Are my layers redundant?

I’m not familiar with rock face, but the microchill is a 100 wt fleece jacket- a nice mid-layer in shoulder season and winter and even an insulating layer in milder weather

you would still want a base layer with it regardless of season; a long sleeve base layer typically is in the 4-5 oz range

a base layer should be light and adept at moving moisture

I don’t use short sleeve stuff much; even in warm weather I prefer a very light long sleeve

Hey Mike,

I also have a Mountain Hardware Wicked Long Sleeve that I’m considering using as my primary as opposed to short sleeve shirts.

What would you recommend?

Cheers.

Not totally sure what you are asking, but the way I typically layer is to start with a thin long sleeved shirt as my base layer, and then layer a thicker long sleeve shirt or a very light fleece on top of that. Your wicked long sleeve and your microchill jacket would work well. The microchill will be taken on or off depending on the temperature and your activity level.

I prefer long sleeve shirts for base layers because they protect from sunburn in hot weather, can keep my arms warm in cold weather, and I can always roll up the sleeves. Also in cooler weather with a short sleeve shirt I find that my core body can be plenty warm if not sweating but the tips of my elbows can get cold.

Everyone is different, and so is every bit of clothing.
The best solution is too try each one and/or both on a few trips, so you can judge for yourself.

Cheers

Since I am not really sure what conditions and temperatures you are going to be hiking in and there are so many article threads and blogs here are a few

LAYERING FOR BEGINNERS

THE BEST CLOTHING COMBINATIONS FOR BACKPACKING OR HIKING?

A NEW PARADIGM FOR UNDERSTANDING GARMENT WARMTH

Andrew Skurka’s Core 13 Backpacking Clothing

Dave Chenault’s response to Skurka’s Core 13

On hiking in winter

Dave’s All about insulation

Dave’s 30s and raining: some suggestions

Winter clothing systems

My current thoughts on shells

This is a nice set of videos for you to watch the 3rd one down is on clothing

Mike Clelland’s Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips

I will let you do a search if you are up to it on PMAGS many articles

many opinions to choose from

base layer – should also function as insect and sun protection so it should be a tight weave nylon – “wicking” is just marketing spin

mid layer – extra shirts are heavy for the warmth, better to have a synthetic or down vest or jacket that’s thick enough for the temperature you’ll be in

outer layer – waterproof breathable jacket if you expect any significant rain, which for me is pretty much always