Strong wind is one of the most challenging conditions for the body in the mountains: it accelerates heat loss, increases evaporation, causes intense convective cooling and makes changes in effort level more keenly felt. Dressing for these conditions requires a system that can block air penetration while allowing moisture to escape from within. The AYAQ range was designed for precisely this purpose, built around high-performance windproof membranes, active fleeces and technical natural-fibre base layers.
1. Understanding the impact of wind on the body
Wind causes two main effects:
- Convective cooling: air carries body heat away faster than the body can produce it.
- Increased evaporation: if the base layer does not wick moisture effectively, wind turns perspiration into an immediate chill.
The priority: block the wind while preventing heat or moisture from building up inside.
2. Base layers: the foundation of thermal stability
RWS-certified merino wool is ideal in strong winds: warm even when damp, soft and breathable, it regulates temperature without overheating.
- BIAFO (men / women) (lightweight 100% merino): for sustained effort when the wind is strong but the pace remains high.
- MEFONNA (men / women) (versatile 100% merino): warmer, ideal for active pursuits with frequent gusts.
- SHIRWALI (men / women) (merino + Tencel ~240 g): for cold, windy days with varying levels of intensity.
The goal: a moisture-wicking base layer that prevents wind from amplifying the cold.
3. Midlayers: precise warmth management in gusty conditions
KOKANEE (men / women)
AYAQ's active fleece, perfect for ridgelines, exposed passes and windswept plateaus. Excellent moisture transfer and consistent warmth without feeling stifling.
AROLLA (men / women)
A warmer, sherpa-style fleece. The preferred choice when wind comes with prolonged cold, or when stops are lengthy.
4. Essential wind protection: AYAQ hardshells
AYAQ hardshells — SKORA (men / women), LONAK (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women) — use a unique non-microporous hydrophilic membrane: 52,000 mm hydrostatic head, RET < 12, fully windproof, ultralight (170 g/m²), PFC-free, resistant to clogging.
In strong winds, they serve three purposes:
- block airflow to stop convective heat loss,
- protect against damp-induced cooling,
- allow moisture to escape from within to prevent condensation.
SKORA (men / women)
A streamlined hardshell, ideal for most users: lightweight, simple and exceptionally effective against the wind.
LONAK (men / women)
An iconic AYAQ piece: raglan sleeves, external taping inspired by Inuit traditions, and a wraparound fit. An exceptional choice for long days in exposed conditions.
LONAK-XT (men / women)
A fully featured hardshell: chest pockets, a rear pocket, climbing-skin pockets, multiple adjustment points and a RECCO reflector. Ideal for technical terrain, ski touring in strong winds and demanding conditions.
5. Lightweight outer layer: SHANDAR (men / women) for high-intensity activity
SHANDAR (men / women) is AYAQ’s ultralight windbreaker. It blocks the wind while remaining exceptionally breathable, making it the perfect choice:
- for fast ascents,
- for transitions at altitude,
- for short but highly exposed outings,
- for activities where a hardshell would be too warm.
The go-to piece for controlled ventilation in windy conditions.
6. Leg protection: windproof layers and hardshells
The lower body loses a great deal of heat in the wind. AYAQ offers several suitable options:
- RIMO (men / women): a softshell with a windproof front and breathable back. Perfect for ski touring, energetic ascents and cold, dry terrain.
- NUNATAK (men / women): full hardshell trousers using the same windproof membrane as the jackets. Ideal for highly exposed environments.
- CLIFTON: technical trousers with a Sympatex membrane, offering excellent wind protection and exceptional durability, perfect for long days in cold, dry conditions.
The choice depends on intensity: the harder you work, the more sense a hybrid construction makes.
7. Building an effective layering system for strong winds
- High-intensity activity, strong winds: BIAFO (men / women) + KOKANEE (men / women) + SHANDAR (men / women) or SKORA (men / women).
- Cold winds, moderate intensity: MEFONNA (men / women) + AROLLA (men / women) + LONAK (men / women).
- Technical terrain, long days: MEFONNA (men / women) + KOKANEE (men / women) + LONAK-XT (men / women).
- Highly exposed environments: SHIRWALI (men / women) + AROLLA (men / women) + LONAK (men / women) or LONAK-XT (men / women).
Wind calls for a finely tuned layering system: enough ventilation to prevent overheating, while completely blocking cold air from getting in.
8. 100% European manufacturing & responsibly sourced materials
Like the entire AYAQ range, all pieces designed for windy conditions are:
- woven in France, Italy, Germany,
- assembled in Portugal,
- made from premium recycled materials or RWS-certified merino wool,
- field-tested by Mike Horn, Vincent Defrasne and the AYAQ teams.
Wind is an invisible but formidable adversary: the right protection transforms the experience.
Conclusion
Dressing for strong winds means blocking out air without trapping moisture. With its hardshells rated to 52,000 mm waterproofing, its ultralight SHANDAR windbreaker (men / women), its windproof trousers and its RWS-certified merino base layers, AYAQ offers a cohesive layering system to maintain thermal comfort, freedom of movement and performance, even in the most challenging gusts.
