Shell Coats

The way to effectively adjust to your hiking conditions is to layer your clothing from a shell down to a liner. Have a couple of light, medium and maybe even some heavy layers ready. One item you should always have ready is a light outer shell. The primary benefit will be to keep warm and dry, and having something to stop the wind and rain will go a long way. Wind and rain do tend to penetrate clothing layers, even nylon and polypropylene items. These materials also won't do much to keep from absorbing and passing rain down to your skin. That combination can keep you very cold. An outer layer made of a water-proof but breathable material such as Gore-Tex can handle all of these challenges. It is wise to pack a shell like that in your day pack even at times when the weather looks clear. Climate conditions can change drastically in the mountains or the deserts, so it pays to think ahead and to be prepared.

It's a tired declaration to say that any single component of a system is the most important, but again in your clothing you'll feel the effects if you neglect any of the vital layers. Going without a protective jacket layer can mean that you will be soaked with rain, that the cold wind will rip through the seams and weaving of your clothing material and it will chill you to the core. It is the most important part of preventing heat loss, regardless of whatever other soft layers you have. Although keeping the wind and rain away is important, also make sure there is a good system for venting out extra heat. Shells will often have webbing and open slits under the arms to let out excess warmth and moisture. A shell that can't vent out will cause you to over heat and sweat, which defeats the purpose. Also when you're shopping for a shell, try it one with different layered configurations to see how it will fit and if you have good range of motion. It's an item that will get used and will take the most abuse, so don't go cheap with it.