Patagonia Nano Air Light vs Rab Alpha Flux

I would rely on what you have – the Alpine Start does everything that the shell layers in those other garments do, but it does it better. More durable, better water resistance, as breathable.

Add a 100 weight fleece (~$20) over your Cap4 and put the Alpine Start over the top if you need more warmth. Or replace the Cap4 with R1 (or with PCU/ECWCS Level II for ~$45). Or, if you want to spend more money, get an Alpha Direct sweater from Rab and put the Alpine Start over that. You can see how much versatility you have by adding a couple new base/midlayers rathe than buying a new stand-alone garment with an inferior face fabric. That’s what I would do (have done).

I’d recommend a fleece vest over your Capilene thermal and under your Alpine Start.  It’s a nice balance of warmth over the core and keeping the arms from too many layers.  Find a cheap fleece as Stumphges recommended and cut the arms off.

I just got an alpha flux, and I think Stumphges is spot on.

Thanks for talking me back from the ledge on this.