TREKITT’S TOP PICKS:
BEST MIDLAYERS FOR CLIMBING
BEST MIDLAYERS FOR:
GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WITH TREKITT’S TOP PICKS:
BEST MIDLAYERS FOR CLIMBING 🧗
Need a midlayer that’ll keep you warm without overheating while climbing? We’ve got your back. Whether scaling crags or tackling alpine routes, finding the right midlayer is key to staying comfortable. We’ll help you balance warmth, breathability, and mobility so you can focus on the climb, no matter the conditions.
💡 Need help understanding insulation types, fabrics or fit? Read our How to Choose a Midlayer guide for expert advice.
MIDLAYERS FOR CLIMBING
WHAT ARE BEST MIDLAYERS FOR CLIMBING?
Nylon-Based Technical Fleece with four-way stretch
Ideal for climbing due to its robust, flexible, and breathable design. The nylon offers excellent durability, crucial for withstanding abrasion against rock surfaces.
The four-way stretch fabric enhances flexibility and freedom of movement, allowing for unrestricted mobility during technical ascents. This ensures you can move comfortably and safely while climbing.
The fleece’s breathable construction effectively wicks moisture away from the skin, regulating your temperature and preventing clamminess.
Its lightweight nature allows it to be worn alone on warmer days or layered under a shell in colder conditions, making it versatile for various climbing scenarios.
Sun-Protective Performance Midlayers
these hoodies offer UPF protection, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays during long hours on sun-exposed rock faces, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Integrated cooling technologies keep you cooler for longer, even in the hottest conditions, ensuring comfort during strenuous climbs. Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, these hoodies effectively wick away sweat from your skin, keeping you drier and comfortable. This moisture management prevents the buildup of sweat, reducing the risk of overheating and chafing. The stretchy materials and design elements like underarm gussets allow for a full range of motion. These hoodies can be worn alone in hot weather or layered under a shell in cooler conditions.
Stretch Fleece Midlayers
An ideal midlayer for climbing due to its blend of recycled polyester and elastane, which makes it lightweight, soft, and stretchy. This combination offers excellent comfort next to the skin while providing enough stretch to accommodate a wide range of movements necessary for climbing.
TREKITT’S TOP PICKS: BEST CLIMBING MIDLAYERS FOR WOMEN
Frilufts Women’s Sjunkhatten
Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient Hoodie
Mammut Women’s Taiss Light ML
TREKITT’S TOP PICKS: BEST CLIMBING MIDLAYERS FOR MEN
Frilufts Men’s Sjunkhatten
Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient Hoodie
Mammut Men’s Taiss Light ML
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A CLIMBING MIDLAYER
Climbing’s all about staying focused, and nothing throws you off like being too cold or overheated mid-route. The right midlayer can make all the difference, but finding that sweet spot takes a bit of know-how. Here’s what to look for to stay comfortable and fully mobile on the wall.
Hybrid Construction
Midlayers with hybrid construction, combining different materials in one piece, offer the best of both worlds. For example, you might get insulated panels in high-exposure areas (like your chest and back) and breathable, stretchy fabrics where mobility and airflow are key. This hybrid design keeps you warm where it matters most while allowing for breathability and freedom of movement.
Zipper Options
A full-zip midlayer makes it easy to take on and off, especially when layered up with a harness and gear. It also offers quick ventilation when you start to heat up. However, a pullover style can be a warmer option as it minimises potential cold spots along the zipper line.
Chest Pocket
A zippered chest pocket can help store small essentials like a topo map, energy gels, or your phone. Easy access to these items without rummaging through your backpack or harness is a nice convenience when you’re mid-route.
Wind Resistance
Some midlayers come with light, built-in wind resistance, which can be a great bonus when exposed on ridges or windy route sections. While not a complete replacement for a shell jacket, a midlayer with wind-blocking properties adds more protection without the bulk.
Hood
A hood is a great addition for climbing in colder conditions. It adds warmth and can help protect your head and neck from the wind without needing an extra layer. Look for a hood that fits comfortably under a helmet for added versatility.
Durability
Climbing can be rough on gear, so you’ll want a midlayer made from durable materials that can withstand scrapes against rock or rough surfaces. Tougher fabrics like polyester or nylon blends offer better longevity and resist wear and tear.
Packability
Having a packable midlayer is a huge plus when you’re layering for unpredictable weather. Look for one that compresses easily into your pack, so it’s ready to pull out when temperatures drop but doesn’t take up too much space when you don’t need it.
Odour Control
Climbing often involves long days of exertion, so odour-resistant fabrics (like those treated with Polygiene or featuring merino wool) can help keep your midlayer smelling fresher for longer. This feature is handy if you’re on a multi-day trip where laundry isn’t an option.
BEST MIDLAYERS FOR CLIMBING – FAQ
When choosing a midlayer for climbing, prioritise fabrics that enhance movement while providing protection. Nylon-based technical fleece with four-way stretch offers durability, flexibility, and abrasion resistance, ideal for rough surfaces. Sun-protective midlayers are perfect for sunny climbs, combining UV protection with breathability. Stretch fleece midlayers balance warmth and flexibility, ensuring a snug, non-restrictive fit.
Regular jackets may not be ideal because they can be too bulky or lack the breathability needed for climbing. Purpose-built midlayers are designed with climbers in mind, ensuring maximum freedom of movement, warmth, and ventilation.
For most climbs, one versatile midlayer should suffice, especially if it’s a short day trip. For longer, multi-day trips or expeditions, it’s often good to pack two midlayers: one lightweight fleece for high-output activity and one warmer synthetic or down jacket for colder moments or at camp.
Our midlayer should have a slim fit but not be restrictive. It needs to trap warmth but still allow freedom of movement. A looser fit might reduce thermal efficiency and hinder movement, while too tight a fit can restrict layering flexibility.
Weight and insulation matter for alpine climbing, but the balance depends on your specific needs. If you’re moving quickly and generating heat, a lighter, breathable midlayer (like fleece or hybrid synthetic) may be more appropriate. Extra insulation in synthetic or down layers may take precedence for slower, colder climbs with long belays, even if it’s a bit heavier.
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