Layering system

[gilreatr]

was looking on layering systems on youtube and found this looks like overkill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPQqz_tRQOE
any of these able to use for hiking but not overkill think base shirt, vars hoody, and maybe genesis jacket

[mattack]

I've found that you need to test your system in various conditions. In the winter/fall, my layering system mostly used in camp. I practically hike in the same thing year round (changing to long sleeve/pants when it's really cold), but my camp clothes are what vary the most and when I need to layer up.

[Spokes]

Looks like Kenny on Southpark.

http://www.weirdspace.dk/SouthPark/Graphics/KennyMcCormick.gif

Here's the only cold weather clothing system (http://www.backpacker.com/november_08_pack_man_/articles/12659?page=4) you need on the AT. Add a 100 weight fleece if you want.

[Tipi Walter]

Sure, he has a baselayer and a midlayer and an outer layer and an extreme outer, but I see his choices to be for mountaineers as winter backpackers can get by with a lot less cocooning. I like his midlayer with the thumbholes as I use a pair of Icebreaker merino zipneck tops with the thumbholes and recommend them. His red outer layer doesn't have to be something so tough, for us a decent fleece jacket or down vest works better.

And then his "extreme outer" is way overkill when a good down parka like the WM Meltdown jacket or the Feathered Friends Icefall parka would in my mind mind provide more warmth with less restriction. Of course, we're not moving around at this "defcon 6" level, just standing around camp. I put much more of my trust in goose down for clothing than he does---down parka, down pants and down booties---nice items to have in camp when the temps dip to -10F. But hey, I'm not hanging off the side of a mountain in a sleet storm either.