So, I'm planning on extending my hiking into winter and want to make sure I'm prepared. I'll be doing day hikes and possibly overnighters on San Jacinto, Baldy, and San Gorgornio in SoCal. I'll be going with experienced winter hikers/campers. I want to make sure I have sufficient clothing for the winter conditions and thought I'd ask you all for advice.
I usually just hike in a pat cap 3 top and use marmot precip pants – along with gaiters, etc. I'm more concerned about when stopping/at camp and in case of extreme weather. As far as the top layers go, would adding a mid weight fleece, montbell down inner parka, and montbell peak shell cover me or should I add some sort of puffy/heavier down jacket in case of extreme weather?
If I need a heavier jacket, do you have any recommendations for less expensive options? I'm a smaller guy at around 5'5", so unfortunately the NB FUGU down jacket is out. I noticed Cabela's is having a sale on some down jackets, but don't really know if any of them would be appropriate.
