windproof hooded baselayer

how about this:

http://melanzana.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/24_33/products_id/45

but windpro 200 is a bit heavier than I'm looking for.

In my fantasy world, it'd be more of a midweight capilene weight.

thanks for the link.

If you find an item that fits this description, I would like to know. I've been looking for the same item myself. I would really like it to be a Cap 2 or a Cap 3 weight myself.

What would be the advantage of this vs. a hooded wind shirt over a conventional hooded base layer? I have a Mountain Hardwear windproof base layer that fits the description, except sans a hood. I usually end up using it as a trim-fitting mid-layer however.

well, for one thing it would be one layer. I find I like to sleep in a hooded shirt in the cold, rather than a hat because the hat inevitably falls off.

also, in the single wall sil shelters so common these days, you get more wind blowing through the tent, so a windproof hood for sleeping in sounds ideal.

As I mentioned, my partner has something like this, basically a very light fleece layer. She can do more with that single layer than I can with any combo of any 2 layers I pack.

Aaron +1…

I believe an ensemble like BPLs Beartooth hoody plus a Patagonia Hoodini would be incredibly versatile. There are times I need my baselayer to breath better than any windproof fabric on the market currently does.

Currently I'm using a Capilene 2 l/s plus an old Golite Ether… works pretty well but the above is on my "must purchase list". For very cold conditions I sub the Cap 2 for an R1 hoody.

I want to have these items in my clothes quiver:

midweight base layer
hoody
real rain shell
wind shirt

but I don't want to carry all those layers.

My GTX Pac-lite won't stand up to extended use under a backpack without delaminating.

My 14oz shoftshell hooded jacket doesn't hold up in real rain (I'm in seattle)

my baselayer actually paradoxically seems like the most expendable item, as most of the time it is warm enough to hike in my sun shirt. when it gets colder, I add a layer, usually the softshell.

For the way I know I'll use it, the 200wt is a bit too warm. But I don't really need a "base layer" I just need something midweight.

don't know it that helps at all, but that's how I'm thinking of it. One challenge here is that I can't really layer my softshell over a down sweater, so if I need warmth and rain protection, I'm taking a shell and the softshell, which is just redundant and heavy.

out of all those layers mentioned above, the one that gets the least trail use is actually the base layer.

Stretch woven fabrics like that in the Patagonia Traverse line come to mind. Fairly wind resistant (define windproof), very breathable, and with warmth comparable to Capilene 3. Of course the Traverse pullover is not hooded, nor does it fit baselayer tight.

I suppose I wind my Houdini more useful in most circumstances because it can go over just a t-shirt, or over a thick fleece hoody.

I know it has already been mentioned and that you didn't seem to interested but…
The baselayer + windshirt (or just rain jacket) would probably be the lighter more versatile option (for equal warmth). Also, I would consider a hoodless baselayer with a buff headwear piece.
If you really want a hooded windblocking baselayer, you will probably have to go MYOG route. Seattle Fabric sells 100wt windpro fleece.
James

I was trying to avoid the "why" debate by asking about a specific layer I can't seem to find.

Maybe the solution is to work the heck out of the softshell jacket on the trail, as I don't expect to be able to stay dry while hiking in the wet anyway. Then take something very light and non breathable for in-camp rain protection. Maybe the AGG sil shell or something.

I got a lot of sewing to do before I could pull off a jacket. Probably not an option for me.

I find it quite interesting that someone asks a question about a specific piece of gear and instead of getting responses regarding the item in question, that person is told what they should use.

Yeah, I use a Houdini over a thermal piece myself. But, in certain situations I would like one piece of gear that would cover what my two pieces currently do.

Not trying to ruffle any feathers or start a debate among what everyone thinks someone should or shouldn't use. Just saying.

this could be the ticket – i have but tend to use it as a midlayer as its a bit big for me

http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Mountain-Hardwear-Transition-Softshell-Jacket-Mens/MHW0723M.html

i found it way to hot to hike in. being that up here in the frozen north I over heat in a BPL hoody in like 0c.

Good point Robert, I was a bit on the fence about posting my recommendation for the reason you mentioned. I guess if Brian wanted alternatives he would have mentioned that. I was thinking about how I used to want similar things. In my defense, I did do a search for the item he asked about.
Brian, sorry if my recommendation came off as dismissing your idea or wish. Regarding your softshell / non-breathable option. I have, recently, decided to go with a similiar setup for most conditions (seam sealed wind jacket over baselayer and a nonbreathable lightweight rain jacket). Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try combo out yet – I haven't been on the trail since Jan. (so depressing)…

>well, for one thing it would be one layer. I find I like to sleep in a hooded shirt in the cold, rather than a hat because the hat inevitably falls off.

How about a buff or (even better) a buff with a brim, both of which can be worn as a conventional hat during the day and balaklava style at night. At night, I arrange it so that the brim nestles the back of my neck and keeps off those, cold winds that sneak up under my tarp. I've never had one come off, day or night and they weight next to nuthin'.

Stargazer, in two buffs to the left on a very cold day

and no worries, I'm asking for advice — so long as it's kinda on topic, it's all good to me.

I hadn't see a visor buff before, you mean something like this? http://www.planetbuff.com/Spring-Buff-Sale/c22/p243/Beee-UV/product_info.html

I do like a hood over a buff or hat just cause my neck gets cold. I'll have to try your dbl billed approached James.

The transition jacket is pretty good. I have one, and I find it perfect for cold mornings of active hiking, when worn over my sunshirt.

my thought was if I could find something similar, but a bit closer to a baselayer, it would free me up to pack a more reliable rain shell that would also fit over my down. The main weakness with the transition is it is too form fitting to wear over down.

I guess I'm going in circles at this point, which either means I'm silly or I'm close to dialed in. right? lol

> I hadn't see a visor buff before, you mean something like this? http://www.planetbuff.com/Spring-Buff-Sale/c22/p243/Beee-UV/product_info.html

That one is more like a traditional cap.

These are the ones I mean, shown in pirate hat mode:

http://www.buyabuff.com/Visor/visor1.htm

They're basically a tubular Buff with a brim attached. They can be worn in a variety of configulations, including full balaklava mode. They're great to sleep in, and they keep the sun off during the day.

Stargazer

when looking for similar items i came across this. not windproof, but wind resistant and power stretch is super comfy.

i'm still just using my pat r.5 wishing it had a hood :)

http://www.rei.com/product/786736

I don't think anyone makes a "windproof" hooded base layer. Even something like windpro lets through a fair amount of air flow (that's why I use it for bay area "winter" bike riding… just the right balance of protection and ventilation).

I generally I would second people's recommendations of a hoody base layer + windshirt. Plenty of options of hoodies from the BPL Merino, to the REI (and other) PowerStretch, to the Patagonia R1 Hoodie (PowerDry). My vote would be for PowerStretch, bt the R1 Hoodie is extremely versatile.

Another possibility is a lightly lined windshirt. This is something I have used time to time and my daughter is very fond of. Examples include Marmot DriClim, Buffalo Mountain Shirt, Montbell Light Shell, Rab Vapour Rise Lite.

Finally, there are some stream woven materials which are fairly comfortable against the skin which wick somewhat (not as good as a good base, but better than a traditional windshirt). Examples in the Rab Alpine Pullover (Pertex Equaliubrium) or the Cloudveil Peak Pullover (Interia Plus). Generally I would recommend using them with a tech-tee or featherweight base.

–Mark