If you enjoy spending time outdoors, then you know how important it is to be prepared for changing weather conditions and temperatures. The ‘onion look’ is the perfect clothing technique for this. We explain how to perfect the onion look and get the most out of your outdoor adventures.
The onion look: layer by layer to a comfortable temperature
The onion look, also known as layering, is a smart way to keep you warm and dry on any adventure. Similar to peeling back the skins of an onion, you wear several layers of clothing on top of each other. Depending on your needs, you can add or remove a layer to optimally regulate your body temperature.
Here are the essential layers for the perfect onion look:
- Base layer: The first layer of the onion look lies directly on your skin. It’s best to choose merino wool for this. It quickly wicks sweat away from the skin, keeping you warm and dry. Synthetic materials can also be a good alternative. Cotton, on the other hand, is not suitable. It absorbs moisture instead of wicking away sweat.
- Mid-layer: This layer provides insulation and warmth. Fleece or a thin down jacket are good options. They help to retain heat.
- Outer layer: Your outer layer should be windproof and water-repellent to protect you from the elements. A robust softshell or hardshell jacket is a good choice here.
- Additional layers (as required): Depending on the conditions, you can add more layers such as a lightweight down vest or rain jacket.
More on the topic: Hardshell or softshell – which outdoor jacket is right for your tour?
Flexible and lightly packed
The onion look allows you to react flexibly to changes in the environment. We all know the days – especially in spring and fall – when it’s really cold in the mornings and evenings. However, as soon as the sun comes out, temperatures soar. The onion principle is ideal for such weather conditions: you can simply take off or put on a layer as required without having to change completely.
This saves weight and space in your backpack! This is because you can limit yourself to just a few items of clothing, which you can then combine flexibly. You only have to change the bottom layer regularly. This is a great advantage, especially on multi-day trekking tours where you carry all your luggage on your back.
Also interesting: How to pack your trekking backpack correctly
The art of layering
For the onion look to work optimally, it’s not just the choice of individual items of clothing that is important. It’s also about the way you combine them. The magic word is air circulation. On the one hand, heat should be stored between the individual layers and, on the other, moisture should be able to be transported away. This works best if you choose the right size for the individual items of clothing – not too big and not too small. If in doubt, it is best to seek advice from a specialist store.
Care and maintenance
To ensure that the onion look works well in the long term, caring for your outdoor clothing is crucial. Make sure you wash and care for your equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that it retains its insulating and weather-resistant properties.
More on the topic: Proper care of outdoor clothing
Conclusion: For outdoor activities, the onion look is second to none
The onion look is a tried and tested concept for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their adventures. With the right layering and careful preparation, you can feel comfortable whatever the weather.
The onion look is particularly suitable for children. Take off the top layer when romping around and quickly pull on a fleece sweater when it gets cold – this makes exploring the great outdoors even more fun – without sweating or freezing.
