I’m looking for a warm shirt

What about a full zip windshirt? Would that be warm enough? Plenty of options on the market at less than four ounces.

For warmth on the move, fleece is hard to beat. The downside is, as you said, it's certainly heavy. I've found that my windshirt or rainshell will work on the move (over my baselayer) and then I can have a down piece for stops and camp. I try to avoid multiple insulation layers (e.g. fleece and down) but when you need it, you need it.

Maybe Patagonia's R1 would work simply as a baselayer for you? Eddie Bauer's First Ascent has their R1 copy on sale now for pretty cheap. Info in the gear deals section.

"For warmth on the move, fleece is hard to beat."

I'm afraid so.

The Eddie Bauer First Ascent site didn't seem to have any search utility.

–B.G.–

I also enjoy carrying a lightweight fleece. You're looking for a 100 weight fleece shirt that has a full front opening but weighs less than 10 ounces? I'm not sure that one exists! I use the quarter zip or no zip ones… I don't think that you're going to find something that isn't fleece that functions similarly.

Here's that First Ascent link, Bob:
http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?ensembleId=37607&&categoryId=27375&categoryName=FIRST-ASCENT-MENS-BASELAYER&pCategoryId=27373&pCategoryName=FIRST-ASCENT-MENS&gpCategoryId=27372&gpCategoryName=FIRST-ASCENT&catPath=~~categoryId=27375~~categoryName=FIRST-ASCENT-MENS-BASELAYER~~pCategoryId=27373~~pCategoryName=FIRST-ASCENT-MENS~~gpCategoryId=27372~~gpCategoryName=FIRST-ASCENT&viewAll=y

No thumbholes like their first version, though.

Fleece just isn't that light. Columbia used to make a one sided fleece pullover that weighed about 8 ounces. My upper body layers (excluding rain jacket) are thin, long sleeve top, windshirt and insulated vest/jacket. If it is chilly starting out in the morning or the wind picks up during the day, my windshirt has always sufficed. You would be surprised what a 3-5 oz windbreaker can do.

Montane Oryx is about the lightest full-zip fleece garment. Don't see the point in Powerdry for a midlayer myself but people on this forum seem to like it.

That Oryx looks like the jam.

Greg, that link takes me to something that does not have a full zip.

If I don't find a perfect solution, I will modify one of my old medium weight fleece pullovers and add a full zipper. It may not be elegant.

–B.G.–

Would a fleece vest work? How about something like the Arcteryx Breva? I'm thinking of getting one for use in cold rainy conditions…

Hmmm. A vest would be pretty cold for my arms.

The Montane Oryx seems to have merit. If the medium size is 9 ounces, then the small size might be a bit less. More money than I had in mind.

–B.G.–

http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/garments/detail/index.php?pgc=PARAMETASSHIRTTRAILMENS

The paramo trail shirt is great. A bit like a synthetic velvet fabric that wicks really well and it's reversible.

Jim, the Paramo shirt is going the wrong direction on weight. I'm looking for lighter weight with an equivalent warmth.

–B.G.–

> You're looking for a 100 weight fleece shirt that has a full front opening but
> weighs less than 10 ounces? I'm not sure that one exists!

If Jack's correctly captured your requirements take a look at the Montbell Inner Fleece. I have found it as warm as any 100wt I have used. Full zip. Men's US Large is 9oz.

–mark

"You would be surprised what a 3-5 oz windbreaker can do."

I have a 4.4-ounce hooded (silnylon) rain shell, and it does a good job of shedding wind. However, that isn't what I was after here. Comfortable warmth seems best found in fleece or brushed microfleece.

–B.G.–

The "answer man" is not allowed to ask questions…

Bob,

If weight is your primary concern and it must be a full zip then the Jack Wolfskin Atmosphere at 220 gm or 7.85 oz would be hard to beat.

http://www.jack-wolfskin.com/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1246/431_read-41013/usetemplate-product/

I often carry a light 200 weight fleece vest for summer backlpackiong a altitudes higher than 6,000 ft. But now I may leave it in favor of my Eddie Bauer down "sweater".

The vest saved my butt one 24 F. August morning on PCT south of Olancha Peak. I wore it under my GTX PacLite parka. As we walked down the valley back to Kennedy Meadows we saw 16 F.!

I haven't yet found a vendor for the Montbell fleece shirt. I have Montbell down stuff, but those are my serious cold layers. I don't generate as much heat as I used to when I was younger.

Vests are nice, too. I have down and synthetic. But they don't do much for arm warmth.

Pullovers are good, except I find it harder and harder to get in and out of them as time goes by. A full zip or button-up shirt is easier to vary for warmth.

–B.G.–

"Jack Wolfskin Atmosphere at 220 gm or 7.85 oz would be hard to beat."

That looks promising.

–B.G.–

Bob, the Montbell Inner Fleece Jacket is located on Montbell's Website under their Web Specials. I think it maybe something that they are discontinuing. Looks like all colors are still available in size small. I have their Chameece Jacket and Vest which are both great garments. http://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?cat_id=94&p_id=2304378

What about a Marmot Driclime?

"Montbell Inner Fleece Jacket"

That looks promising. That is the closest so far.

"Marmot Driclime"

They aren't getting any cheaper, are they?

–B.G.–

Eddie Bauer has a DriClime-like model.

Mistral

MSRP is $69.95

The Mistral is heavier than what I'm starting with.

Besides, I don't want to blow my entire backpacking clothing budget for the next five years.

I have a Golite windshirt with a good soft shell and little insulation, and I'm not fond of it.

–B.G.–