Mid Layer

Go sledding, slow cook a hearty stew, sip on a rich cup of hot cocoa. Just because the days are shorter and colder doesn’t have to mean they’re any less fun.

These vests, fleeces, shells, and puffies came up just short of print inclusion—but they’re still worth your attention

Threads that keep your body temp just right

No matter the temperature, these tops and bottoms kept us comfortable

Is there anything better than a comfortable sweatshirt?

Not only do we use this stuff for 130 days every summer—we're not exactly nice to it in the process

With these key items, regulating your body’s temperature is a cinch

Keeping your body temperature at a happy equilibrium starts with the right layers

Stay warm without adding bulk

The queen of wool on what she'd wear if she were forced to never wear wool again

Swaddle yourself in light-weight, breathable warmth

For supreme durability and warmth, grab one of these

There's an art to staying warm, dry, and happy

Tights and insulators to keep you warm and feeling strong

Any of these four jackets could save your skin

This jacket is knit from recycled polyester "yarn," making it dump heat better than its competitors

There's a lot to talk about when it comes to this fabric

Packing for a fall backpacking trip isn’t complicated

We weigh in on our favorite shoulder-season shirts and jackets

Nothing’s quite as cozy.

In short, it's smartly designed and great looking

We asked a group of pro outdoor athletes how they deal with conditions that can swing from sunny and warm to cold and dreary in an instant

They work so well, we wanted to know what was going on inside

Vests are the Swiss Army knives of layering. They work in summer and winter, in town and on the mountain, for early morning dawn patrols and out for dinner. Here are six of our favorites.

How to stay warm and dry, one layer at a time

Your favorite piece of fitness apparel just got even better, thanks to a DWR coating

It looks like a sweatshirt, but performs like a jacket.

If it’s next to skin, it had better be good

Don’t just throw money at the problem. Master layering—yes, even for summer!—and the outdoors will never be the same.

Forget the forecast. This gear will keep you moving through the toughest season.

You'll need lots of plaid, flannel, a pair of work boots, and a cap. With earflaps.

How to dress for winter 101

Testing Patagonia's Nano-Air jacket

Headed on safari? Here’s what to pack.

Horny Toad's knit sweatshirt is perfect for hanging around the fireplace this holiday season.

When it comes to holiday giving, you should never have to choose. This year, our editors have pulled together 68 perfect ideas—priced from $4 to $50,000—guaranteed to make anyone on your list feel like a million bucks.

Bug spray seems messy and outdated. Do the apps for Android phones and iPhones really work? What about bug-repellent clothing?

A whitewater-specific design that can take multiple hits and should accommodate just about every head size and shape. (It comes with an assortment of pads for fine-tuning the fit.)

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Merrell Mariposa waterproof jacket.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer's Buying Guide, including the Prana Piggyback yoga-mat strap.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Oakley carry-on roller bag.

A versatile midlayer/jacket with wool insulation

Outside picks the essentials for January, including the Patagonia Reversible Flannel jacket.

Versatile outfits, shoes, and other gear made with world travelers in mind.

Bikes, jerseys, and other essential gear for two-wheel warriors.

Keep them running all winter with these holiday gifts.

The perfect gifts for the active city-dweller.

The best gear for fly-fishing fanatics, from quick-drying water shoes to a handmade paddle.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Fischer RCS Carbonlite Skating Hole skis.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Moving Comfort Rebound Racer Bra.

Pedal there in good form in the Pladra Elli shirt.

Outside brings you the best adventure-specific dresses for your next late summer trip.

Seven surfers from Montauk, New York, give you the lowdown on one of the East Coast's premier surf towns.

Casual-but-sharp button-downs and lace-ups for the summer season, including the Patagonia Three Trees men's shirt.

Casual-but-sharp button-downs and lace-ups for the summer season, including the Eddie Bauer Legend Wash Poplin men's shirt.

Casual-but sharp button-downs and lace-ups for the summer season including the Quiksilver Marzone SS men's shirt.

Design and Technology Special: The world's most streamlined and innovative new gear, gadgets, tools and toys, including Icebreaker's Realfleece Sierra Hood.

Design and Technology Special: The world's most streamlined and innovative new gear, gadgets, tools and toys, including Patagonia's Ultralight down shirt.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Athleta Scratch Windbreak jacket.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Club Ride Go Long Jersey.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Merrell Atalaya Skirt.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the The North Face Krakatoa Half Zip Hoodie.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Outlier Blazed Cotton Pivot Sleeve Shirt.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Ibex Giro Neo FX L/S Jersey.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Merrell Rowena Jacket.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Patagonia Nano Puff vest.

Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Ibex Shak Lite Half Zip Long-Sleeve.

The best new winter coats for on or off the mountain.

Gifts We Know She'll Crave.

Aigle Shems – Midweight Jackets: Reviews   With a soft fleece interior and warm, durable merino wool/nylon exterior, this jacket combines our favorite fabrics in one versatile top. 1.9 lbs; aigleusa.com         Patagonia Pau – Footwear: Reviews (Terry Heffernan) The coolest mocs we’ve ever laid eyes…

Part geek, part chic: Helly Hansen updates the argyle sweater. The Norse’s wool lining is surprisingly soft, and it’s warm enough to wear without a shell on mild days. hellyhansen.com…

Thanks to a wicking finish and a tall collar for trapping warmth, this waffle-knit pullover is an ideal midlayer on a cold day. With a deep 12-inch front zipper, it comes on and off over your helmet. mountainhardwear.com…

Redesigned with 60 percent recycled polyester, the new R1 still maintains its signature stretch and breathability. Not that it’ll wear out anytime soon, but when you’re ready for a new one, send it back to Patagonia and they’ll recycle it. patagonia.com…

The low-key style, almost hidden pockets, and minimal amount of PrimaLoft One synthetic insulation make it perfect for mild days. 1.2 lbs; merrell.com…

Good for Trail More nano than puff. This half-zip, one-pocket, and lightly insulated synthetic pullover is remarkably bulk-free, considering how warm it is. We loved it as a midlayer on cold days at the resort or as a light jacket on chilly fall outings. 10 oz;…

Patagonia's Cotton Steersman Shirt (Inga Hendrickson) On your bod Patagonia's cotton Steersman shirt, because, seriously, technical wear for a fishing shirt? patagonia.com Fishpond San Juan Vertical Chest Pack (Courtesy of Fishpond) For day trips, Fishpond's San Juan Vertical Chest Pack fits two fly boxes and a flask—more…