Mid layers are all about keeping warm and further improving the wicking properties of your base layer to keep you as dry as possible.

Fleeces work best for this and don’t have to be expensive, there are plenty of very expensive, technical mid layers but these are generally not necessary for D of E expeditions, you can pick up much cheaper and these will be fine for most young people.

There are many suppliers of fleeces suitable for use as mid layers but you don’t necessarily have to use outdoor shops for them, many sports shops sell suitable items and it can often work out cheaper if you shop around a bit.

Two or three thin fleeces are the best option as layers will work better at trapping warm air between them than a thick one, it is also then easier to add or remove layers to regulate your body temperature as conditions can and do change very quickly in the mountains, make sure that your fleeces fit over each other so you can wear multiple mid layers if you start getting cold. I would recommend saving one for the evenings while you are not walking so you have something dry and comfortable to change into at the end of the day. Hoodies should be avoided as they are not suitable while on expedition, they will get wet and heavy, take ages to dry out and will chill your body in the process.

You need to be warm and comfortable while on D of E so you can fully enjoy the experience of being in the mountains and be able to concentrate on other important things like navigation and taking in the beautiful countryside, the best way to do this is multiple, thin, synthetic layers. Avoid cotton at all cost as it just won’t work in the same way.