Outdoor Skills + Advice from NOLS: Winter Layering System Basics.
This video has pretty much everything you need know about putting together your winter layering system. In my opinion, the decision points come down (no pun intended) to the following:
1. Soft shell or hard shell jacket
I have both soft shell (Marmot Moran) and hard shell Arcter’x Beta AR) jackets. For all of the talk about how well soft shell jackets breath, I just don’t have that experience. My preferred set up is to wear Patagonia Cap 2 baselayer under a Patagonia R1 full zip fleece under my Arcter’x Beta AR shell.
2. Down or synthetic Jacket
I’m still researching the heavy insulated jacket that I will buy for winter camping and mountaineering. I’m leaning towards a down piece from First Ascent called the Peak XV Down jacket due to the durability, compressibility and weight of down. Since I’ll be using this jacket in freezing temperatures, I’m not too worried about it getting wet and staying warm (the only real benefit synthetics have over down pieces). I’m With that said, I have a Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover (60g of synthetic Primaloft insulation) that is always in my pack due to its incredible warmth to weight ratio. Obviously, the Peak XV Down Jacket is substantially warmer than the Nano Puff Pullover, but they’re not in the same market.
3. Merino wool or synthetic baselayers
Until just recently, I avoided merino wool baselayers because of the high cost. I’m starting to change my mind because my synthetic baselayers have a funk that I can’t shake no matter how many times I wash them. My new merino wool top didn’t smell too bad after 3 straight days in it. Time will tell if it will be funk resistant.
4. Soft shell or hard shell pants
Here is where I think you actually need both a soft shell and hard shell pant. My system includes a Patagonia Cap 2 or 3 baselayer depending on conditions under my First Ascent Mountain Guide Lite pants. The Mountain Guide Lite pants have been incredible, but they don’t block 100% of the wind and while pretty water repellant, they aren’t water proof. I like to carry hard shell pants (with full side zips) in my pack to put on when conditions require.
