“Dress for success” is a phrase we’re probably all familiar with. It’s an old adage from the business world, but it also applies to outdoor recreation. What you wear can have a big impact on your adventure.

Along these lines, here’s another saying you may know: “cotton kills”. Cotton clothing retains moisture and is reluctant to dry out, even on a bright summer day. This puts you at risk of developing hypothermia, especially since temperatures can be wildly different in the backcountry and at higher elevations.

It’s always best to leave cotton clothing at home. Instead, wear non-cotton clothes—such as those made from polyester or wool—to stay comfortable and dry on your next summer trip.

In addition to the clothes on your back, you will also want layers in your backpack to help you adjust to conditions in the backcountry. Even in the summer it is possible for snow to fall on the summits of high peaks and for overnight lows to fall below freezing. As such, here is my 5-point layering system for a safe backcountry experience: