How to Layer Underneath Your Cortazu Jacket?Updated 6 days ago
The jacket does the heavy lifting. What's underneath determines whether you're comfortable across conditions.
Layering isn't complicated — but getting it wrong means being too hot, too cold, or too sweaty to enjoy the day. Here's the logic, and exactly what to wear under each jacket depending on what you're doing.
The Three-Layer System
Base layer — manages sweat. Merino wool or synthetic in cold conditions or high-output activities like skiing — it moves sweat away from your skin and keeps you warm when you stop. In milder conditions like summer hiking or city use, it's optional. Never cotton if you do wear one.
Mid layer — adds warmth. Traps heat. It can be a fleece, a softshell, or a light insulated jacket, depending on the activity and temperature. You don't always need one.
Shell — blocks the elements. That's your Cortazu hardshell. Wind, rain, snow — it handles all of it. It works best when the layers underneath are doing their jobs correctly.
Keep in mind: everyone's body runs differently — some people run warm, others cold. The combinations below are recommendations based on typical use. The best way to find what works for you is to try it and adjust from there. By jacket:
AR Active Hardshell
Regular fit — room for 2 layers. Built for movement and high-output days.
Keep it light. The AR is the most breathable jacket in the range — designed for days when you're generating your own heat. Heavy layering works against it.
Note: The AR Hardshell is not designed for skiing or snowboarding — the hood is not helmet-compatible. For ski days, see the AW Hardshell, Mountain Hardshell, or Nunatak Ski Jacket.
AW Hardshell
Non-insulated · All-season shell · Room for 2 layers
The AW is your all-year shell. Layering needs change significantly by season — here's how to adapt.
Mountain Hardshell
Non-insulated · Built for serious mountain use · Room for up to 3 layers
The Mountain Hardshell has the most room of any jacket in the range. Use it intelligently — don't pack it with bulk, build it with purpose.
Nunatak Ski Jacket
Already insulated (80g Sorona®) · Purpose-built for skiing · Room for 2 layers
The Nunatak already has insulation built in. In most conditions, a good base layer is all you need. If it's genuinely cold, add a thin fleece — nothing heavier, or you'll overheat on the slope.
Delta INS Hardshell
Already insulated (80g Sorona®) · Winter use · Room for 1 layer
The Delta INS does the job of your shell and mid-layer in one. In most conditions, all you need is a base layer underneath. The single layer of space is there for a thin fleece on the coldest days only.
Cortazu × Labfresh Parka
Already insulated (80g Sorona®) · Built for the city · Room for 2 layers
The Labfresh Parka is designed for comfort in urban and winter conditions. Layering here is about staying comfortable — not technical performance management.
What NOT to do
No cotton base layers — cotton holds sweat against your skin and gets cold fast. Always merino or synthetic if you wear one.
No puffer mid layers under insulated jackets — the Nunatak, Delta, and Labfresh Parka already have 80g Sorona® inside. Adding another insulated jacket underneath will overheat you. A fleece is the maximum.
No Mountain INS Jacket under a ski jacket — it's too warm for the activity. Stick to a thin fleece if you need extra warmth on the slope.
Use your vents — all Cortazu hardshells have armpit ventilation zippers. Open them before removing layers. It's faster and easier.
Not sure which jacket is right for you? Compare our Hardshell Jackets here.