Help me with my layering system (North East)

[Gabriel F]

Scope of this Layering System:

Activities: Day Hiking, Snowshoeing
Seasons: Shoulder Season, Winter
Location: Catskills NY, Adirondacks NY, Green Mountains VT

Items in my layering system:

• Shirt and baselayer: Patagonia Capilene Lightweight Zip
• Shirt and baselayer (for very cold, less than 30* at base): Patagonia Capilene Thermalweight Zip
• Mid-Layer Top: Patagonia R2 (No Hoody)
• Mid-layer Top (Alternate): Arcteryx Atom LT (Hoody)
• Rain Jacket: OR Helium 2
• Warm Jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater (No Hoody)
• Pants: LL Bean Light Trekking Pants
• Pants (for very cold, less than 30* at base, or snow): REI Activator Soft Shell
• Neck: OR ActiveIce Ubertube Neck Buff
• Head: any merino beanie
• Gloves: OR Versaliner Gloves
• Socks: Darn Tough Light Cushion Socks
• Shoes: Salomon XA Pro Trail Runners
• Shoes (snow): Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX

Questions:

• Any general advice?
• Can the Capilene Thermalweight be used as a mid-layer on top of the Capilene Lightweight in shoulder season?
• Haven’t purchased the Salmon X Ultra 3 yet, any thoughts on using those with OR Crocs as my main winter shoe? I don’t own an insulated hiking boot, is it needed?

[bjc]

I have used a thermal weight zip neck as a midlayer over a cap lightweight zip from Springer in Georgia to Bennington VT. In temperature from say 35  and up I find heavier midlayers too warm when moving. If I keep my hands and head warm that usually suffices. I have carried a Montbell UL Thermawrap as my puffy so that can be used as midlayer if it gets too cold.

[Gabriel F]

Awesome. I wasn’t sure if it was an okay move to layer those two together as they’re both generally regarded as baselayers.

[Gerry V]

Looks pretty good to me.  Personally I’d add wpb pants, I prefer full zips for winter.  In winter I would also take both puffys and add additional hand wear including a warm mitten option.  I tend toward an insulated wpb boot for winter day hikes these days.  You can use vapor barrier liners, I have done that in some very cold temps and been good.  I would also want gaiters in winter.   It is sure getting to be that time of year, have fun.

[Author]

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