Layering for changing conditions | The XT Series system

Mornings start cold. Climbs warm you fast. Clouds roll in unexpectedly, then lift just as quickly. On most hikes, you don’t experience one condition, you move through many. 

That’s the problem the XT series is built to solve.  

Why layering matters  

Layering isn't about piling on clothes. It's about staying adaptable. 

The XT Series is Kathmandu’s most advanced modular hiking system, designed so each layer works independently but integrates seamlessly when conditions change. No redundant features. No excess bulk. 

LayerOne: The foundation 

Everything starts here. XT LayerOne base layers use lightweight Octa Fleece to manage moisture, regulate warmth and dry fast when your output is high. 

They dry quickly, breathe efficiently, and keep your system working from the inside out. Get this layer right and the rest of the system has something solid to build on. 

LayerTwo: Adaptable warmth on the move 

The heart of the system is the XT Series Hybrid Octa Fleece Hooded Jacket, an ISPO Award‑winning midlayer that’s earned its recognition. It combines Octa insulation with recycled Cordura panels deliver warmth when you need it and breathability when your pace picks up. When conditions ease and you don’t need it at all, it packs down small, until the next cloud rolls in.  

HeatLock and HydroProof: Options, not obligations 

Not every hike needs every layer. 

When temperatures dip, the XT Series Cordura LT Down Hooded Jacket adds lightweight insulation, and when stored doesn’t weigh down your pack. When the wind picks up and rain rolls in, HydroProof rainwear completes the system, keeping the elements out while everything underneath stays functional. You choose what the day calls for. The system handles the rest. 

Built for changing weather, not single moments 

XT lets you move comfortably through unpredictable trail conditions without stopping to rethink what you’re wearing. 

Because the best system is the one that moves with you. 

Shop the XT Range