What is the key trick to dressing in layers while hiking?

Dressing in layers while hiking is an essential strategy for maintaining comfort and regulating body temperature in variable weather conditions. The key trick to this method is balancing warmth with breathability to avoid sweating. When you sweat, it can lead to damp clothing that cools your body down too much, especially in colder temperatures, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

By focusing on keeping warm enough without sweating, hikers can adjust their layers according to their activity level and the climate. This approach allows individuals to add or remove layers as necessary to regulate temperature, ensuring they remain dry and comfortable throughout their hike.

Other options may not adequately address the principles of layering. For instance, wearing as many layers as possible could lead to overheating and discomfort, while having all layers made of cotton is counterproductive, as cotton retains moisture and takes longer to dry. Always having a jacket available is a good practice, but it doesn't encompass the overall strategy of effectively using layered clothing to manage temperature and moisture during physical activity.