Layer system options. Help me choose

down is a lot warmer for the weight so option 2 would be best if you’re minimizing weight

Enough down/loft to keep you warm in the coldest temps you’ll possibly encounter

Assuming rain poncho is breathable – otherwise you’ll get wet from sweat which will kill the down

Why your upper back specifically?  Does this happen when you have your pack on?  Do you tend to sweat more there?

IMO fleece is still better than a down puffy when you’re on the move and is what I used for years.  With your pack on, the down is going to get compressed on your back and not provide much insulation, and I personally end up with a soaking sweaty back.

But I found the best solution is just using a thicker long-sleeve base layer (I use a Terramar Thermawool 4 quarter-zip) along with windshirt and warm hat and gloves.

Perhaps one option might be to sew in an extra layer of microfleece or wool onto/into the back of your baselayer?

yeah, if you’re on the move sweat will kill down or synthetic

But base layer and windproof jacket keeps me warm enough down to below freezing

Fleece is good for really cold temps

Sorry, I forgot to say ‘in-camp’ not on trail

Anyone?

you can wear too down garments as long as they are not too tight.

If you’re cold you might need more clothing.  Seeing your other post about your back and sleeping makes me wonder if you have another problem.  Does your pack put a lot of pressure on your upper back?

Ok, so you’re sitting around in camp with your back cold, and you’re asking which is better, each assuming a good base layer, hat, and gloves:

Option 0: fleece vest, down parka

Option 1: down vest, down parka

Option 2: down parka, rain jacket

And new Option 3 I’m adding: fleece vest, down parka, rain jacket  (which is basically your current option 0 with the rain jacket you presumably are already bringing)

You can wear double layers of down if each is sized appropriately (many sleep in their down jacket inside their larger down quilt/sleeping bag).  But since presumably you’re already bringing the rain jacket, Option 2 is the lightest, although the rain jacket is not really adding much warmth and may be reducing some warmth if it is compressing the down – the rain jacket is there for weather protection (wind and especially rain), not warmth.

Option 3 is the traditional winter layering system, giving you the most options for all activities.  Still probably the best, but heavy.

I don’t like option 1 – I personally would not bring both a down vest and down jacket.  If your down jacket isn’t cutting it by itself with a good base layer, then I would just get a down parka with more down. You could even add more down to the back baffles.

Okay ta everyone, I have gotten a couple ideas so thank you :-)