What to wear for Backcountry Skiing - A Pro's Guide to Layering

[@TheJonVidz]

Can we please get a winter camping / multi day tour gear bonus episode

[@JLucRob]

Yes, this please!

[@JordanGreenPNW]

Yes!!!

[@joshuajohnson8316]

I just came here to ask this same exact thing!!!

[@felixbernier8962]

Yesss please!!

[@caverpilot]

me 5! I was just happy to see massive packs on the Patriarch approach; I always wonder how people can carry less when I multi-day tour with the bare minimum and it's still a massive pack!

[@horsebeef]

Corey Townsend is my hero

[@MrJoeycrackers]

Who is Corey?

[@meleinie7248]

Awww....Mediocre Amateur fan?

[@CodyTownsend]

All my friends call me Corey

[@solomonlafleur7520]

I love corey lol

[@juliusbulle]

hahahah

[@joshjaffe1796]

The glove recommendations are excellent. That mitt shell is so much easier to carry and super effective. One trick for the feet if you can pull it off - put on your socks as close to your tour as possible - don't sit in the car sweating in your touring socks for 2hrs before you go out. Also a little foot powder as a drying agent before you slip on those touring socks can help too

[@CodyTownsend]

Definitely good tricks and something I do everyday. Always drive to the TH in regular socks.

[@k2thah286]

I approve this sock messaging, even for day hikes.

[@darrenjakal]

This will probably bring some hate, but I have used neoprene socks in my ski boots since the 80s. Buy them big so they don’t squeeze your feet and wear a liner sock. Moisture is held between the outer liner sock and inner neoprene sock, keeping your liner boots dry (great for overnights). Neoprene provides an even cushion over your feet and does not become a soggy mess like wool socks will. This also helps to protect your liner boots. After many years I find that my feet don’t sweat that much. YMMV

[@doomtreat]

@@darrenjakal yeah the vapor barrier stuff is a real IYKYK. For extended days in the BC it is super helpful but it runs contra to everything that everyone has ever been told on layering. I've given up trying to explain this to people lol.

[@Dangerstophe]

I'll give this a try!@@darrenjakal

[@mball831]

A note on vasoconstriction and gloves: totally agree on the layering system for hands, but it’s also worth noting that sometimes warming your core can help your body warm your extremities. I’ve noticed that sometimes an extra vest or slightly warmer mid layer can help my hands and toes feel warmer even with the same glove system, as the body doesn’t vasoconstrict as much. Has to be done before your hands feel cold, however.

[@NicholasLeader0]

Yes also remembering to drink water / eat snacks will keep you warmer.

[@caverpilot]

@9:10 is actually "Fält Guide Glove" - This model is named after one of Sweden’s leading survival experts, Lars Fält, who was also involved in the development of the glove. (who knew? just learned from Hestra's site, thanks for the recs!!)

[@adamp1169]

One more suggestion for keeping feet dry I learned from a ski patrol buddy. Most of the foot moisture comes from sweaty feet, not exterior water. Try putting some antiperspirant spray on your feet before you put on your socks and boots, keeps everything much drier and warmer!

[@-tr0n]

Great video and great advice even for those of us sticking to the resort and hiking small back and side country lines. I regularly ride in -20 to -30C and simple base layering makes these days totally enjoyable, even if the lift up is a little painful in the wind. You don't have to necessarily buy the most expensive ski branded gear you can find, either. It's more about materials and less about high tech, especially if your life isn't completely relying on your outerwear. I have multiple Merino Wool long sleeves from Costco at like $20 each, Merino/Poly blend long johns from a hunting/work wear store, and a Primaloft puffy from the grocery store clothing section, of all places. I will add poly mid weight pants if necessary, but it has to be pretty cold. Combined with proper waterproof/gore outer layer, it's fantastic and so much more affordable than spending $300 on a down vest, $120 per merino base layer etc. Just keep an eye on deals and check the material tag on things you run across!

[@Treewizard]

You rock Cody! It’s such a wilderness out there when it comes to gear, and it’s very easy to spend a lot of money fast experimenting with what might work. It’s a huge help having your expertise and the confidence that comes with knowing you’re truly testing this stuff in the most extreme conditions.

