Stories
All About Mid Layers
The global market for adventure tourism could be worth more than a trillion dollars by 2032. Whether you're planning an extreme climb or a hike with the family, the right clothing is a key part of your safety and comfort. Mid layer clothing deserves special attention for your winter activities. It helps keep you warm and dry no matter the conditions. LÉ BENT mid layers, in particular, give you top-level performance. Learn more about what makes an excellent mid layer and why your next mid layer should be LÉ BENT. What Makes a Good Layering Outfit? Layering is essential for staying warm and comfortable during outdoor pursuits. You can take layers on and off as your activity level or the weather changes. A good layering outfit includes the base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. These layers work together, but each has a different role in the system. For instance, the base layer wicks sweat off your skin.On the other hand, the mid layer is the insulating layer. It prevents your body heat from escaping. For the most versatility, you may use more than one mid layer. Finally, the outer layer protects you from the wind, rain, and snow. Even if you don't start out wearing all three layers, taking them with you is a good idea. That way, you'll be prepared if conditions change. Features of a Good Mid Layer Good mid layers have several key features. You want mid layer clothing with the right balance for the activity you plan to do. Protects from the Cold The primary role of almost all clothing is to protect from the cold. This is especially important for mid layer clothing. One of the main ways the body loses heat is convection. When cold air or water moves across your skin, you feel colder. Mid layers should help prevent convective heat loss. The wind has a significant effect on how fast you lose heat. A good mid layer will provide some protection from the wind. In addition to the fabric itself, design features like elasticated cuffs can help prevent cold from penetrating a mid layer jacket. Retains Body Heat and Vents Extra Heat The purpose of a women's or men's mid layer jacket is insulation. The type of mid layer you choose lets you control how much body heat you retain. Insulating fabrics create small air pockets that trap heat close to your body. They prevent cold air from getting through to your skin. A mid layer should also let you vent extra heat. You need flexibility for changing conditions and activity levels. Breathable Breathability is just as critical as insulation for mid layers. Breathability describes how well a fabric lets moisture vapour get through. A good mid layer lets sweat moisture out before the moisture affects the fabric. If your clothes get wet on the inside, you can get just as cold as if rain soaked in from the outside. Wet clothes make you lose heat much faster than dry ones. Highly insulating fabrics and waterproof fabrics are typically not very breathable. Look for mid layer clothing that balances these features to give you the best performance. Water-Resistant A mid layer needs to be breathable, but it should also be water-resistant. Protecting you from rain and snow is the leading role of your outer layer. However, some water resistance is essential for the mid layer too. If your mid layer sticks out from the bottom of your outer layer, you'll notice a lack of water resistance. A water-resistant mid layer allows you to use it as an outer layer in mild conditions. Lightweight Mid layers should feel light. You want lightweight clothing that gives you the level of protection you need. A good warmth-to-weight ratio is especially important. Versatile in Function and Style A versatile mid layer gives you more options. You may want to wear it as a standalone item for high-intensity activities. A stylish mid layer can be at home in the city as well as on the mountain. Moves with Your Body You don't want mid layers to restrict your freedom of movement. LÉ BENT mid layers feature a FlowState Sleeve System that gives you best-in-class freedom of movement, as rated by Outside Magazine. We believe that a mid layer shouldn't interfere with your performance. Our mid layers help level up an experience where others might obstruct it. Types of Materials for Mid Layers Down, polyester fleece, and Merino wool are some of the most common materials for mid layers. They each have pros and cons depending on your needs. Down Natural goose or duck down makes a very warm, lightweight, and packable mid layer. It provides some wind resistance but loses its insulating abilities when wet. Down is a relatively expensive option. Polyester Polyester fleece is soft and breathable. It dries quickly. On the other hand, a fleece mid layer is economical but durable. However, fleece can pill up over time. It's also less compressible than down. Merino Wool A Merino wool mid layer is very durable. It provides excellent temperature regulation and retains warmth when wet, unlike natural down, Wool has anti-odour properties, meaning, Merino mid layer doesn't require frequent washing. However, wool doesn't have the same warmth-to-weight ratio as down. What Makes LÉ BENT Mid Layers Unique? LÉ BENT mid layers combine the best materials and design features. Our unique blend of Merino wool and rayon bamboo gives you exceptional performance and comfort. In addition, it's a powerful insulator that helps regulate your body temperature in all conditions. The padded chest panels in our mid layer jacket feature a 100-gram blend of 30% wool with recycled polyester. The 10K/10K shell fabric gives you water resistance and breathability. Our Flow State sleeve system provides more freedom of movement than you expect from mid layer clothing. Choosing Your Mid Layer Clothing Mid layers are an essential part of your clothing system. From ski mid layer to mid layer hiking clothing, you can guarantee that LÉ BENT has what you're looking for. Our men's mid layer and women's mid layer collections are specially designed for your needs. We use a unique blend of innovative materials and design to help you reach the next level. Browse our catalogue to find your perfect mid layer.
