, windproof, water-repellent, or packable into its pocket.

Washing tips for midlayers

Start by reading the care label. Midlayers consist of various materials, so the washing instructions may vary. It's always a good idea to turn the midlayer inside out before washing. Typically, it's advisable to use a mild detergent and a cold washing program.

Check the care label to see if the midlayer should or should not go in the dryer. Midlayers with down filling usually need to be placed in the dryer immediately after washing. You can do this together with tennis balls or special dryer balls. Down can clump in the washing machine, but the heat from the dryer and the balls will restore the down, leaving your midlayer looking as good as new. The same applies to some synthetic midlayers.

On the other hand, never put a midlayer containing wool in the dryer. Wool shrinks in the dryer and becomes irreparably damaged.

Looking for washing products?

At Snowcountry, you'll find various products for wool, down, harshells and shoes. 

All washing products