[@nwsurf3696]

I have my pitchfork ready for the first down vote. That was excellent and informative, no wasted time and still fun to watch. Cheers

[@rpearce1475]

Great video! I perpetually run hot except my hands, and the glove layering system was a game changer for me last winter. I prefer using gauntlet cuff gloves with removable liners that I can swap out as they get wet/sweaty. As to layers, I've become a big fan of the "hybrid style" layering system (Nikolai Schirmer had a good video on this recently) that omits the waterproof shell entirely and the insulator puffy becomes the outer shell. I'm in California though and this doesn't work in climates with lots of wet snow

[@JayBeBerg]

When I switched to merino baselayers I quickly realised that they were not performing as promised. They wet out and never walk dry. I thought it was user error and persisted, until I read that merino can absorb more moisture than cotton. After that I've switched to synthetics against the skin with possible merino layers on top (or not at all). It's smellier for sure. But, if you take a mesh polypropylene t-shirt and wash it right after wearing it, it'll stay pretty fresh and be dry enough to wear almost immediately. Also have to point out that close knit cotton outer layers (like Ventile) work great in cold climates, just not against the skin. Great topic for a video, cheers!

[@CodyTownsend]

Solid takes here Janne. Agree with ya on merino, I grew tired of pure merino pretty quickly when it didn't seem to do as advertised. Always a bit clammy and wet feeling. Switching to blends has definitely helped.

[@JayBeBerg]

​@@CodyTownsend Thanks, it's a never-ending quest for sure.

[@marklambert8111]

Yes, another informational video on backcountry skiing, just what I needed!!!😁

[@AnthonySamani-el2qt]

Just wanted to say that this layout of information is so well done and informative thank you for breaking everything down and providing so many people with a base of backcountry knowledge! And the entertainment factor also

[@andy5478-MTB]

Great video and I've got to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Arcade belts! I pretty much wear it daily including; skiing, mountain biking and golfing.

[@ChrisProuse]

So well said - you knocked it out of the park! Love your "Be Bold Start Cold" line 😄

[@ricewychrij]

Another great vid. I don't do backcountry, just standard piste snowboarding, but I'll definitely be using these tips when I'm preparing for my trip next year... I tend to get cold lol. Thanks Cody

[@mikemcintosh9933]

Possibly the bet vid on this topic I've seen. Thanks!

[@k2thah286]

Nice overview. Also, make sure when you buy outdoor clothing that there is some type of warranty or a way to have repairs made if you unforeseeably trash something. I have had Norrona Gortex pants replaced for free before due to delaminating layers, and that was really rad because they were beloved and pricey.

[@cvn6555]

Some of the high end stuff comes with lifetime guarantees with replacement or repair at cost or less. I believe Arc'Teryx does this.

[@k2thah286]

@@cvn6555 Darn Tough ftw.

[@nilsnilsnilsify]

3:27 true dedication to your craft

[@danielgrazioli1601]

bought a shake dry jacket. could not believe it! awesome. thank you for the hint!!!

[@andyjones3874]

Most of this applies to inbound skiing as well. I’d add pit and crotch zips to help manage moisture, and one thing that’s helped me after many years of cold hands. Pull off your gloves for just a moment when you feel any moisture. Not practical for touring but I do it in line or right after I get on a chair inbounds.

[@devinrogers4885]

Thanks for another great video Cody. Tell Le Bent they need to make a quarter zip merino blend top layer! Nothing beats unzipping the baselayer when you're slogging

[@ZoeKin]

Very funny, truth in comedy. I appreciated you acknowledging the black Goretex jacket looking like a trash bag. And all the other b-rolls.

[@christopherwindsor6556]

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom. The wet T-shirt was an added bonus.

[@Salvatore7921]

Thanks Cody, always very informative and timely too. I’m hoping to do my first ski tour in January (France)

[@connergiven89]

Just stay warm by eating more pains au chocolats

[@martinbailly573]

Best ever presentation on the subject ! Kudo!

[@andyeighttre]

Spare glove liners and balaclavas are a great way to help warmth if you get in a pickle. They add very very little space and weight in the pack. A second base layer top also so you can add a 4th layer up top if absolutely needed.