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5 Reasons Why Ski Socks are Worth the Investment
Skiing has long been one of the most popular winter sports. It’s not hard to see why! It is extremely fun and can be customized to fit all skill levels. Really, the only downside is having to deal with the frigid cold temperatures that accompany so much time in the snow. Luckily, that problem can easily be solved by getting the right gear to deal with the climate. Everyone knows one needs a good pair of snow pants and a winter coat, but many often forget the importance of ski socks for a great day on the slopes. It's incredible the difference this one clothing item can make. After spending so much time getting the right gear, it would be a shame to have your time on the mountain ruined by frozen toes. Investing in the best ski socks is one way to ensure you get the most comfort out of your boots and have a great time on the mountain. Here are five of the most important reasons to get good ski socks for the season. Improved Comfort and Warmth Cold toes happen when the wrong materials are used when making the socks. Great women's ski socks and men's ski socks are made out of materials that offer both moisture-wicking properties while still offering adequate insulation. The balance between those two is where you'll find the most comfort for a full day of skiing. Beyond keeping you extra warm, a good ski sock should also help you stay as comfortable as possible in your boots. This means fitting tight enough to help prevent blisters and having extra support and cushioning where needed to avoid tired arches and heels or bruised shins. Ski socks come with a range of different cushioning profiles to suit your preference. Choosing a pair that specifically works with your boots and style of skiing in mind will have a tremendous impact. Enhanced Performance Before hitting the slopes, the emphasis is often placed solely on finding a well-fitting boot to wear. This is definitely important but can be made even better when you pair an amazing ski sock with your footwear. A sock designed for this activity will have added support for the ankle and foot to improve stability and balance. So much of skiing is transferring your weight with very controlled movements. The more support you can give your feet and ankles, the better they'll be able to handle those movements for hours on end. A pro-series ski sock utilizes LÉ BENT Definitive Fit System™ of strategically placed elastic and stitching to give you precisely that level of support you need. Extra emphasis is placed on the instep, achilles, and ankle to keep your muscles from getting too tired and to keep your feet locked in the correct positions as you ski. And best of all, these socks are made with Memory Stretch™, so they feel like a custom fit every time you put them on! Longer Lifespan - Durable & Built For Boots Skiers' feet do a lot of the work in getting them down the mountain, which is why a regular pair of socks will wear out faster than you'd like. It can be incredibly frustrating to have to continually replace the same piece of equipment after only a few ski days. But this won't be the case when you invest in the best ski socks. Instead, you'll be able to wear them for countless runs down the mountain and have them still feel brand new. One of the keys to this is the materials used in creating these specific socks. Merino wool ski socks are designed to withstand regular exposure to the colder weather and hold up great against the additional friction from all the movement. After you have a good pair of ski socks, you'll never have to think about having cold toes again! Wide Range of Options - Colorful and Fun A part of the fun of being a skier is finding the best outfit and gear to wear. There are so many styles and types available that you can show your personality and fashion sense every time you're on the mountain. This is true of the socks you wear as well. You can go for a perfectly coordinating pair or choose something that stands out and makes more of a statement. Either way, you won't have to be embarrassed when you take your boots off in the lodge. Not only can you choose the color or pattern of your ski socks, but also the thickness, material, and height. Convenience - Wash Friendly & Odor Free Often, a hobby can be ruined by the preparation it takes to participate. The packing up and getting ready to go can feel too daunting even to tackle. Then you have to think about all the clean-up required when you've finished the activity. All of that work can suck the fun right out of it. This doesn't have to be the case, however. You can choose gear that is easy to maintain and keep ready to go at all times. Ski socks that are machine washable and can be thrown in with the rest