Outdoor Thermal wear

What is thermal clothing?

When you go hiking, it is important that your body stays at the right temperature and that you feel dry. This is to prevent your body from cooling down and feeling cold. When you are moving, you generate heat. When you stop, you quickly cool down. By wearing the right base layer, you ensure that the heat produced by your movement is not immediately lost and contributes to keeping your body warm. Thermal clothing is, apart from underwear, the layer closest to your skin. We are happy to provide you with more information about the different types of thermal clothing.

Why wear thermal clothing while hiking?

For years, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts have determined the clothing they wear based on the 3-layer system. The 3-layer system is mainly used for the upper body. The first layer consists of the base layer. This layer aims to wick away perspiration and keep the skin dry. This layer plays a major role in regulating body temperature. The second layer is the insulating layer. This layer provides insulation and further wicks perspiration away. The third layer is the outer layer. This layer provides protection against wind and rain. It is important that perspiration from the first two layers can be further wicked away to the outside.

Thermal clothing is often worn as the first layer, which can be a thermal shirt with long sleeves or short sleeves depending on the weather. Thermal clothing keeps your body warm or cool and wicks away perspiration. When you are active, you generate heat. Thermal clothing retains this heat. This is because an insulating layer of air forms between your skin and the thermal clothing. The thickness of the thermal clothing and the fit determine the thickness of this insulating layer. The thicker the clothing and the looser the fit, the better the thermal insulation.

For the legs, the 3-layer system is not used. Two layers are often sufficient. Wearing thermal pants with a hiking pants over them provides you with the comfort you need during your hike.

Which thermal clothing to wear at which temperature?

You may not realize it immediately, but thermal clothing can be worn both in winter and summer. Winter thermal clothing primarily aims to retain heat, while summer thermal clothing aims to wick away perspiration and keep your body cool. Winter thermal clothing fits slightly looser around the body to create an insulating layer of air between the clothing and the skin. Summer thermal clothing fits snugly against the body so that perspiration is absorbed directly and can be wicked away.

The choice of thermal clothing depends on you as an individual and the activity you are going to do. Do you get hot quickly? Then do not wear too thick thermal clothing. If it is cold and you are going to be active, you may sweat a lot. We therefore recommend not wearing too thick thermal clothing. Moisture wicking is important in these cases, and the thicker the thermal clothing, the more emphasis is placed on retaining heat rather than moisture wicking.

What material should outdoor thermal clothing be made of?

At Plutosport.nl, you can find thermal clothing for everyone, from young to old and for both men and women. Thermal clothing is often made of synthetic materials, such as polyester or merino wool. The advantages of these materials are that they are lightweight and quick-drying. Merino wool has the additional benefit that this material does not develop odors. Merino wool is naturally able to adapt to your body's climate. The wool cools when you are warm and keeps your body warm when it is cold. Finally, thermal clothing is elastic, so it fits smoothly around your body, providing you with comfort and freedom of movement.

If you have any questions about thermal clothing, feel free to ask our customer service!