[@Kariwable]

It took me awhile to figure out the cold hand dilemma as well- and now I also use a layering system. Same layers different brands and I wear mitts ( start with wool glove liners). Nice vid. Also I want LeBents. My glove liners are a Polartec wool blend and I wish everything I wore skiing was that blend.

[@leviraymond8981]

literally my favorite youtuber right now thank u codi!

[@gnarlee4250]

Goddamnit Cody! There goes my budget! Looks like I'm not eating for a month. Hahahahaha as if the basic setup wasn't expensive enough. In all honesty, I keep investing more money each month to improve my entire setup which is more of an investment than an expense. Thanks for making the episode it truly helped!

[@Ohmylanta686]

Appreciate the wisdom from a professional badass 🙏🏻

[@cjayflo9319]

Great video that works for those of that sweat a lot no matter what.

[@bikerdude923]

Excellent video, I need to bookmark it to send to people who are new to winter sports!! What about hats? I personally have found that I need to carry an extra dry shirt as I sweat even in a light windbreaker and light base layer, even on the coldest of days though I have found a few tricks to help stay cool, like I don't wear gloves or only very light gloves on the way up and usually no hat or just a baseball cap to keep the sun off so that excess heat has a way to leave before I start sweating. On the other end of the spectrum my wife has Reynolds syndrome and she always has freezing hands so wears thicker gloves on the way up. I have met others with Reynolds and learned a trick that really helps, which is wear surgical gloves as your base glove layer as they trap the moisture (keeping rest of gloves dry and warm) are easy to carry extras of and are super warm. Love the vids Cody, keep them coming!!

[@CodyTownsend]

Solid advice. Layering is definitely very personal.

[@easternbluebird9371]

This is the best explanation of layering ever!

[@juspetful]

Net base layers ( for instance from Brynje) are fantastic in regulating temperature and moving the sweat away. S They are available both as synthetic and Merino.

[@johnwatson8192]

I've found that a merino or synthetic string (mesh) vest under a merino base layers helps to prevent that clammy feeling.

[@gabrielharton2743]

Very relevant, although I like ponchos when it isn't a windy environment. I'm pretty sure the poncho is more breathable than goretex jacket since it has more ventilation and the jacket and goretex isn't really breathable to my opinion.

[@JeffGuild10]

Moisture management is key. Not only does water conduct heat faster than air, it also transfers heat through evaporation (which is why sweating works so well for keeping us cool). Excess moisture in your clothing, especially close to your skin, has the same evaporative cooling effect of sweating. Cotton is such a killer because it collapses when wet, losing most of its insulating qualities, and If it’s right next to your skin will maximize the effect. There’s another aspect to this evaporative effect which can actually cool you off below the air temperature, but this gets a little (more) esoteric. Bottom line, as you emphasized, moisture management is key to temperature management.

[@warrenreid7686]

Have you seen the heated Ewool vest-gloves and sock covers? 130° F on high (105° hot tub).

[@chukamakalaka]

This was a gold episode

[@espensletten]

Hi Cody, absolutely love your series! Do you have any suggestions for breathable liners? My feet and liners get soaking wet, even in freezing cold. All the best, Espen

[@duncanwright301]

Cody - I’m curious about what moisture-wicking liners have worked for you. My experience with liners such as the perforated ones that come in an Atomic Backland is that the moisture wicks straight out of the liner, directly into the shell, where it then freezes.

[@ratta_tat]

Can I ask why you're wearing a non breathable shell? I have to assume it's because it's raining? I never go to my "hard" layers until I absolutely have to. Climbing in the least amount of layers and then putting on a puffy when I take a break really works for me. It it's raining....well, it's always good to have extra dry stuff in your pack.

[@duncanwright301]

Guess it won’t let me edit, but to clarify: boot liner + boot shell. Normally I tour in synthetic/wool hybrid baselayers+ shell pants and windbreakers, similar to Cody. I was specifically referring to his comment on breathable boot liners at the end of the video.

[@ratta_tat]

@@duncanwright301 ah! I see. Can't help you there, my friend. I just walk up hill slowly. Haha

[@JS-yj7ow]

@@ratta_tat heh, breathable or not doesn’t often matter in the Cascades. Sometimes your touring in high humidity!