of your snow gear and then packed away quickly, makes the whole process much simpler. Instead of having to take special care, you can throw everything you need for a day in the snow in a bag and head to the mountain! Being made of Merino Wool and rayon from bamboo, Lé Bent ski socks can also be worn for multiple days in a row without washing and remain odor free. Invest in LÉ BENT Ski Socks Investing in high-quality ski socks means you'll have warm, cozy toes while on the mountains for years to come. With all of the options available, you'll be able to find a pair that matches your style and skill level for optimal performance. And then you'll know every inch of you is covered. LÉ BENT is where you can go to get all the ski gear you need, including the best socks for skiing. Our quality and selection are unmatched for all different levels. Our team has been working with industry professionals for decades to get the perfect pair for you and your ski boots. We can help you find the right pair, so check out our selection of snow socks today!
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Why Wool? Introducing LÉ BENT’s Hybrid Insulated Jackets
The invention of synthetic fabrics such as polyester in the middle of the 20th century seemingly solved this problem. The majority of modern clothes are made from these artificial textiles. This includes your average insulated jacket. Yet, these materials are cheap, dry quickly, and are easy to mass-produce. This may sound like a consumer's dream. Unfortunately, the reality is that synthetic fabrics are unsustainable and unethical. The materials have a negative impact on global ecosystems when washed. So what is the answer for the modern outdoor adventurer who seeks to revel in the natural world without destroying it? While this may come as a shock to many, the answer is wool! Keep reading to discover why a Merino wool jacket is the ideal staple for cold-weather adventure clothing needs. Why Wool? Wool is a versatile fiber that humans have been using to make durable clothing for thousands of years. Yet, modern perceptions of wool tend to conjure images of itchy, unwanted Christmas sweaters. Merino wool breaks and dispels all negative stereotypes associated with wool. It is a fine wool that comes from Merino sheep. It not only surpasses synthetic fibers in terms of outdoor performance needs but is also a sustainable, natural resource. In addition to being good for the environment, insulated jackets made with Merino wool can be ethical. Sheep actually benefit from being sheared as health problems can arise for them if their wool grows too long. Since wool always grows back, it makes for a quality renewable resource. What ethically-guided consumers need to be aware of when shopping for Merino wool clothing is a process called mulesing. This is when sections of the sheep's skin are removed in an attempt to reduce insect infestations in the wool. However, this harmful practice has proven unnecessary and cruel, so look for brands that source non-mulesed wool. Understandably, you won’t want to sacrifice performance or safety when being active in harsh, cold conditions. So it’s good to know you can have both natural and ethically sourced products that perform as well as, or most of the time, better than the artificial competition. Here are six ways a Merino wool insulated jacket performs better than synthetics. 1. Superior Warmth and Comfort Merino wool fibers are thin and fine, making the wool so soft that it is often compared to cashmere. Even those with sensitive skin will find it silky to the touch. Moreover, a 2019 scientific study shows that Merino wool helps reduce the severity and surface area of eczema compared to standard clothing. Wool also makes for an excellent insulator, as the formation of its fibers allows for air to be trapped within, keeping the wearer nice and warm. 2. Temperature-Regulating One of the struggles outdoor enthusiasts face is finding clothing that keeps them warm without leading to overheating and dampness from excess sweating. Merino wool is a perfect solution because it not only has the capacity to trap heat but also provides its wearer with a built-in moisture-wicking system. Its fine-wool fibers can store moisture at an undetectable level. When that moisture evaporates, it creates a cooling effect. In this way, Merino wool is perfect for temperature-regulating jackets. It automatically keeps one warm while managing the sweat produced from body heat, leaving its user feeling just right. 3. Quick-Drying Whether one is skiing or trekking, an insulated jacket with fast-drying properties is a must. While Merino wool does have the ability to absorb moisture, it does so without leaving one feeling wet or damp. Its moisture-wicking system also helps it dry quickly. Moreover, it can dry as efficiently as synthetic polyester when crafted into quick-drying jackets combined with other types of fibers. 