The Layering System
One System. Any Summit.
Three ultralight layers designed to work alone or together. Mix, match, and stack for whatever the mountain throws at you.
The Problem
Why Layering Matters
Mountain weather doesn't ask permission. Morning frost turns to midday sun turns to afternoon thunderstorm—sometimes in the same hour. Your dog needs gear that adapts as fast as conditions change.
Most dog jackets are one-and-done: a single heavy layer that's either too warm or not warm enough. You end up carrying dead weight or leaving it behind entirely.
The Sundial system works differently.
The Approach
Three Layers. Infinite Combinations.
Every Sundial layer is designed to work alone or stacked. The secret is our horse coat-style cut—a time-tested design that's easy to put on, fits a wide range of dog builds, and stays put on the move. More importantly, it stacks cleanly without bunching, shifting, or restricting movement.
Start with what the day demands. Add layers as conditions change. Strip them off when the sun breaks through. Your dog stays comfortable. Your pack stays light.
Layer 1
Trailhead Fleece
Warmth
Polartec® Microfleece delivers warmth without weight. Wear it alone on cool mornings and crisp evenings, or use it as the base layer under insulation when temps really drop. This is your everyday layer—the one that lives in your pack all season.
- Cool mornings and evenings
- Shoulder-season hikes
- Base layer under puffy in cold
- Camp hangs and town stops
Layer 2
Switchback Puffy
Insulation
Recycled synthetic fill wrapped in an ultralight DWR shell. The Switchback insulates even when damp, packs down to nothing, and adds serious warmth without serious weight. This is your summit layer—the one that turns a cold dog into a comfortable dog.
- Cold starts and summit pushes
- Belays and extended breaks
- Winter camping
- Over fleece for maximum warmth
Layer 3
Ridgeline Shell
Protection
At 2.75oz in a size medium, the Ridgeline is lighter than most humans' rain jackets. Ultralight silpoly with a DWR finish sheds rain, sleet, and wind—without the weight penalty. This is your emergency layer—the one you forget is in your pack until you need it.
- Rain and wet snow
- Wind protection above treeline
- Over fleece or puffy in mixed conditions
- Any time weather turns
Field Guide
How to Stack
The layers go on in order: fleece first (closest to dog), puffy second, shell on top. Each layer's cut is designed to nest cleanly, so nothing shifts or bunches.
| Condition | Layers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool & Dry (40–55°F) | Fleece alone | Morning starts, evening camps |
| Cold & Dry (20–40°F) | Fleece + Puffy | Summit pushes, cold camps |
| Cool & Wet | Shell alone or Fleece + Shell | Afternoon storms, light rain |
| Cold & Wet | Fleece + Puffy + Shell | Full stack for the worst days |
| Windy & Exposed | Shell alone or over any layer | Above treeline, ridge walks |
When in doubt, bring all three. The full system weighs less than most single dog jackets.
Get Started
Build Your System
Start with one layer or grab all three. Either way, you're set for whatever the mountain has planned.
Shop All Layers