How to Layer for Ski Touring: A Sustainable Approach to Backcountry Comfort

Written by Addie Duchin

When you’re ski touring, every layer matters. You need clothing that breathes on the climb, insulates at rest, and shields you when the wind picks up. But beyond comfort, your choices also shape your impact on the places you explore. That’s why more backcountry skiers are turning to sustainable layering systems, gear built to perform without sacrificing the planet that makes these adventures possible.

Whether you’re new to touring or refining your kit, here’s how to layer smartly, responsibly, and sustainably for your next adventure in the mountains.

1. Base Layer

Your base layer is your first defense against sweat and cold, and one of the most important pieces of your system. Its job is to move moisture away from your skin while keeping your body temperature steady on the climb.

Merino wool is a top choice for ski touring. It’s naturally breathable, odor-resistant, and retains its insulating properties even when damp. Unlike synthetic materials, it doesn’t trap odor, and it biodegrades at the end of its life. That makes it both high-performance and low-impact.

Choose a lightweight or midweight merino base layer depending on how much heat you generate on the uphill. You can always add warmth with your mid and outer layers later. 

2. Midlayer

Your midlayer does most of the heavy lifting. It traps heat while allowing airflow, so you stay warm without overheating. For ski touring, you want something that insulates without bulk, dries quickly, and can handle constant changes in effort and weather.

That’s where the Baseline Midlayer shines. It’s lightweight, packable, and easy to layer under a shell or puffer when the temperature drops. The honeycomb pattern retains warmth close to your body without compromising breathability. Unlike most performance fleeces, it doesn’t shed microplastics when washed. That means it keeps you warm while keeping waterways clean.

During extended lunch breaks or windy conditions, I tend to get cold quickly and try to prevent it as much as possible. I like bringing a light puffer that fits between my fleece and shell. The Camper Hooded Jacket is a great option because it’s super warm without being bulky like many other puffers on the market. It’s also water-resistant, which comes in handy during light precipitation without needing to throw on your shell.

When ski touring, temperature swings are dramatic. You heat up on steep ascents and cool down fast during transitions or breaks. That’s why several thinner, adaptable layers often work better than one heavy, bulky jacket.

3. Shell

At the resort, an insulated jacket might handle both warmth and weather. In the backcountry, it pays to separate your insulation from your outer protection.

Your shell keeps out wind, snow, and cold while still letting excess heat escape. A breathable, water-resistant shell is ideal for ski touring because it protects against the elements without trapping too much warmth.

The Barrage Technical Shell is designed for that balance. It packs down easily, layers well over midlayers, and holds up through changing alpine conditions. Made from eco-friendly recycled materials, it performs well while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.

4. Accessories

Don’t underestimate the importance of accessories; they are what can make or break your day. My headwear of choice for the accent is a brimmed hat. The snow is bright and the sun is strong, so I try to get as much protection as I can. My personal favorite is Workwear Five Panel Hat Brown. It is light, breathable, and looks great. 

Pack light liner gloves for the ascent and insulated mittens for transitions or descents. It’s easy to overlook accessories, but they often determine whether your day stays comfortable or turns miserable.

5. Safety Gear: The Most Important Layer You’ll Carry

Even the best clothing system won’t help without proper safety gear. Always carry and know how to use your avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe. Check out (insert link for what to pack in your bag) for a full list of everything you should bring in your backcountry bag. 

Other essentials include:

• Plenty of water and high-energy snacks

• sunscreen

• Navigation tools like a map, compass, or GPS
  
  

These are non-negotiable parts of every responsible backcountry kit. Make them as automatic as pulling on your boots. Staying safe is the most sustainable choice you can make for yourself and your partners.

Choosing Layers That Respect the Mountains

Ski touring is about connection, with your body, your gear, and the wild places that remind you why you love this sport. Choosing sustainable outdoor apparel reduces waste, lowers emissions, and helps protect the very mountains you’re exploring.

From recycled coffee-based hoodies to durable, water-resistant pants, Coalatree designs gear for adventurers who want both performance and purpose in every layer.

Explore our full collection of eco-friendly outdoor apparel and build a layering system that keeps you warm, safe, and in tune with the planet.