Wind is one of the most under-estimated factors in the mountains. It accelerates heat loss, affects clothing breathability and can turn a comfortable outing into a challenging situation, even in moderate temperatures. Dressing for the wind means finding the balance between protection and breathability, without ever trapping the body — an approach at the heart of AYAQ’s philosophy, shaped by the field experience of Vincent Defrasne and Mike Horn.
1. The role of the three-layer system in windy conditions
Wind mainly affects two things: the release of heat generated during exercise and the ability of clothing to maintain a stable temperature. The three-layer system allows you to fine-tune this response:
- RWS merino wool base layer (SHIRWALI (men / women) for extra warmth; BIAFO (men / women) or MEFONNA (men / women) for lightweight 100% merino; MOLVENO or ISEO for high-intensity activity). Wool remains the fibre best suited to managing temperature changes.
- Breathable midlayer such as the KOKANEE (men / women) active fleece or the MEOLA midlayer. Their role is to retain a small pocket of warm air while allowing water vapour to pass through.
- Wind-resistant outer layer or hardshell. This is the layer that truly determines your protection. SHANDAR (men / women) for high-intensity activity, RAVEN (men / women) for wind resistance during active pursuits, LONAK (men / women) or LONAK-XT (men / women) for harsher environments.
The aim is not to prevent wind from reaching the body at all costs, but to stop it from causing a sudden drop in core temperature — while preserving the system’s ability to breathe.
2. Understanding the difference between wind-resistant jackets, softshells and hardshells
The ultralight SHANDAR (men / women) wind-resistant jacket is designed for sustained effort. It effectively blocks apparent wind (created by your speed when trail running or ski touring), while allowing moisture to escape. Open it on climbs and zip it up again on exposed ridges.
The RAVEN (men / women) softshell offers a more structured solution. Ideal for active but less intense pursuits, it blocks cold wind while offering greater breathability than a hardshell. Its European fabric, tested for abrasion resistance, provides lasting durability for regular use on technical terrain.
The LONAK (men / women) and LONAK-XT (men / women) hardshells protect against strong winds and windblown snow. Their recyclable hydrophilic Sympatex membrane, tested to a 52,000 mm water column, remains effective even when saturated with water. However, ventilation needs to be actively managed using the zips, especially on climbs.
3. Wind + exertion: the most common mistakes
Dressing too warmly at the start. Wind masks the sensation of heat generated during exercise. If your base layer is too thick (for example, a SHIRWALI (men / women) on a gentle climb), you can quickly overheat, leading to moisture build-up inside your clothing.
Wanting to “zip everything up” as soon as the wind picks up. During active pursuits, fully closing a hardshell creates a humid microclimate that will cool down as soon as your pace drops. It is better to open the main zip slightly or adjust the vents.
Neglecting your lower body. Wind can severely chill your thighs on exposed climbs. A pair of RIMO (men / women) softshell trousers is often enough, but in very wet or windy conditions, NUNATAK (men / women) hardshell trousers become essential.
4. Adapting to the type of wind
Apparent wind (trail running, cross-country skiing, ski touring): choose highly breathable pieces: MOLVENO, ISEO, SHANDAR (men / women), KOKANEE (men / women).
Cold wind on winter hikes: a warm base layer (SHIRWALI (men / women)), a MEOLA or KOKANEE (men / women) midlayer, a RAVEN (men / women) softshell.
Strong winds at high altitude: LONAK (men / women) or LONAK-XT (men / women), a lightweight yet high-performance base layer (MEFONNA (men / women) or BIAFO (men / women)), NUNATAK (men / women) trousers.
5. European materials and consistent performance
AYAQ’s fabrics come from Italy, France, Germany and Portugal and meet strict durability standards. Non-microporous hydrophilic membranes such as Sympatex do not lose their effectiveness against wind over time and do not clog. The recycled polyamides used in softshells retain their natural wind-resistant properties while remaining highly breathable. RWS-certified merino wool retains its temperature-regulating properties even when damp.
Dressing for the wind means understanding how each layer helps maintain a stable thermal balance. With a coordinated layering system, adjusted and ventilated as conditions change, wind becomes a factor you can manage — rather than a threat.
