Good midlayer for under hardshell?

[kbuzz]

Lightweight wool + R1 or R2 = nice layering system. Micropuff is a nice jacket but doesn't layer well underneath things.

Exactly....

Or lightwool base plus ibex shak if you can tolerate the all wool. Never clammy and works in wide wide temperature range.

[gramboh]

Wow, thanks for all the info guys, going to look at the Patagonia series, although it's a bit spendy. Looks like MEC stocks Patagonia, and has a series of their own in-house Polartec based fleece zip-ups using various weaves, and they are cheap ($50-120).

I'm hearing conflicting stuff on the Marmot driclime, pretty much all rave reviews on BC.com but also some breathability issues. I would only be using it when it's cold, but I do sweat my sack off climbing, even when it's -20 and below. I'm that guy at the gym that literally creates pools of sweat when training.

[cbrpaul]

Cloudveil run don't walk fleece pullover. The warmest lightweight fleece out there. It runs long. I typically wear XL, but a Large fits fine. I have an R1, too, but I like the cloudveil more

[enginerd]

holy patagucci rec's batman!

Of all the wool baselayers I've owned/tried on I find icebreaker to be the best for softness after many uses/washes (vs smartwool, bc.com, stoic, ibex, patagonia).

But you're looking for a mid-layer. While I think merino is the way to go for base layers there are more weight and moisture transport efficient fabrics. If you're resort skiing, this is not an issue. If you're climbing, backpacking, multiday touring it's more of one.

My experience:
R1 hoody with thumb loops, balaclava like hood, chest pocket and deep zip for venting is the cat's pajamas but not windproof so not a stand alone piece w/o something like a windshirt or shell.

marmot driclime is one of the most well reviewed pieces of gear ever. Arguably would be better with a hood (but that didn't sell as well). The original breathes better than the catalyst due to the lighter weight fabric. It can be worn as your only piece up top or as a base layer on cold days or a mid layer on really cold days. Comfortable but I find it slightly large in the torso in a L and too short in the arms in a M. I'm 6' 185#

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a light synthetic or down filled vest yet. Something like the patagonia micro puff vest or down sweater vest. This over a light fleece like the R1 keeps you really warm and is super comfortable due to the increased range of motion or perceived freedom of movement in the arms (arguably actual increased freedom of movement I guess).

Dropped into an MEC a few weeks ago and was surprised to see how many patagonia garments they are effectively copying. Check them out. The fit seemed a little less "athletic" and if it works for you will save you some coin.

Honestly, for the cold that you're talking about and layering under your mirage, I would think a lightweight synthetic or down jacket is your clear, stand out best option. Patagonia down sweater, OR neoplume, that arcteryx thing that SCUTSKI linked...Comfortable, can be worn on it's own in town and super warm for the weight.

wow, that was a long post...

[verbier61]

patagucci all the way, R2 or R3 for me depending by the weather.
Tried also icebreaker, but it didn't work for me (kept too much water)

[54-46]

Cloudveil run don't walk fleece pullover.

+1 - like the Polartech power stretch in a pullover. For colder days/stops, add a Cloudveil Enclosure vest or a Montbell UL Thermawrap (or UL Down) vest/jacket.

[F.D.V.]

Patagucci stock just shot up as a result of this thread.

I run Capilene 4 as the base with a North Face Pumori between that and my A'T Stingray. For the leggings, I run a Cap 3 covered with Cap 4 and that is plenty warm. If it is warm out, then a layer of Cap 3 with mid-weight fleece will work out just fine.

[hutash]

Patagucci stock just shot up as a result of this thread.
.

Good, keep it up, I have several clients who work at Patagucci. With all the lay offs here in California, it is nice that at least one company is doing well.

For those looking for mid-layers, check out their web specials page, lots of R products.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/shop/web-specials?k=ga

....plus one on their warranty. I just returned a scythe jacket and pants I bought several years ago.I told them the zipper design sucked, so they gave me full store credit. Now I just have to decide what I really don't need.

[lionelhutz]

Best Midlayers (i.e. your insulating layer) - Old cashmere wool sweater. Get as much loft as you want. It is cheap and super fucking warm.
I swear by it. Way better than fancy ass midlayers.

[da sponge]

Second - I have a Spyder Big Sky Softshell Jacket I use with a middle weight Ice Breaker merino wool t-neck under and I stay warm & dry in the coldest/wet conditions - and a light weight wool in early/late season

Thirded. I usually go with a 140 weight t shirt with a 260 weight tech top zip. On really cold days I add a 320 weight top. I'm 100% sold on merino wool.

[LightRanger]

Good, keep it up, I have several clients who work at Patagucci. With all the lay offs here in California, it is nice that at least one company is doing well.

Except... they don't have stock because they are still privately-owned by Yvon. You should know that, Mr. Ventura.

That's just one of the many reasons I like Patagonia. One of the few companies, certainly of that size, still like that.

[hutash]

Except... they don't have stock because they are still privately-owned by Yvon. You should know that, Mr. Ventura.

That's just one of the many reasons I like Patagonia. One of the few companies, certainly of that size, still like that.

I know, the point is they all still have jobs, and as Yvon does well so do his employees.

[Shin-to-Win]

I'll go along with the notion that the driclime is the best single piece of gear I've owned. It works for so many situations. As others have mentioned, it doesn't breathe that well compared to straight-up midlayers like R1-R2-R3, so not great for hikes if you keep the shell on (sometimes I'll take my shell off for longer hikes and it works great).

For groomer days, it's perfect under my hybrid softshell patagucci coat with a very thin layer underneath. I'm about your size and the large fits great. I also wear it around town A LOT, kind of my go-to jacket for 40-50F.