[@ratta_tat]

@@JS-yj7ow true.

[@nathancornwell1474]

Only slightly related, but...I'd pay a good money for a "Buenos Dias" shirt if y'all put one out.

[@Dizzlaeus]

And now EVO has an audio cut to go skiing with the music to play in the elevator in the Ballard store. Well done Cody. I would have liked to hear a couple more in field tactical tips like the "be bold start cold". Always chuckle a bit when I see dudes start from the car in their insulated resort jackets only to shed them 1/4 mile up the skin track. E.g.: first thing I do when summiting is put on the puffy and gloves layer. Then I start the skin/boot transition to retain the warmth generated in body heat from the ascent. Keep it up Cody.

[@ryanvdonk87]

evo has a ballard store? seems a little close to the main one in wallingford.

[@Dizzlaeus]

@@ryanvdonk87 Evo has a Wallingford store now?!?! Kinda close to the main Fremont store.

[@ryanvdonk87]

@@Dizzlaeus east side of stone way is Wallingford that's the border

[@lorezyra]

MasterClass: Episode 2: The gear ❤️ it!

[@OrionsKelt]

For us big guys it’s usually just a base layer and a outer shell. If it is super cold, like in the teens, I’ll throw on a mid layer. I sweat so much and get hot so easily I couldn’t imagine wearing 4 layers unless it was below zero.

[@benedictleslie1447]

Another cracking video. These make my week and make me excited for winter!

[@Seriksy]

If you're not going in rain, I thought softshell or softshell with a special membrane is the better option? Shell pants takes more force to move and they're not that stretchy, which in practice should make you sweat more?

[@metalheadmnw]

Hey Cody can you do the Newton line on Mt Hood again? You did it during the bike video last year but there wasn't much skiing from that line in the video. I know there's not much snow here right now though. Just a thought.

[@bennyummer]

i clicked through the evo link to "shop the entire 50 collection" and it pulled up 679 results. sorry but i just wanna know what kind of hedlamp you use. and thanks again for the best channel on utube!

[@Benzknees]

Loving these in depth extras! Keep it up.

[@erokrocks1567]

What sunglasses do you wear?

[@JS-yj7ow]

Yeah but... years of touring about Mt Hood (welcome to the neighborhood btw), I find you often can't un-layer enough to keep form getting wet. For someone who sweats as efficiently as I do, that's always been a difficult game. It's hard to wick moisture out, when the humidity is as high outside the shell, as inside. Never had a problem properly layering in Wisconsin (where I learned the art of freeheel - really), to hut trips in Canada (both providing many sub-zero bluebird days), but here in the PNW? I always have dry extras in my pack.

[@TheOhfishes]

Coney Townsend really knows his stuff.

[@ericaclark5976]

Hi Cody, What does Elise wear for her top layers when touring? Us ladies have another base layer to think of!

[@laowu830]

What do you wear on your head? I don't like exposing my face to harsh winds and would like to avoid sunburns. But I have a hard time to both covering my face and not have my goggle lens fog up:(

[@ffdananderson]

Thanks Cody! What kind of glasses do you wear again?

[@CodyTownsend]

Smith Pursuits these day. Used to be Smith Wildcats.

[@rickardjanz]

Great video with a lot of good tricks. One thing that really made me curious was the S/Lab shakedry jacket. I have been using shakedry now for quite a while, it outperforms all other wind/waterproof materials in my opinion. But... I always thought it was a shame I couldn't use a shakedry jacket while ski-touring because of the backpack rubbing through the delicate fabric. So, my question here is, how does it hold up with a backpack over it?

[@vivianwtang3983]

Loved this video and insight. The only input I still seek is more women-specific though, so I wouldn't expect Cody to comment on this! Women get cold easily because their sports bras hold sweat/moisture. I try to change as quickly as possible after activities are over or else I can completely freeze over in colder temps. Evo, do you have any advice? Any experienced female backcountry enthusiasts out there with some suggestions?

