Whether you're heading off on a trekking adventure, kayaking through new territory or hitting the campgrounds for an overnight stay, you'll need the right gear to enjoy happy trails. Layering is every outdoor enthusiast's strategy for keeping cool winds and chills at bay, especially in areas where temperatures drop after sundown. Layering up with fleece jackets, moisture-wicking shirts and thermal pants is a surefire way to trap in much-needed body heat on cooler days, and when you do it right, you have the freedom to take off or put on just one or two garments so that your body temperature stays on the level.

Make this process easier with jackets like the Merrell Spring Iso. It's a super lightweight and slightly fitted polyester jacket designed with Merrell® Aeroblock™ technology, which blocks out harsh winds and chilly temperatures. It's your shield of resistance when you're hiking through the woods or setting your sights on an overnight trek across the Arizona dessert.

Not only does this jacket ward off ugly weather, but it also protects your skin when you're roughing it in the great outdoors. The jacket's designed with raglan shoulders that provide extra support for those heavy backpacks you're lugging around on your trail, so there's less pressure on your upper body throughout your trip. Two small zip pockets make it easy to ditch the fanny pack and store your basics safely and securely. And the seamless, flattering cut makes this a must-have cover up for any campsite party.

A few more layering tips for any avid outdoor enthusiast:

• Stick with the lightweight, zipper-free pieces whenever possible for easy layering and less bulk.
• Avoid wearing too much fleece; fleece can warm up very, very quickly when you're on the run so you could end up overheating and get tired early in your trip.
• Wear a lightweight t-shirt made with moisture-wicking microfibers under shirts and jackets for extra comfort.
• Drink more water than usual; your body needs to be well hydrated in order to conserve energy on its own, so drink as much as you comfortably can throughout the trip.
• Keep hands and feet warm overnight with hand warmers and a pair of quality socks.

Whether you're hitting the hiking trails for a cross-country adventure or trekking off to the lakes for an ice fishing adventure, layering up with fleece and wind-resistant fabrics is an absolute must. While a down coat or parka will help you stay warm throughout the day, it's the layers that will trap in your body heat to the max and keep your muscles and joints in great shape during frigid temperatures.

Layering Basics
Camping gurus already know the golden rules of layering; much of this process is common sense, but you'll need to be selective about what types of clothing you're packing on for the day. To stay warm in wintry climates, you'll need to stick with clothing that's lightweight and sticks close to your skin. This means steering clear of too much bulk and avoiding clothes with too many zippers and accessories; too much hardware makes it harder to layer different types of clothing and also makes it harder for you to move around.

For the inner layers, you'll need to stick with thermal underwear and moisture-wicking fabrics that won't absorb any sweat on your skin. This clothing needs to be made of lightweight materials and fabric, which are not only comfortable but also easy to wash.

The mid-layer is one of the most important. This is your insulation layer, the layer that includes pants, vests, fleece jackets and sweaters. This North Face Apex Bionic Jacket is an excellent choice for the mid-layer; it fits snugly and comfortably over basic tanks and tees, and it's made with Weatherblock fabric which stops that bone-chilling wind dead in its tracks. Plus, it's easy to wash and maintain; you can count on this for your mid-layer under a parka or down coat, or just wear it as a light jacket during warmer temperatures.

The outer layer is your final insulating layer and needs to be adjustable so that you can take it on and off with ease. Look for areas with extra ventilation and lightweight materials so you're not weighed down. This is the only layer where you need to pay attention to extra pockets, flaps and other accessories.