Winter Adventure Riding: My Layering System for Cold Weather Comfort

There's something special about heading out on a cold winter's morning. The roads are quiet, the air is crisp, and if you're lucky, the mist hangs over the valleys as the sun begins to break through. The challenge is that winter riding is rarely the same all day. A ride that starts at 4°C can easily end in the mid-20s, especially here in South Africa. If you dress too warmly, you'll overheat by mid-morning. Too lightly, and the first hour becomes an endurance test. After years of adventure riding, I've settled on a layering system that keeps me comfortable from the first chilly kilometre until I get home. Layer 1: Merino Wool Base Layer Everything starts with merino wool. Depending on the forecast, I'll wear either a short- or long-sleeved merino wool T-shirt. Merino has become one of my favourite riding materials because it regulates body temperature exceptionally well. It keeps me warm on cold mornings, remains comfortable as temperatures rise and doesn't retain odours like synthetic fabrics. Most importantly, it stays comfortable all day. Layer 2: Leatt ADV 3.5 ThermaFlow The next layer is my Leatt ADV 3.5 ThermaFlow Jacket. This is probably one of the most versatile pieces of riding gear I own. It provides just the right amount of insulation without adding unnecessary bulk and works equally well on and off the bike. In fact, it's comfortable enough that I often wear it casually when we're stopping for breakfast or around camp. It traps warmth while still allowing enough breathability that I don't immediately overheat once the riding becomes more technical. Layer 3: Leatt 5.5 FlowTour Jacket Over the thermal layer goes my Leatt 5.5 FlowTour Jacket. This is where the impact protection comes in, with CE Level 2 armour, abrasion resistance and excellent ventilation. Even in winter I prefer wearing my normal adventure jacket rather than swapping to a dedicated winter jacket because it allows me to adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Layer 4: Leatt HydraDri Rain Jacket If temperatures are close to freezing or there's rain in the forecast, the final layer is the Leatt HydraDri Rain Jacket. Although it's designed as a waterproof shell, it performs another equally important job by blocking the cold wind completely. The result is a surprisingly effective thermal barrier that traps warm air inside the other layers. It's remarkable how much warmer the ride becomes simply by eliminating wind chill. Keeping the Cold Out One small item I never leave home without is a Buff neck gaiter. Cold air finding its way down your collar can make even the warmest jacket feel inadequate. The Buff seals that gap perfectly, keeping the wind off my neck and making a noticeable difference to overall comfort. Sometimes it's the smallest pieces of kit that have the biggest impact. Lower Body My lower body setup depends on the conditions. For colder road-focused rides, I'll wear my Alpinestars ST-1 riding pants with their thermal liner installed. If I'm planning more off-road riding, I switch to my Leatt 5.5 Rally Pants, adding a pair of merino wool leggings underneath. This combination gives me excellent warmth while maintaining the flexibility and ventilation needed once the riding becomes more technical. Planning for the Afternoon One of the biggest mistakes riders make is dressing only for the cold morning. By lunchtime, you've usually removed a layer or two, which creates another problem... Where do you put them? That's one of the reasons I fitted an Enduristan 8-litre Tail Pack. It's the perfect size for carrying the Leatt HydraDri jacket and ADV 3.5 ThermaFlow once the day warms up. Instead of strapping jackets to the bike or stuffing them into panniers, they pack away neatly and are ready to put back on when the temperature drops again. For me, it's become an essential part of my winter riding setup. Final Thoughts Over the years, I've realised that staying comfortable on a winter ride isn't about wearing the thickest jacket you can find. It's about building a system that works throughout the day. By combining lightweight, breathable layers with a windproof outer shell, I can comfortably ride through frosty mornings, adapt as the temperature climbs and still enjoy technical trails without overheating. For me, that's what adventure riding is all about. The weather is just another part of the journey, and with the right layering system, it's something to enjoy rather than endure.