Clothes for the mountains

Short answer: In the mountains, the temperature drops by around six degrees for every thousand metres. At the same time the sun is stronger, and wind can appear out of nowhere. So your clothes need to handle warmth, cold and changing weather on the same trip.

Altitude lowers the temperature

A thousand metres up means a drop of around six degrees. A pleasant day in the valley can be cool at the top. That applies whatever the season, even in midsummer. Start with a thin inner layer that fits well under the others. Bamboo T-shirts for men work well as a first layer.

The sun is stronger at altitude

With thinner air, the sun hits harder, even when it is cold. There is less atmosphere to soften the radiation, which is deceptive because the air feels cool. Cover the skin with thin layers. Close to the body, a soft bamboo boxer is comfortable on long walks because it follows your movement.

The weather changes in minutes

In the mountains, sun can turn to rain within a quarter of an hour. Clouds can move quickly over a peak, and the wind can pick up without warning. Always bring an extra layer and a windproof outer layer. Soft bamboo joggers for men are nice to change into back at the cabin.

Layers rather than one thick jacket

The climb is warm, and the top is cold. With several thin layers you can take some off on the way up and put them back on when you stop. A thick jacket is either too warm or not enough. Layers let you adjust the whole way without sweating or freezing.

Sweat on the way up

Walking uphill makes you sweat, even in cold air. The sweat stays in the inner layer, and when you stop at the top it cools quickly. Take a layer off before you get too warm, and put a dry one on at the break if you have one.

Wind at the top

On open peaks and ridges there is rarely shelter. Wind strips heat from the body quickly and turns a mild day cold. An outer layer that stops the wind is therefore the most important layer in your backpack. It takes little space and weighs little, but makes a big difference.

What goes in the backpack

An extra warm layer, an outer layer against wind and rain, a pair of dry socks and something to cover your head. That small kit makes a trip safer, even when the weather looks good at the start. Pack heavy things at the bottom and the outer layer on top, so it is easy to reach.

After the trip

When you come down, it is nice to get out of damp clothes straight away. Hang them up to dry so they are ready for the next day. A dry, soft set to change into makes the evening more comfortable. Wash the inner layers after each trip so they do not start to smell.

Frequently asked questions

How much colder is it in the mountains?

Around six degrees colder for every thousand metres you climb. That applies whatever the season, so a warm day in the valley can be cool at the top.

Why is the sun stronger at altitude?

Because the layer of air above you is thinner. There is less atmosphere to soften the radiation, even on days when the air feels cool.

What should you always bring?

An extra layer and a windproof outer layer, however good the weather looks when you start. In the mountains, sun can turn to rain and wind within a quarter of an hour.