The layering system

The basic idea
Building up a clothing system using different garment layers has long been the most versatile way of dressing for changeable climates outdoors. Whilst each of the garment layers performs a specific function on it's own, it also works in conjunction with the other layers to provide different levels of insulation and protection, depending on weather conditions and workload.

Layer	It's task	How it achieves this	Suitable fabrics
Base layer	To maintain a dry and comfortable micro-climate next to the skin.	By wicking (moving) moisture off the skin and spreading it out over the surface of the garment where it can rapidly evaporate or move on to other clothing layers.	CoolMax, Polartec PowerDry, Patagonia Capilene, Helly Hansen Lifa
Insulation layer(s)	To provide extra warmth when a base and shell layer are not warm enough on there own.	By trapping very small pockets of still air, which slow down the loss of heat.	Polartec fleece
Shell layer	To provide protection from wind, rain, sleet, and snow, without allowing the build-up of condensation inside the clothing system.	By providing a barrier to liquid water and wind, whilst allowing moisture vapour to pass through.	Gore-Tex, Hyvent, Aqua-Dry, Dri-Lite, eVent
'Super' insulation layer	To provide a large amount of additional insulation for extremely cold conditions.	By trapping very small pockets of still air, which slow down the loss of heat.	Down, Polarguard

Top tips to get the most out of your layering system:

For the layering system to work effectively and provide the maximum level of comfort, it is important that all the layers are breathable (they allow moisture vapour to pass through) and quick drying.
Avoid cotton, especially jeans or T-shirts. Cotton soaks up moisture extremely well and takes a very long time to dry out. Any wet fabric in contact with the skin leads to very rapid heat loss. Synthetic wicking fabrics, by comparison, still allow moisture transport (moving sweat off the skin, for example), but do not absorb it into their fibres, and hence dry much more rapidly. This greatly reduces 'post exercise chill' (rapid cooling after exercise due to wet clothing).
The most important layers are the shell layer (as this is your main barrier to the elements) and the base layer (as this dictates comfort next to the skin).
Don't think of your shell jacket as just a waterproof that you put on if it's raining. Unless it is very still, use your shell jacket as your primary 'warm' garment, as it provides protection from the wind, and is often much easier to ventilate than a fleece jacket (for example). Add additional insulation layers underneath if required.
Remember that several thinner insulation layers will allow far greater versatility than just a single thick layer (such as a heavyweight fleece), which can often lead to overheating.
Remember that when normally clothed, 50% of heat loss from the body occurs from the head and neck - don't forget a hat and neck gaiter or scarf.
Don't forget insulation for the legs, but don't be tempted to wear anything too warm. Your legs produce a lot of heat when active, and you can quickly overheat. It is usually far easier to add or remove layers from your upper body (when too hot or too cold), than to do so from the legs.
Temperature control is a fundamental part of staying comfortable. Overheating leads to sweating, which in turn leads to rapid cooling when exercise is stopped (especially in exposed and windy locations). In winter, using a hat, neck gator, gloves and the ventilation features on your shell jacket can be a very effective way of maintaining a comfortable temperature. Taking off or putting on a hat is far quicker and easier than stopping to put on or take off and extra fleece, for example.
Anticipate levels of exertion and adjust your layers appropriately. If you are getting out of the car, don't be tempted to put all yours layers on straight away (because it feels cold), if you know that you are going to spend the next 2 hours climbing up a steep hill (and hence producing a lot of body heat).
Avoid thick or cheap windproof fleeces. They will certainly be much warmer than a normal fleece if worn on their own in windy weather, but if worn under a shell jacket (because it starts to rain, for example), they can quickly become far too hot or un-breathable. A better option is shelled-micropile or mesh backed Gore Windstopper.

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