[@CodyTownsend]

Agreed! I definitely didn't want to comment on female-centric layering in this video because I was using my gained knowledge and admit to having little knowledge or expertise in that window. But perhaps down the line I can get a guest bonus episode host to answer your questions.

[@sachadee.6104]

wear bra without cotton/too much elastic. I wear 'ordinary' bra with underwire. That material dries up real quick.

[@markleblanc291]

Great video! I’m curious about keeping your head warm and dry! I struggle with that, especially working ski patrol. Any tricks and tips for that??

[@CodyTownsend]

I’ve become a big fan of fleece beanies. Also just touring in a baseball cap and then swapping to the beanie up high.

[@cycleoflife7331]

Got any good crash photos of Micah Black at Snowbird for me

[@zbyswitta]

This video was awesome.

[@twoeydad]

Really like my buff. I would add it to the list.

[@AlpineShenanigans]

Doesn't work in all situations but another thing that you can do to manage foot warmth (or honestly any part of your body if you're feeling bold about becoming your personal sauna) is making use of a VBL (Vapor Barrier Layer). Start with liner sock, put it in a VBL (at the cheapest you can use a turkey bag but some of the mountaineering companies sell actual socks and in that case you could potentially skip the liner sock altogether), and then put all of that in your main sock. This traps all of your body's moisture in the liner sock and stops your main sock or boot from getting soaked by sweat.

[@ThePhatWabbit]

what's the name of the background track playing at 7:20??

[@onkelsort5381]

What a great video! :)

[@Nuont]

When are you planning the descent of the Polar Star Couloir on Baffin Island? I live in Iqaluit, I’m curious to know if you’ve looked into that line yet

[@CodyTownsend]

Not entirely sure. Looking into for a couple years but probably waiting till Covid calms a bit more.

[@Nuont]

@@CodyTownsend I sent you an email about beta for the line and community contacts for that trip. I’d love to help you plan and execute that line. Reach out to me if you’re interested

[@michaell3790]

Cody, are you saying that you wear the Pull Over Mitts with your Fault Guide gloves on? Hestra website seems to indicate that you just wear glove liner under the pull over mitts. Also I would have to size up quite a bit on the mitts if I am already wearing a regular pair of gloves like fault guide or fall line underneath?

[@CodyTownsend]

Yeah, that’s correct. For sizing I use a size 9 Falt Guide Glove and a Size 9 Overmitt and it works perfectly

[@michaell3790]

@@CodyTownsend awesome, thx for the clarification!

[@Battlamenace]

Hi Cody✌️ The episode is super cool, however it seems that you didnt talked about what is a big issue for me>>> The backpack sweat! There is no skitour backpack with breathable back. How do you deal with that ?

[@CodyTownsend]

Yeah unfortunately it’s pretty hard to prevent. Even backpacks with breathable panels and panels that raise the pack of your skin haven’t worked for me. It’s kind of just a necessary evil to deal with at this point

[@zipperboy2008]

Re: belts, the best belt I’ve found is the arc’teryx conveyor belt.

[@samlemonick9180]

Are you double linered up when you put the Fälts on or do you take their included liner out before you go?

[@seankuusinen3499]

Sunglass flip smooth af

[@80sRadDad]

My feet instantly start sweating as soon as they are in ski boots…and forget about going uphill…any tips?! I’ve tried ever sock under the sun. I have settled on Heatronic socks that can be tuned on and off as needed as soon as my feet get cold, due to being wet

[@chriskutlina5743]

Thanks for such an informative video!

[@jshatfield115]

good ole thermodynamics, and the enthalpy of formation! This is why sweat make you so damn cold so fast in the BC. A huge amount of energy is sucked from your skin when sweat evaporates. So don't sweat.

[@JamesWilliams-vm2xm]

Great video

[@jamess.7261]

Great stuff, Cody - how did you size your liner/glove/mitt combo to get things to fit well? It sounded like you use the Falt's liner plus the Merino liner together or do you pull out the stock liner of the Falt and just use the Merino?

[@CodyTownsend]

I uses size 9 for all the gloves. No need to oversize the Over Mitts.

[@alexturner5023]

One addition to your hand layers you should check out. Nitrile gloves next to your skin. Forms a vapor barrier, and yes, it's clammy, but your hands will never be cold again. Total game changer for me.