4. Odor-Resistant One of the areas where Merino wool outperforms polyester by a landslide is its resistance to odor. While polyester absorbs less moisture, this leads the smelly oils that form body odor to settle into the fabric. Merino wool's absorption and evaporation properties make it odor-resistant, as the smells vaporize along with the water. For this reason, Merino wool requires less washing than other textiles. This is yet another way wool proves more sustainable and better for the environment. 5. High Breathability The air pockets in wool fibers that create a temperature-regulating system also facilitate excellent breathability for Merino wool clothing. Garments like this women's insulated jacket are designed to not only harness the power of Merino wool's natural breathability but also to build on it with additional features designed with outdoor adventure in mind. 6. Durable and Long-Lasting Merino wool is a natural fiber, which makes it biodegradable, unlike polyester. However, some may wonder if that makes it less durable, something that will need replacing quickly. Fortunately, Merino wool is a highly sturdy natural fiber due to how its protein structures cause the fibers to interlock. Not only that, but the shape of the fibers themselves enhances the wool's durability and elasticity. Yet another strength of wool is the natural UV protection it provides. Several scientific studies have proven that Merino wool provides a superior barrier to UV waves than that of all other textiles. It does so by absorbing the rays and thereby shielding the user from them. Live Your Adventure in Comfort With an Insulated Jacket Finding the right clothing for cold-weather adventures is difficult enough as it is. Trying to do so while factoring in environmental sustainability and ethics makes it all the more challenging. A non-mulesed insulated jacket made with Merino wool is the best way to tick all your conscious consumer boxes without sacrificing quality or performance. There's an insulated jacket to fit everyone's individual needs. Click on the link to find a variety of Merino wool apparel, including insulated jackets for women and specially designed men's insulated jackets that will keep any adventurer warm, dry, and feeling fresh.
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Reasons to Get 3/4 Base Layer Bottoms for Men
There were around 61 million ski visits in the United States during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. That percentage was up nearly 3.5% compared to previous years. One of the biggest reasons ski numbers have increased is that the recent COVID-19 pandemic pushed more people to try outdoor activities.
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Trail Socks Versus Running Socks — Differences Explained
Trail running is one of today's fastest-growing sports, with an estimated 20 million runners worldwide—up from just under 4 million in 2012. If that trend continues, another 3 million runners will leave the pavement behind by next year in search of tight weaving single track and gravel trails.
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Comfort and Performance — Picking The Perfect Pair of Ski Socks
To ensure you have the best day possible on the slopes, the importance of dressing well and layering correctly cannot be understated. Keeping warm whilst also maintaining breathability and performance can be a tricky balancing act. The right fabric and cushion profile will help massively, and high-quality ski socks will keep your feet comfortable and in top condition on the slopes.
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What to Pack for Your Ski Trip: A Quick Guide
On average, there are more than seven million people who ski or snowboard every year. These winter sports provide a fun outlet for people to enjoy the outdoors and the thrill of descending a snowy mountain.
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The LÉ BENT Guide to Choosing Trail Running Socks
Trail running is an invigorating experience. Nature's sights, sounds, and smells are healing and therapeutic for your body. It's also a great alternative to the repetition of running on roads.
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LÉ BENT Hiking Essentials: How to Gear Up for Hiking
Hiking is one of the most common and popular outdoor activities. This may not be too surprising considering hiking is a beautiful activity that allows you to see unique parts of the world. However, if you're not prepared with the right hiking clothing, you will Not be able to properly enjoy the great outdoors.
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