Layering Guide
The ATO-Alpine Terrain Operations™ system is optimized to provide thermal insulation and breathability. It was developed in conjunction with our Special Operations end users who operate in severe cold conditions and demand the best. The ATO™ system is a lightweight and packable system made up of base, mid and outer layers for active and static missions.
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF THE COLD WEATHER LAYERING SYSTEM
- Designed to be lightweight and sized to accommodate users.
- Helps protect the wearer from the many levels of extreme cold.
- Designed to regulate excess body heat, and wick sweat away from the skin. It provides ventilation and reduces moisture accumulation.
- The layers in the ATO system are designed appropriately to work as a system and integrate with operational equipment in each configuration.
SYSTEM LAYER
OPERATIONAL TEMPERATURE RANGES
Base Layer
Mid Layer
Outer Layer
Concealment LayerGENERAL GUIDELINES
- All openings should be cinched closed to keep out rain, wind and snow in cold weather.
- For optimal performance, base layers should be worn next to skin only.
- Users should wear consistent sizes across all styles.
- For example, if the user is a medium regular in a Combat Shirt, they would wear a medium in all other layers.
- Knee and elbow pads are removable and can be stowed when not in use.
- Hoods of the mid and outer layer jackets are sized to fit over helmets and can be cinched down in multi directions with or without a helmet for optimized fit and protection.
- Wool mesh baselayers should always be worn under wool terry baselayers when worn together. This helps build air insulation.
Base Layer
Cold Wet +5° C down to -20° C
These unisex merino wool baselayers from Aclima® are worn as the next-to-skin layer and are the foundation of our layering system. Designed to trap heat while reducing weight, they help improve moisture wicking and transport sweat to the outer layers. The lighter weight Woolnet layers are ideal for warmer conditions or high activity, while the Hotwool layers provide more insulation for colder conditions or static activities. In extreme cold temperatures, the Woolnet can be layered under the Hotwool for maximum insulation.
Mid Layer
Cold Dry -20° C down to -40° C
The ATO™ Mid Layers provide breathable insulation and can be worn as outer layers in mild cold environments. They have been designed with high breathability in mind, utilizing fabrics like Polartec's Alpha® Direct active insulation and Power Stretch® Pro™ fleece.
Outer Layer
Extreme Cold -40° C down to -50° C
The ATO™ Outer Layers are the outer most layers in the system and provide protection from cold, wind, rain and snow. They are patterned to fit over the base and mid layers, allowing space for gear and underlayers as needed. Layers like the ATO™ High Lofts are intended for static activities and provide maximum insulation and warmth, while the ATO™ HD Overwhites are ideal for highly active missions and can be layered up or down by adjusting the base and mid layers.
Concealment Layer
The ATO™ Concealment Layer is meticulously designed to provide unparalleled concealment in snowy environments, utilizing the highly effective MultiCam® Alpine camouflage pattern. This pattern is specifically engineered to blend seamlessly with winter landscapes, ensuring the wearer remains undetected in snowy and icy terrains. The ATO™ Lightweight Overwhite and the ATO™ Heavy Duty Overwhite NB are both designed for alpine concealment but cater to different operational needs. The LW Overwhite is a highly packable and lightweight option, ideal for quick concealment in alpine environments. In contrast, the HD Overwhite NB is built for extended use in cold weather operations, offering a more robust and combat-capable design.
