Efficiency is key while backpacking, wild camping, and hiking. It can make your trip easier, more enjoyable, and, well, more efficient. But efficiency doesn’t just start on the trail—it begins with your gear selection. Modular systems are not only amazing while on the trail but can also save you a lot of money before you even embark on your first backpacking adventure. In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite modular systems, from clothing to the everyone’s favourite, sleep systems.
Modular Clothing Systems (aka Layering)
Now what I refer to as a modular clothing system is more commonly known as “layering.” While layering is the accepted term within the community, it is essentially modular. Everyone has their own approach, but I’ll be sharing what works best for me. I’ll divide this into two parts: clothes worn while on the move and camp clothes for when you’re stationary. Let’s start with the clothes I wear while hiking.
For my next-to-skin layer, I typically use a long-sleeve sun hoodie (minus the hood) with UV protection year-round. The reason I opt for long sleeves is versatility. I like gear that can serve multiple purposes, and you’ll notice this is a recurring theme in my choices. If it’s a bit chilly, keeping the sleeves rolled down is often enough to take the edge off. On the other hand, if you’re getting warm, simply rolling the sleeves up can help regulate your temperature.
My next layer varies depending on the season. During the warmer months, I usually have a maximum of three layers, while in colder months, I might use up to four. In warmer weather, since you’ll be generating a lot of heat while moving, I don’t see the need for a traditional mid-layer. Likewise with a wind jacket. You’re likely already carrying a waterproof jacket, so why add the extra weight of a wind jacket? In my opinion, anything a wind jacket does, a waterproof jacket does better. This leads me to my second layer: a waterproof jacket.
In warmer months, there’s usually only two things that can make you cold: rain and wind. A rain jacket is the best way to combat both. Rain jackets are also great at trapping heat, so if you start feeling chilly, putting on a rain jacket is perfect for raising your temperature. The only downside is that rain jackets also trap moisture when you perspire, so heat management is crucial. I recommend a rain jacket like the LightHeart Gear Rain Jacket, which has large pit zips that help massively with temperature regulation. Plus, it’s incredibly waterproof and windproof, making it an ideal second layer.
For colder months, I add a lightweight fleece under my waterproof jacket to retain that extra heat needed in lower temperatures. I usually start a hike with just my first and second layers, adjusting as needed. If it’s too hot, I can remove the fleece; if it’s too cold, I add the waterproof jacket.
My final potential layer is, of course, a puffy jacket. It’s rare that I need this while hiking, as my other layers usually suffice, but it’s an essential part of my camp clothing, which leads us nicely to how I layer up while at camp.
Modular Camp Clothing Systems
During the winter months, I rely on a modular system for my camp clothing. Many people opt for larger puffy jackets as temperatures drop, but in my experience, it’s better to take two lighter jackets. There are several reasons for this:
1. Temperature Regulation: It’s far easier to regulate your temperature with multiple thinner layers rather than one large layer. Start with one puffy jacket, and if that’s not enough, add the second. Likewise, if you’re too hot, removing a layer helps manage your temperature.
2. Sleeping Comfort: If you sleep in your puffy jacket, it’s much more comfortable to sleep in a thinner jacket than a bulky one, especially if you use a tight mummy style bag.
3. Weather Resistance: Puffy jackets tend to be down-filled. I use my down jacket as my first puffy layer, followed by a synthetic puffy as the top layer. This way, if I get caught in a light downpour, my jacket won’t lose its insulation properties, as synthetic-filled jackets perform well in wet weather.
To give you an idea of how this system works without overloading your pack with thermal layers, here are the jackets I use:
• Down Layer: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 (weighs 249g)
• Synthetic Layer: Patagonia Micro Puff Hooded Jacket (weighs 264g)
At a combined weight of 513g, this system isn’t much heavier (if at all) than a single large puffy jacket while being far more versatile.
Modular Sleep Systems
Now onto your backcountry bed. To make sleeping in the wild as comfortable as possible, you need to nail what backpackers call a “sleep system.” By making your sleep system modular, you can take your comfort and warmth to the next level while potentially saving money. My approach to a modular sleep system involves using my usual three-season setup—a quilt and a bag liner—and adding a synthetic quilt or a bivvy bag as well when it’s extremely cold. The main benefit of this system is customisability. If the weather forecast is uncertain in the days leading up to your trip, you can bring your full winter setup and if it turns out to be warmer than expected, simply remove a layer or two. Compare this to bringing a full winter setup that isn’t modular: while it’s better to be too hot than too cold, being at a comfortable temperature is always preferable. I know which camp I’d rather be in, pardon the pun.
Money saving expert
Another benefit of modular systems is cost. Three-season bags or quilts aren’t cheap, and buying a dedicated four-season system on top of your existing gear can be pricey. By adding to the gear you already own, you can save a lot of money. For example, adding a warmer weather synthetic quilt, like the MLD Spirit Quilt 48, to your three-season setup, it can turn it into a four-season setup for a fraction of the cost.
A similar trick is doubling up on sleeping pads. If you already have a fringe season pad, simply add a foam pad underneath to raise the R-value rather than buying a dedicated four-season pad.
Final Thoughts on Modular Systems
As you can tell, I’m a big advocate of modular systems. I struggle to find any downsides to layering gear. Adaptability and cost are just some of the many pros of a modular system. Hopefully, I’ve helped you decide whether this kind of system is right for you! Either way, I hope you enjoy your time in the outdoors and which ever system you use, I hope you stay warm!