Rain jacket size for layering?

I assume that at some point in the trip (perhaps multiple times) I will be wearing nearly every clothing item I brought at once. Otherwise I have probably overpacked. And I usually don’t need a different ‘size’ jacket, I just have found specific jacket cuts that layer well. I still wear my normal size large, but the Montane Spine jacket can fit a Nano Air hoody underneath or even a Arc’x Cerium AR. And on a cool evening, I will wear it all.

I have layered over my mirage parka on winter trips…you can still get wet snow, or if you build a fire you might want to protect the mirage with a less expensive outer layer.  Also, it can provide wind protection over your mirage as well.  I sized up with an OR Helium II that I got on sale.

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Thanks for the comments – I’m right now comparing two sizes with:

a) MH Ghostwhisperer + Lightweight fleece
b) fleece + mirage parka

The smaller one is tight for b), but for a) fits nicely. I’m not sure if I should really think of rain at the temperatures I expect with combination b). However, you are probably right regarding wet snow etc.

It just feels a bit too large otherwise..

I wear L everything except for rain jacket – mine’s an XL (OR Helium HD). It’s not crazy big but it allows me to layer all my other clothes (base layer, LS button up, and puffy) without compressing the down, and vents better when being used as an active or wind-blocking layer. It is quite impressive how much warmth it adds when fully zipped up over all the other layers!

. WHAT RICHARD NISLEY HAS TO SAY .