It鈥檚 been a hot summer in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where my partner and I live. Temperatures hovered well above 90 degrees for months, and we both felt like cracking. Then, about two weeks ago, everything changed. Just as the sun started setting notably sooner, the mercury finally dipped, and we got some relief. We now need long sleeves during morning walks at the dog park, and thicker clothes go on by 4 P.M. when we鈥檙e camping. We鈥檝e tested a lot of layers over the years,听and these听are seven of our favorites.
Wellen听Men鈥檚 Stretch Chore Coat ($128)
A blend of cotton, hemp, and spandex makes 听the most versatile layer I own. The soft cotton is comfy for lounging around the house or the campfire, while the hemp adds durability, so I鈥檓 not afraid to do yard work in it.听And just a touch of spandex adds stretch, giving me听full mobility for activities like chopping wood. The Chore is not the warmest shirt or jacket on this list, but it鈥檚 my first choice when I need more than just a T-shirt.听
Patagonia Women鈥檚听Hooded Waffle Tunic ($89)
My partner and I love a good waffle knit. Our towels and fall blanket are made from that construction, and she likes in particular because of how the knit feels on her skin: it traps heat but also breathes. It鈥檚 the first piece she grabs when temperatures听dip into the sixties. She also loves the longer cut, which goes with everything from leggings to jeans.
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Black Diamond Women鈥檚 Approach Down Vest ($199)
Yes, $199听is a lot for a vest, but the is worth it听because it鈥檚 the only one you鈥檒l need this winter. Enhanced by听800-fill down, it鈥檚 ridiculously warm and becomes the perfect second layer when a tunic (like the Patagonia one,听above) isn鈥檛 enough. If my partner听layers this with a thicker jacket, she鈥檚 comfy even on freezing outings. And when worn听underneath a ski shell, it keeps her happy on the coldest听days riding the lift.听When it鈥檚 not in use, the vest packs into its own pocket and takes up almost no room in a听purse or pack.
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Patagonia Men鈥檚 Pack In Pullover Hoody ($190)
Cozy. That鈥檚 the only word that sums up 听from Patagonia. The kangaroo pocket keeps my hands warm on neighborhood walks, and the stretchy polyester outer makes it perfect around camp or in a sleeping bag if I need extra warmth at night. The 60-gram听insulation is ideal听for light aerobic fall adventures.听The Pack In is also Fair Trade Certified sewn and constructed听from partially recycled materials.
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Orvis听Women鈥檚 Signature Merino Cardigan ($98)
is one of those pieces that fits in just as well out to dinner as it does on the trail. That鈥檚 thanks in part to the knit merino wool, which creates a classy yet functional look. My partner听likes the lighter fabric听because it breathes, it鈥檚 眉ber soft, and it layers well over a long-sleeved shirt. She鈥檚 a big fan of the gray, but it comes in a series of rich colors.
Triple Aught Design Men鈥檚 Ranger Hoodie LT ($235)
I gave up on fleeces a few years ago, because most brands made theirs too thin,听so they weren鈥檛 very warm and eventually wore out. Then I found the听. Sewn in the United States with an ample amount听of Polartec听Wind Pro fabric, this hoodie is made to last and has kept me warm even when temperatures drop into the thirties. Triple Aught Design is a favorite brand in the overlanding and tactical communities, and I鈥檝e seen people abuse these jackets for years without any problems.
Flint and Tinder Men鈥檚 Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket ($240)
Huckberry can barely keep these in stock, and for good reason. is one of those jackets you鈥檒l have for a lifetime, thanks to its听incredibly durable waxed-cotton shell. And this version is all the more functional: a听soft polyester听lining acts as a second layer, so you can throw it over a T-shirt or button-down and be set for much of the winter. Like all waxed-cotton jackets, the Trucker only looks better with wear.