Cold in the mountains isn’t just about the outside temperature: wind, humidity, exertion level, and clothing saturation all shape thermal comfort. To perform well, you need to understand insulation, ventilation, and the three-layer system. AYAQ hardshells — SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women) and BATURA — are engineered precisely for these conditions.
1. The principle: retain heat without trapping moisture
Insulation doesn’t generate heat; it traps the warm air your body produces. Overheating causes excess internal moisture, which quickly cools you down once activity slows. The three-layer system balances these flows.
2. Base layer: the foundation of thermoregulation
A damp base layer in wet cold is the main cause of mild hypothermia. Certified RWS merino wool is essential:
- BIAFO (men / women): 100% lightweight merino for intense effort in cold air.
- MEFONNA (men / women): versatile merino for a wide temperature range.
- SHIRWALI (men / women): merino + Tencel (240 g) for colder conditions or intermittent activity.
- ISEO: breathable long-sleeve alternative for sustained effort.
3. Midlayer: create a stable warm air volume
Midlayers act as thermal buffers:
- KOKANEE (men / women): active fleece jacket, ideal for climbing or continuous effort.
- MEOLA: softer thermal layer, perfect for moderate pace.
The most common mistake: wearing a midlayer too thick during ascent → overheating → moisture → sudden chill at rest.
4. Outer layer: wind, snow, cold rain
All AYAQ hardshells use a 170 g/m² hydrophilic membrane, the most waterproof in outdoor gear, tested up to 52,000 Schmerbers, with excellent breathability (RET < 12). They contain no PFCs.
- SKORA (men / women): ultra-efficient simplicity, set-in sleeves, perfect for dry or damp cold when activity stays dynamic.
- LONAK-XT (men / women) (LONAK-XT (men / women)): same uses as SKORA (men / women), but with more features (chest pockets, revolver pocket, ski skin pockets, multiple adjustments, RECCO). Ideal for strong winds or technical terrain.
- LONAK (men / women): iconic piece, raglan sleeves, symbolic Inuit taping. Perfect for dry cold, strong wind, and blowing snow. Excellent breathability for long effort days.
- BATURA: the only AYAQ hardshell with premium insulation. The solution for wet cold, cold rain, and exposed outings alternating effort and rest. It combines full protection + stable insulation.
5. Insulation: choose by pace
For slow phases or breaks:
- VIEDMA: active insulation suited to movement.
- ULTAR (men / women) and FORNO (men / women): lightweight insulation, ideal for breaks, exposed ridges, or transitions.
- BATURA: integrated insulation + hardshell → safest choice for prolonged wet cold.
6. Lower body: limit major heat loss
Thighs lose a lot of heat in cold wind. Depending on conditions:
- RIMO (men / women): softshell ideal for sustained effort in dry cold.
- NUNATAK (men / women): waterproof/breathable hardshell for snow, strong wind, or cold rain.
- INGIA: insulated pants for alpine skiing or long static phases.
7. Common mistakes in cold weather
Overdressing at the start → sweating → sudden chill.
Not ventilating: SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women) and VIEDMA should be opened early during ascent.
Ignoring internal moisture: a cold synthetic base = immediate heat loss.
Not adapting the hardshell to conditions: strong wind → LONAK-XT (men / women) or LONAK (men / women); cold rain → BATURA; continuous effort → SKORA (men / women) or LONAK (men / women).
8. European materials for lasting performance
All pieces are made in Europe (fabrics from Italy, France, Germany, Portugal). Merino wool is RWS certified. Hydrophilic non-microporous membranes ensure stable breathability, even when saturated. Recycled polyamides provide durability and thermal stability.
Equipping against cold means choosing a coherent system: a base layer managing moisture, a midlayer regulating heat, and a suitable hardshell (SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women) or BATURA). Well coordinated, this system keeps you performing even in dry cold, strong wind, or cold rain.
