With the growing variety of activities—hiking, trail running, spring skiing, active travel, windy urban outings—it’s tempting to accumulate technical clothing. Yet a truly versatile outdoor wardrobe can be built with just five carefully selected pieces. AYAQ’s approach is based on technical precision: each garment covers multiple situations, thanks to an exceptional membrane (52,000 Schmerbers), RWS merino thermoregulation, and designs engineered for immediate adaptability.
1. Piece #1 — A technical or merino base layer to manage moisture
The first layer addresses the essential physiological base: moisture produced by the body. Two product families meet needs depending on intensity.
Option 1: versatile RWS merino
- MEFONNA (men / women): 100% merino, excellent thermal regulation, ideal for hiking, travel, approaches, and transitional seasons.
- BIAFO (men / women): lightweight 100% merino, perfect for sustained effort and variable weather.
Option 2: dynamic technical tee for intense effort
- MOLVENO: ultra-lightweight with side mesh panels, ideal for trail running and fast ascents.
- TENNO: ventilated tank top for hot days.
One piece manages heat, wind, moisture, and effort transitions.
2. Piece #2 — An active fleece jacket to stabilize temperature
The second layer builds thermal stability. It must wick moisture while adding functional warmth.
KOKANEE (men / women)
Breathable active fleece jacket, suitable for 90% of uses: hiking, spring skiing, travel, windy conditions. Functions well alone or as a mid-layer.
AROLLA (men / women)
Brushed fleece, warmer, useful for significant temperature swings or frequent breaks (transitional seasons, altitude, bivouac).
Goal: prevent overheating on ascents and cooling on descents.
3. Piece #3 — A hardshell built to withstand all conditions
The hardshell is the ultimate outdoor safeguard, enabling you to face any weather: cold rain, strong wind, alpine storms, sleet, wet snow.
AYAQ’s three hardshells—SKORA (men / women), LONAK (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women)—share the same exceptionally high-performance hydrophilic non-microporous membrane:
- 52,000 Schmerbers: record waterproofing in outdoor gear,
- RET < 12: excellent breathability,
- 170 g/m²: lightweight,
- fully windproof,
- PFC-free and non-clogging.
Choice by use:
- SKORA (men / women): minimalist, lightweight, perfect for a streamlined wardrobe.
- LONAK (men / women): more protective, design inspired by Inuit clothing, maximum versatility.
- LONAK-XT (men / women): most functional, designed for technical terrain and demanding travel.
One hardshell covers all seasons.
4. Piece #4 — A compact insulated jacket for cold management
A compressible insulated jacket handles cold evenings, altitude, summit breaks, or sudden weather changes.
ULTAR (men / women)
AYAQ’s warmest insulated jacket, ideal for cold environments, altitude, bivouac, or exposed travel.
BALTORO (men / women)
Blown-fiber insulated jacket: exceptional freedom of movement, stable warmth, efficient compression. Highly versatile.
FORNO (men / women) (sleeveless)
Insulated vest with magnetic system allowing removal even under a hardshell. The perfect tool to adjust warmth without disrupting layering.
In a minimalist wardrobe: one insulated jacket suffices, chosen according to the target climate.
5. Piece #5 — A modular technical pant
Lower body gear is often overlooked in minimalist wardrobes, yet it strongly influences thermoregulation and comfort.
- RIMO (men / women): hybrid softshell, windproof front + breathable back. Ideal for hiking, spring skiing, active travel.
- CLIFTON: membrane pant, highly windproof, perfect for cool or variable weather.
- NUNATAK (men / women): full hardshell for real rain risk or wet terrain.
One piece can cover most uses depending on climate and activity.
6. Why these 5 pieces truly suffice
An outdoor wardrobe becomes versatile only if each garment fulfills multiple functions:
- managing moisture,
- stabilizing temperature,
- blocking wind,
- repelling rain,
- providing targeted warmth,
- allowing sustained effort without overheating.
AYAQ pieces achieve this through:
- premium recycled materials or RWS merino,
- a unique 52,000 Schmerbers non-microporous membrane,
- designs tested in real conditions by Mike Horn and Vincent Defrasne,
- 100% European manufacturing (France, Italy, Germany, Portugal).
Conclusion
Building a versatile outdoor wardrobe is about precision, not quantity. With a technical or merino base layer, an active fleece jacket, a 52,000 Schmerbers hardshell, a compact insulated jacket, and technical pants, you cover 95% of everyday to expedition outdoor scenarios. This is the AYAQ approach: less but right, with garments designed to adapt to changing terrain and weather without compromise.
