Hello everyone. I'm getting a healthy tax return this year so I'm looking to get some essential clothing layers for three season Pacific Northwest backpacking. I have a few articles of clothing, but I'm looking to try some alternatives and expand my collection.
Here's what I have for clothing so far:
-Top-
Base – Patagonia Cap 3 LS Crew
Mid – Patagonia R1 Hoody
Windshirt – Columbia Omnishield
-Bottom-
Base – 100wt silk/cashmere leggings
As you can see, I really don't have much backpacking clothing at this point. Some things I think I need to buy (in order of importance) are:
1. a puffy jacket
2. a hard shell
3. hiking pants
4. rain/wind pants
5. another mid layer
6. another base layer
I have a few things in mind, but please give your opinions/recommendations:
For the puffy I was thinking something along the lines of a Patagonia Nano Puff or a Montbell Thermawrap. However, I was wondering if it these would be warm enough or if something else would be more appropriate for a camp jacket. Either way, since I'm in the PNW I would prefer something with synthetic fill.
For the hard shell I was considering the Outdoor Research Helium II jacket.
For hiking pants I was considering the prAna Stretch Zion pants.
For Rain/Wind pants I was looking at the Marmot Precip pants.
For an alternative mid layer I don't really know what I want. I really like my current R1 Hoody in terms of temperature regulation and breathing, but it seems to grab at my Cap 3 base layer really badly. This makes it difficult to take on and off, so I think I want to get something with either a full-zip or something that's made out of a different material that doesn't grab other layers as badly. Or, perhaps I could just change my base layer to a t-shirt?
For an alternative base layer I think I want a long-sleeve merino wool turtle neck. I currently don't have any hiking t-shirt, so maybe it would be better to get one of those versus another long sleeve.
Anyways, I've done some shopping around but I'm looking for some suggestions and want to see what others think would be a good purchase for the articles of clothing I need. Thanks!
