Forum Index > Gear Talk > Mid Layers - What's your favorite?
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awilsondc
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awilsondc
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PostWed Dec 04, 2019 8:35 pm 
The mid layer. Probably the most important layer for the cold weather seasons. What's your favorite? I guess this should be divided into a couple categories. Active layer and warmth layer. Active layer - This is typically the mid layer you hike in. Ideally it should be highly breathable, but providing you enough warmth to keep you comfortable in a wide range of temperatures and conditions. What do you wear as your active mid layer? Warmth layer - This is more of a layer for maintaining warmth either in camp or on the summit or where ever your destination is for a day hike, when you aren't active. This is typically a jacket. Some prefer down, some synthetic. What's your favorite warmth layer for the cold weather months?

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InFlight
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Joined: 20 May 2015
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InFlight
coated in DEET
PostThu Dec 05, 2019 10:45 am 
For active layers I prefer either a Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hooded Jacket (warmer trips) or 200 weight fleece jacket for colder trips. For three season backpacking I carry a hooded down sweater which is good down to freezing and lighter. For winter a down hooded jacket. Both of mine are from L.L.Bean which carries TALL sizes; with Pertex shell and 850 Fill.

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...” ― Henry David Thoreau
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treeswarper
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Joined: 25 Dec 2006
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treeswarper
Alleged Sockpuppet!
PostThu Dec 05, 2019 3:15 pm 
Some kind of medium weight fleece. top.

What's especially fun about sock puppets is that you can make each one unique and individual, so that they each have special characters. And they don't have to be human––animals and aliens are great possibilities
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Backpacker Joe
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Joined: 16 Dec 2001
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Backpacker Joe
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PostThu Dec 05, 2019 3:41 pm 
Smart Wool.

"If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide." — Abraham Lincoln
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RichP
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PostThu Dec 05, 2019 8:20 pm 
I recently picked up a RAB Nexus jacket. So far I like it but it's not the most breathable layer. When I'm not hiking I use a light puffy (down) jacket.

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awilsondc
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awilsondc
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PostFri Dec 06, 2019 7:27 am 
For the last few years I've been using an Arcteryx Fortrez fleece as my active mid layer and absolutely love it. Comfortable from 20 to 65, plus the hood has a built in balaclava which makes you look like a ninja when using it although I don't use it all that often, but it's nice when the weather is truly bad. The only down side is very little wind resistance. It's very similar to the Patagonia R1 which seems to be a favorite active mid layer of many. Has anyone tried using one of the new super breathable jackets as their active mid layer? Like the Patagonia Neo Air or Arcteryx Proton? Curious how they perform compared to fleece.

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Cyclopath
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Joined: 20 Mar 2012
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Cyclopath
Faster than light
PostFri Dec 06, 2019 3:15 pm 
I just got an Arc'teryx Proton FL. Not much insulation, like a fleece basically. But it's more breathable and handles sweat better, plus it dries quickly. The hand warmer pockets are lined with something really soft, like kitten fur. A down puffy for when I'm not moving.

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jalepeno
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jalepeno
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PostFri Dec 06, 2019 3:58 pm 
Patagonia Nano Air Jacket. It's not particularly warm, but it breathes well. When I stop, I put on a shell.

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williswall
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Joined: 30 Sep 2007
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williswall
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PostFri Dec 06, 2019 4:39 pm 
I've had excellent results from Polartech Alpha; Beyond Clothing PA jacket and more recently, the OR Ascendant (no hood). These jackets can stay on through a variety of conditions, including heat producing uphills.

I desire medium danger williswall.com
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contour5
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contour5
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PostFri Dec 06, 2019 5:41 pm 
Stinky cashmere from Value Village!

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Brushwork
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Brushwork
Food truck
PostFri Dec 06, 2019 11:32 pm 
Cashmere! Well la de da!

When I grow up I wanna play.
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