The British Army dresses for cold weather in layers. A wicking thermal base layer goes next to the skin, an insulating layer such as a fleece, Norgie or Buffalo-style pile thermal smock goes over it, and an outer shell goes on top. The shell is a windproof smock in dry cold, or a Gore-Tex waterproof jacket and trousers when it is wet. Layers go on and off as conditions change.
- There are three layers: base (wicking), mid (insulation) and outer (windproof or waterproof shell).
- A Buffalo-style pile thermal smock is worn next to the skin or over a thin base layer, and it works best under a windproof.
- MTP lightweight Gore-Tex is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Keep it for rain, sleet and wet snow.
- Avoid cotton next to the skin in cold, wet conditions.
- Head, hands and feet need their own protection: a Gore-Tex hat, outer mittens and Gore-Tex boots.
How does the military layering system work?
Several thin layers work better than one thick coat because you can change them. When you are working hard, such as carrying a bergen uphill, you take a layer off so you do not soak it with sweat. When you stop, you put insulation back on before you start to get cold. Damp clothing insulates poorly, so the whole system aims to keep you dry both from the weather outside and from your own sweat.
| Layer | Job | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Moves sweat away from the skin | Thermals and base layers |
| Mid layer | Traps warm air (insulation) | Fleece, Norgie, Buffalo-style thermal smock |
| Outer shell (dry cold) | Blocks wind and lets moisture out | MTP windproof combat smock |
| Outer shell (wet) | Blocks rain and wind while staying breathable | MTP lightweight Gore-Tex jacket and trousers |
What should I wear as a base layer?
Your base layer should move moisture away from your skin, not hold on to it. Military and outdoor thermals are designed for this. Cotton T-shirts are not: cotton soaks up sweat, stays wet and chills you as soon as you stop moving. In cold, wet conditions, keep cotton off your skin altogether. You can browse issued and outdoor options in our thermals and base layers collection.
What is a Buffalo-style thermal smock and how do you wear it?
A Buffalo-style smock is a pile-lined thermal top. The one we stock is the British Army PCS thermal smock. It is light olive, has a fleece or pile lining, a hood that packs away and zipped pockets. Pile clothing of this type is designed to be worn next to the skin or over a thin base layer. It lets moisture pass through while holding warmth, so it keeps working when you sweat.
A pile smock performs best under a windproof outer. On its own, wind blows straight through the pile and carries the warmth away. Put a windproof smock over it and the trapped air stays put. The British Army Buffalo-style thermal smock is £29.99 in Grade 1.
What is a Norgie?
"Norgie" is soldiers' slang for a Norwegian-style shirt, usually a warm knitted or fleecy top worn as a mid layer. It is a simple, cheap and very warm layer to add under a smock when you are not moving. You can find Norgies and other insulating layers in our cold weather gear collection.
When should I wear a windproof and when Gore-Tex?
This is the choice people most often get wrong. Gore-Tex is waterproof, windproof and breathable, but any waterproof breathes less freely than a windproof. If you wear Gore-Tex all day in dry cold while working hard, you will probably end up damp on the inside.
- Dry cold, frost, wind: use a windproof smock over your insulation. It breathes better and handles sweat well.
- Rain, sleet, wet snow: use the Gore-Tex jacket and trousers over everything else.
- Changeable weather: wear the windproof and carry the Gore-Tex in your pack, ready to put on over it.
If you want both Gore-Tex pieces in matching condition, the MTP Gore-Tex jacket and trousers set comes as a pair.
How do I keep my head, hands and feet warm?
A good body layering system is wasted if your extremities fail. For the head, the MTP Gore-Tex cold weather hat keeps out wind and rain. For hands, DPM Gore-Tex outer mittens go over a thinner glove, so you can take the mittens off for fine tasks without exposing bare skin. For feet, look at our Gore-Tex combat boots, and read the best British Army combat boots for help choosing.
Is there a ready-made cold weather kit?
Yes. The British Army Cold Weather Setup is a four-piece set that brings together cold-weather items in one purchase. Check the product listing for exactly what is included. It is a simple starting point if you would rather not build a system piece by piece.
What about staying warm at night?
Daytime layers are only part of cold-weather comfort. You lose a lot of heat at rest and while you sleep. The issued sleeping system uses a sleeping bag, a bivvy bag and ground insulation together. Our guide to the British Army sleeping bag system explains how the pieces fit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three layers in the military layering system?
A wicking base layer next to the skin, an insulating mid layer such as a fleece, Norgie or pile thermal smock, and an outer shell. The shell is a windproof smock in dry cold or a Gore-Tex jacket and trousers in wet weather.
Do you wear anything under a Buffalo-style smock?
Pile smocks are designed to be worn next to the skin or over a thin wicking base layer. Avoid a thick cotton layer underneath, because it holds sweat and stops the pile from moving moisture away from your body.
Is a Buffalo-style thermal smock windproof?
On its own, a pile-lined thermal smock is not very windproof, and wind will strip heat through the lining. It works best with a windproof smock over the top, which traps the warm air while still letting moisture escape.
Should I wear Gore-Tex all the time in winter?
No. Gore-Tex is waterproof and breathable, but it breathes less freely than a windproof. In dry cold, a windproof over insulation usually keeps you drier inside. Keep the Gore-Tex jacket and trousers for rain, sleet and wet snow.
Why should I avoid cotton in cold weather?
Cotton absorbs sweat and rain, holds on to it and dries slowly. Wet cotton against the skin draws heat from your body, especially once you stop moving. Wicking synthetic or wool base layers are a much safer choice in cold, wet conditions.
How much is the Buffalo-style thermal smock?
The British Army Buffalo-style thermal smock is £29.99 in Grade 1, which means good serviceable condition with light wear. You receive the grade you order. For how grading works, see surplus grades explained.
Written by the Raid Supply team, who grade every item by hand in Buckinghamshire.