Patagonia Layering System: Vegan Style

The human body needs to stay within safety range in order to function property, so it’s extremely important to plan ahead and layer appropriately when you are out in the elements doing the things you love best in the backcountry.

Staying warm and dry is a key, so layer up!

Layers are crucial, and when used in combination with each other will reach the ideal effect for the season, environment, and activity you are pursuing. They work together to achieve wicking moisture, trapping in heat, insulating from cold and blocking wind and weather.  Ideally what makes a splendid system includes a base layer, mid layer, insulation layer and hard shell layer.

With today’s renowned technology, it’s quite easy to find gear that aligns with a vegan lifestyle and my go to brand, hands down is Patagonia.

Peace. Love. Vegan. Patagonia.

As a fond Patagonia aficionada and vegan for over 25 years, I proudly own a collection of favorites and wear them well amongst my love of being in the backcountry doing everything from hiking, mountaineering, running, canoeing and biking. Patagonia is so much more than just a quality brand. Earning a reputation for its trailblazing environmental and social practices, Patagonia’s business model actually rejects overt consumerism. Have you heard of the Worn Wear® program? This program celebrates the stories we wear and keeps your gear in action longer to take some of the pressure off the planet.  – It’s an exploration of quality — in the things we own and the lives we live. - Patagonia

Patagonia’s audience trusts the brand, admires its value, and aspires to live by the same principles. 

Make everyday a backcountry day with Patagonia

I chose the following four pieces to review for a go-to layering system. These include:

From left to right

Capilene® 2 Lightweight Zip Neck (base layer)(women’s)(men’s)

R1® Full Zip Jacket (mid layer)(women’s)(men’s)

Nano Puff® Jacket (insulation)(women’s)(men’s)

Super Cell Jacket (waterproof shell)(women’s)(men’s)

Super Cell Jacket

The Super Cell Jacket has minimalistic, yet diplomatic features and is my go-to nylon waterproof shell because it has excellent pack-ability and super breath-ability. It has a longer cut, which is ideal for guaranteeing coverage, while sized to accommodate a layering system. I’m easily able to wear a base, mid and insulation layer underneath. I’ve been in this shell during pretty much every type of Seattle Area rain – the mountains, rainforests and trails. It never fails me! I love the rock solid hood synch and easy-to-use adjustment as well.

Nano Puff® Jacket

The Nano Puff® Jacket not only sounds fun but also is fun! It’s an all around winner whether you need it for layering in the mountains or just running around town on the weekends. It’s not only windproof and water-resistant, but is made with highly compressible 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation making it surprisingly warm and weighing next to nothing. I’ve been caught in the rain with this jacket numerous times and it’s mind-blowing how well it still performs and how quickly it dries. It packs extremely well so when you need to remove a layer, no problem. It’s kinetic!

The R1® Full Zip Jacket

The R1® Full Zip Jacket is a minimalist design that’s been perfected for a gamut of backcountry adventures and is equally excellent as a stand-alone piece. The R1® material is versatile and works in lots of situations with its high/low grid fabric traps, which insulate and remove moisture off the skin. The fit is slim, but true to size. I use my R1® regularly for running, golfing, canoeing and hiking. It’s become my best friend and I love it more every single time I put it on. Looks great with a pair of jeans and is cozy to lounge in on the weekends to top it off.

The Capilene® 2 Lightweight Zip Neck

The Capilene® 2 Lightweight Zip Neck helps you stay on pace up a mountain while wicking away moisture and keeping you warm in cool conditions. It’s extremely breathable and the fastest drying performance base layer I’ve ever owned. It’s fitted, so runs slim, but this is because it’s truly a base layer fit. There is also a crew neck model, but I love having the options to increase and adjust ventilation with the zip neck opening. Another smart feature of the Capilene® 2 are the thumb loops! I can’t tell you how much time I’ve saved putting on layers over this piece and the arms stay put. I wear mine canoeing, running, hiking, and mountaineers and even over a t-shirt on cool mornings.

A few other pieces that are in my Patagonia stash and I swap out for layering include:

R3® Fleece Hoody
Nano Puff® Vest (women’s)(men’s)
Capilene® 4 Expedition Weight 1/4 Zip Hoody (women’s)(men’s)
Capilene® 3 Midweight Bottoms (women’s)(men’s)
Capilene® 2 Lightweight Bottoms (women’s)(men’s)


Peace. Love. Vegan. Patagonia.

I wrote this review for Vegan Outdoor Adventures.  You will find the original post here.  Checkout Jessica's awesome site and subscribe to get regular updates. Excellent community where you'll find everything to complement your cruetly-free outdoor lifestyle.