Insulation Layer Advice

Did you try the Montbell UL Down Inner Jacket in L? A friend of mine tried the Montbell Thermawrap size L and it was too tight on him also, but the UL Down Inner Jacket seemed to fit ok in L, a little snug, but it worked. The UL Down Inner Jacket in size L weighs less than 8 oz and it seems like it's just about the right warmth, not nearly the overkill that the Alpine jacket is. I have the UL Down Inner Jacket in L, but my problem is different from you, I'm 6'6 and everything is always too short. Fits nice in the torso, but a bit too short for me. As for the Marmot Driclime, it would be plenty warm with a vest, but it's pretty heavy for the warmth. I think you can find better things out there.

I'm unclear as to how warm the piece you're looking for needs to be. If its for colder weather (freezing temps and below), I'd look at the Patagonia Micropuff Pullover. No hood or pockets, but you'll have gloves and hat to cover those areas. It's very generously cut. I'm 6', 200 lbs, broad shouldered and I can easily get several extra layers under the pullover in size: large.

I recently purchased a Mountain Hardwear Alchemy and so far it's been great, i would definetly recommend it for 3 or winter backpacking as it's warm enough for early spring late fall with polypro layering or works well in the summer with little layering. Although it does not have pit zips (which would be the optimum) the pockets work well as they are not traditional pockets, they are sewn into the micro fleece liner (which also allows you to stuff a ton of stuff in it) It repels water with great consistency in anything short of a torrential downpour. Further more, the Goretex Windstopper Trango is excellent, it offers 100% wind protection. Also, another feature I've fallen in love with is its pocket position, the side pockets are raised above where a harness or hip belt would be placed allowing access to the pockets when hiking, which was something that frustrated me to no end with my previous jackets. It has no hood which can be a bummer for some, but after all this is not a substitution for your hard shell, it simply has begun to bridge the gap and does it quite well. As far as style, i wear it around town and like the way it looks, but I'm no fashion expert. The price at $240 is a little steep but worth it, however REI has recently dropped it's price to 169 which makes it much more reasonable. It fits like a glove but compromises no movement, due to its powerstretch panels so i would recommend you buy a size larger (i usually buy a medium but bought a large) so you have enough room to layer when you need to. It also has a waterproof welded Napoleon pocket on the breast which is perfect for a camera or a small snack. The only downer i can find in this jacket is the lack of pit zips, but as i said the pockets work well. The best advice i can give is buy one from REI take it home do a little field testing and find out how it works for you (just zip the tags into the pocket :) )