These are the foundation of your clothing system, and have two main jobs: provide insulation, and to transport sweat away from your skin, also known as 'wicking' to keep you dry and comfortable. They can be made from either synthetic or natural materials such as merino wool. 

Synthetic base layers, such as the Erling, can have better wicking properties, and are often quicker to dry than natural wool options. Merino wool, such as our Arvind, Hamr and Freja, on the other hand, has superior odour resistance and it also boasts better temperature regulation, ensuring that you neither overheat or cool too quickly. 

Base layer leggings are often a matter of preference, but when worn underneath hardshell trousers, comfort will be increased hugely.

Often referred to as ‘hard shells’, these form the final layer of protection against the most severe weather. 

They feature waterproof-breathable membranes, such as our exclusive SKJOLDR™ fabric, in order to keep the wearer dry while allowing any sweat vapour to escape. All of our hard shell jackets, such as the Hodr, Grim or the Odin, feature hoods that can be worn over a helmet, but equally can be worn comfortably over a bare non-helmeted head. The Odin also features pit zips to help minimise overheating on the walk-in and out.

All of our overtrousers such as the Valdyr and Vanir LT feature 3/4 length side zips, to allow them to put on over boots during the day should the weather turn, along with built-in gaiters to minimise snow ingress.

The head, hands and feet are the most likely areas to become extremely cold, and they require a little extra consideration. Wearing a hat (or hood/helmet) will keep your head warm, and also reduce overall heat loss, which will help keep the other extremities more comfortable. Gloves are often awkward, as it is essential to find a balance between warmth and dexterity. They can be split into approach, climbing and belaying; approach gloves can be light, whereas climbing gloves can be a little thicker and preferably waterproof (especially in Scotland or on wet waterfall ice). 

 The best climbing gloves will feature more insulation on the back of the hand rather than the palm, as this gives insulation without impinging on dexterity. It is always worth carrying several pairs of climbing gloves on a route, and rotating between them to keep them dry. An inside dump pocket on a hardshell is the ideal place to store gloves, or alternatively tucking them down the front of the jacket when a harness is worn. Belay gloves should be oversized, to allow them to be put on and taken off easily, and preferably waterproof. Overall dexterity can be compromised here, as their primary purpose is to maintain warmth.

Appropriate footwear, usually a four-season mountaineering boot, is the best way to keep the feet warm, and boots with built-in gaiters will generally be the best option. Also, wearing liner socks will help to trap more warm air around the feet, keeping them comfortable for longer.

The head, hands and feet are the most likely areas to become extremely cold, and they require a little extra consideration. Wearing a hat (or hood/helmet) will keep your head warm, and also reduce overall heat loss, which will help keep the other extremities more comfortable. Gloves are often awkward, as it is essential to find a balance between warmth and dexterity. They can be split into approach, climbing and belaying; approach gloves can be light, whereas climbing gloves can be a little thicker and preferably waterproof (especially in Scotland or on wet waterfall ice). 

 The best climbing gloves will feature more insulation on the back of the hand rather than the palm, as this gives insulation without impinging on dexterity. It is always worth carrying several pairs of climbing gloves on a route, and rotating between them to keep them dry. An inside dump pocket on a hardshell is the ideal place to store gloves, or alternatively tucking them down the front of the jacket when a harness is worn. Belay gloves should be oversized, to allow them to be put on and taken off easily, and preferably waterproof. Overall dexterity can be compromised here, as their primary purpose is to maintain warmth.

Appropriate footwear, usually a four-season mountaineering boot, is the best way to keep the feet warm, and boots with built-in gaiters will generally be the best option. Also, wearing liner socks will help to trap more warm air around the feet, keeping them comfortable for longer.