[@jimicob9143]

great trick that helped me to prevent cold hands and feet a bit better: put on some fatty skincare or vaseline before you start. so the skin has a kind of protection layer against soaking up moisture/water/melting snow that got into your gloves/boots. saved my mimimimi hands and feet a ton

[@CodyTownsend]

Huh. Interesting. Haven’t heard that one. May have to try it out

[@jimicob9143]

​@@CodyTownsend give it a shot and let us know if it helped :) look for a skincare with a high concentration (don´t know if you guys have the concentrated Neutrogena hand creme in the us?) or go strait for the vaseline (which is really helpful against sticky van doors in winter, too ;) - cheers!

[@gabrieldallas9770]

ID on that leopard print shell?

[@McGirr5799]

Do you wear basically the same thing of resort style?

[@CodyTownsend]

Yup, basically

[@vincew4527]

HI, I have been wearing merino for years and I may have had the same problem you are talking about. What is (or are) the brand (or brands) of underwear that mixes merino and bamboo? Thanks

[@CodyTownsend]

LeBent is the brand I'm talking about in the video.

[@stg-ev3oe]

El viento es el que te roba la temperatura Wind steals your temperature, goretex is essential If no wind you can climb short sleeve cause the engine is very hot The core is warm if peripherics are warm Good gloves, good hat and a good buff are essentials

[@doomtreat]

How do you feel about compression socks for ski touring? I love them for both resort and bc skiing.

[@CodyTownsend]

Not a big fan. I don't like extra constriction that can help make your feet even colder. For some reason they just don't work for me..

[@slavachurinov1341]

cool video. But offering us some particular solutions would have been even better. May be two or three different kits of all the layers with links would be nice. Thanks

[@CodyTownsend]

I like prefer to educate and give people the info to then make decisions for themselves.

[@gijsvanlieshout]

Do you wear full-length base layer pants or 3/4 length?

[@CodyTownsend]

It usually doesn’t matter much to me, but if i had to choose I prefer 3/4 length

[@aaalllen]

I looked on the Evo link, but don't see your poles w/ the super long foam grip. So which ones do you use? They kind of look like Black Crows Duos/Trios

[@CodyTownsend]

They’re Salomon poles but just not available to public unfortunately

[@kaytlinr8526]

Check out Folkrm poles! They are super rad with a similar idea to what Cody uses, and Folkrm is a small Hood River brand (supporting small companies is dope!).

[@aaalllen]

@@kaytlinr8526 those look great. As a spliboarder, I kind of need adjustable poles though

[@kaytlinr8526]

@@aaalllen oh yeah adjustable would be a lot better for splitboarding :)

[@tompeterson3609]

Swatch owns this man’s noggin

[@jacobwitsch5964]

What sunglasses are you wearing?

[@felix-antoinegodin8269]

very well explained!!

[@zootu6e]

That was super helpful

[@ajpeterson5668]

Wait so on your legs you only where one base layer and a shell?

[@CodyTownsend]

Yup

[@rushdunaway6183]

Very informative

[@wesvannatter6172]

Cody, from the town of send.

[@offpiste312]

But…. How did you gack your eye/ beek (nose)?

[@justaginger2436]

Buenos Dias merch?

[@TPNL1997]

Down or synthetic emergency puffer?

[@Sagath808]

My experience would say synth ($), or a very high quality hydrophobic down puffy ($$$). As Cody said, moisture is the enemy, and in emergency situations you cant forecast that the puffy wont get wet, either through sweat, or environmental conditions...All that being said, my emergency puffy is an XL size hydrophobic down.

[@TPNL1997]

@@Sagath808 thanks! Those were also my concerns, I have a Patagonia down sweater I always throw in for good measure. Do you think that fits the bill?

[@tmotten]

Biggest problem I've got touring is the back sweat from the backpack. Only thing that "helped" is bringing a change in shirt. Sucks cause it's bulky.

[@neil2385]

Jaysus, a pair of Aldi trainer's would be grand

[@henseaudiohouse267]

Fresh pair of socks. Change into them after you are up. Sooooo worth the hassle.