I've always been pleased with the comfort of my baselayer and outer layer selections-it's the mid layers for cold weather hiking that never seem ideal for me.
For a cold-weather baselayer, I've always been pleased with the wicking of a lightweight Polartec Power Dry or Power Stretch base.A rain hardshell like a Marmot Precip stays in my pack in case of rain but is rarely used except for windy summit stops. My favorite hiking wind barrier is no longer a heavy softshell, but an ultralight Montane brand wind jacket. Only worn if windy. A puffy 800 fill down jacket also stays in the pack, worn as needed during rests. Too hot for activity.
Now for the mid-layers. Over the years, I've tried numerous Polartec midlayers when tempertures required, including 100, 200,300, Thermal Pro, everything except the less-breathable wind-proof fleeces. Thye have kept me warm even when damp, but are very bulky to put in the pack when not worn. I've also tried the most recent trend of puffy midlayers such as primaloft jackets. Much more packable than fleece but usually too warm for heavy activity. Plus, their use results in carrying 2 puffys at times since I really want a warmer 800 fill down puffy for emergencies and rests with me.
What do you prefer for midlayers over a base when colder tempertures require one? Fleece, wool, primaloft, down, Marmot wind shirt, etc?
For a cold-weather baselayer, I've always been pleased with the wicking of a lightweight Polartec Power Dry or Power Stretch base.A rain hardshell like a Marmot Precip stays in my pack in case of rain but is rarely used except for windy summit stops. My favorite hiking wind barrier is no longer a heavy softshell, but an ultralight Montane brand wind jacket. Only worn if windy. A puffy 800 fill down jacket also stays in the pack, worn as needed during rests. Too hot for activity.
Now for the mid-layers. Over the years, I've tried numerous Polartec midlayers when tempertures required, including 100, 200,300, Thermal Pro, everything except the less-breathable wind-proof fleeces. Thye have kept me warm even when damp, but are very bulky to put in the pack when not worn. I've also tried the most recent trend of puffy midlayers such as primaloft jackets. Much more packable than fleece but usually too warm for heavy activity. Plus, their use results in carrying 2 puffys at times since I really want a warmer 800 fill down puffy for emergencies and rests with me.
What do you prefer for midlayers over a base when colder tempertures require one? Fleece, wool, primaloft, down, Marmot wind shirt, etc?
Last edited: