I am a layering guy.  That is how I was taught and my experience as a mountaineer, hunter, SAR Tech, skier and ATVer has only solidified my belief in that methodology.  Three layers to be exact.  Base.  Insulation.  Shell.  Only occasionally will I carry a fourth layer in the form of a wool or synthetic wool shirt over my base layer. 

I choose my base layer to match the expected temperature range and situation.  It is either a light, mid or expedition weight polypro zip t-neck from REI or Patagonia, although I am looking at some wool and fish net bases also.  Then I always wear my shell unless it is just too warm to wear anything over the base.  The insulation layer is the variable.  When I am moving and generating heat, the insulation piece is in my pack.  I pull it out and put it on, when I stop to glass or eat or bivy, between my base and shell layers where it is protected and does me the most good.  This way I don’t need any wind or water protection built into my insulator which keeps it as light as possible.
 
The only question is, synthetic or goose down.  That is an easy decision.  If there is a chance that the down could get wet, meaning moderate temperatures around or higher than freezing, I choose the synthetic.  Otherwise I use high quality down.  When it is cold and you are a day or more from the truck, there is nothing better than goose down.  Period.

Here are the insulation pieces that I am currently recommending.  I will make changes to this list when necessary.

Down
Western Mountaineering-Flight Series Jacket
Western Mountaineering-Meltdown Jacket
Nunatak-Skaha Plus Sweater
Nunatak-Torre Down Parka
Mont-Bell-U.L. Down Inner Jacket-7.3 oz total weight, 2 oz fill weight (size med)

Synthetic
Insport-Level 3 High Loft Half Zip Pullover
Outdoor Research-Saturn Suit
Patagonia-Das Parka (can use w/o a shell)
Mont-Bell-U.L. Thermawrap Jacket-Exceloft, 8.8 oz total weight (size med)
Marmot-TR6 Jacket (midweight, has pit zips)
Cabelas-Polartec Classic 300 ECWCS Mil Spec Jacket (has pit zips)
Cabelas-Polartec Classic 300 ECWCS Mil Spec pants
RAB Generator Jacket with Primaloft

Wool
Cabelas-Windshear Trek-Tech 100% Wool Quarter-Zip Sweater
Patagonia Cashmere Raglan 1/4 Zip sweater

Insulation pieces currently under consideration.
Wild Things-Primaloft Sweaters without the hood
Mont Bell-Climaplus Wool Windstopper Jacket (can use w/o a shell)
Integral Designs-Rundle Jacket with Primaloft
Integral Designs-PLQ Jacket with Primaloft
Patagonia Lightweight R4 Fleece Jacket
Patagonia R4 Jacket
Cabelas-Military Weight Polartec Power Stretch Union Bibs
Cabelas-Mountain Sherpa Jacket
Wild Things-Belay Bibs with Primaloft
Wild Things-EP Pants with Primaloft
Wiggys-Alaska Range Parka Liner L-3 20deg thickness
Wiggys-Alaska Range Parka Liner L-6 minus 20 deg thickness
Wiggys-Alaska Range Parka Liner L-12 arctic thickness
Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket with Primaloft or Climasheild
Arcteryx LEAF Atom LT Liner Jacket
Patagonia Down Sweater
The North Face Nuptse Jacket and Vest
Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket
Mont-Bell EX Light Down Jacket
Mont-Bell Alpine Light Down Jacket
Mont-Bell Permafrost Light Down Jacket
Sitka Gear Kelvin Jacket with Primaloft (camo)
Sitka Gear Jetstream Jacket with Gore Windstopper (camo)

Thanks.
 
Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who won't or can't turn back.