For a summer holiday in the mountains, layers matter most. Bring light tops for warm moments and a warmer mid layer for altitude and evening. A windbreaker is handy on the way. Take into account temperature differences between valley, altitude and evening. For light walks, clothes that also work in the village are handy. Below is the complete list, with the pieces that do the most work.
Why mountains call for a different suitcase
In the mountains the weather changes quickly. In a valley it can be warm on a summer afternoon, while a few hundred metres higher it is fresh and windy. In the evening, too, it cools down faster than by the sea or in the city. With layers you can switch more easily between warm and cool moments.
The layering system for the mountains
| Layer | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Cool during the day, feels pleasant on the skin | Polo or T-shirt made of lyocell, cotton or merino |
| Mid layer | Warmth in the morning, evening and at altitude | Merino polo, fine-knit cardigan, polo with zip |
| Outer layer | Protection against wind and rain | Light windbreaker or raincoat |
The advantage: you can wear each layer on its own, or all three at once. That way you have a solution for every temperature with few pieces.
Merino wool as a mid layer
Merino wool can be a practical layer in the mountains. It breathes well, does not feel clammy so quickly in the heat and keeps you warm when it cools down. Merino wool stays fresh for longer naturally, so you need to wash less often. The Trenton in black is an open polo made of ultra-fine merino wool, suitable for summer and winter. In the daytime you wear it as a base, in the evening over a T-shirt. Note: the Trenton has a roomy fit, so choose one size smaller.
Read more about the properties of merino wool.
Polos with zip: open in the valley, closed at the top
A polo with quarter zip is practical in changing temperatures. On a warm walk you wear it open, at a windy viewpoint you close it. The Ophelia in black is a ribbed polo with quarter zip made of lyocell, with a zip that closes fully up to a high collar. That gives you a top that switches from summery to warm. For men, the Edmund in olive green melange is a fine-knit polo with quarter zip made of lyocell, in a colour that suits forest and mountain meadow.
A cardigan for the evening
For women, a fine-knit cardigan is the easiest evening layer. The Veronique cardigan in light grey made of lyocell fits over a blouse, T-shirt or polo and takes up little space. Men bring a merino polo or thin wool cardigan.
Trousers for hiking and dining
You do not need to wear technical hiking trousers for a simple walk around a lake or along a mountain path. Jeans or a trouser with a little stretch is enough. The Adelaide in blue is a high-waist contour-fit jeans that moves with you and looks just as good in the restaurant in the evening. Men choose a trouser with an elastic waistband, such as the Vincent in khaki: comfortable when climbing and sitting, with zip pockets in which your things stay safe.
If you are going on real mountain tours, of course bring good hiking clothes and shoes. This list is meant for a summer holiday with walks, views, villages and terraces.
The complete packing list (one week)
For women
- Three tops: a fine-knit T-shirt, a polo with zip and a blouse.
- Jeans and a light trouser.
- A fine-knit cardigan and a thin merino or wool layer.
- A windbreaker.
- Sturdy sneakers or light hiking shoes, and loafers for the evening.
- Scarf, sunglasses, cap or sun hat.
For men
- Three polos: a merino polo, a polo with zip and a cotton polo.
- A trouser with elastic waistband and jeans or a chino.
- A thin cardigan or extra merino layer.
- A windbreaker.
- Sturdy sneakers or light hiking shoes, and loafers.
- Cap, sunglasses, belt.
Shoes for the mountains
Bring two pairs of shoes: a pair of sturdy sneakers or light hiking shoes with grip for paths and viewpoints, and a pair of loafers for the village and the restaurant. Break in new shoes at home first.
Colours for the mountains
Choose calm, natural colours that forgive dirt and dust: olive green, navy, black, grey and sand shades. A light top for the evening makes the whole summery. White is lovely in the village, but less handy on a dusty mountain path.
For the evening
After a day outdoors you want to sit polished at the table in the evening. In most mountain villages the mood is relaxed: clean jeans or a trouser, a knitted polo or blouse and a cardigan is more than enough. Men put on the merino polo with a trouser and loafers, women a blouse with a fine-knit cardigan over it. That way you use the same clothes for the evening too.
Sun and altitude
In the mountains the sun is stronger than you think, even when it feels fresh. A light long-sleeved layer protects your arms better than sunscreen alone, and a cap or sun hat is indispensable. Also bring sunglasses for snowfields and lakes that reflect the light.
Looking for the right layers? Take a look at the knitwear for men or the knitwear for women.
Shop the look
Ophelia: ribbed polo with quarter zip, black
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, olive green melange
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light grey
Adelaide: high-waist contour-fit jeans, blue
Vincent: slim-fit mid-rise trouser, khaki
Frequently asked questions
How cold is it in the mountains in the evening in summer?
That depends on the altitude, but in the evening it clearly cools down faster than in the valley or by the sea. Always bring a warm mid layer.
Why is merino wool handy in the mountains?
Merino breathes well, keeps you warm when it cools down and stays fresh for longer naturally, so you can wear it for several days.
Do you need hiking trousers for the mountains?
Not for light walks. Jeans or a trouser with stretch is enough. For real mountain tours you do bring technical clothing.
