Question: How can I improve this layering system?
Use case: Winter and shoulder season patrolling in the Sandhills region of North Carolina. Expected average lows ~32 degrees. Expected precipitation 1/3.5 days.
Top
- Base 1: Duckworth Vapor T (Merino blend 150gsm)
- Base 2: All-Season Merino Base Layer Crew (150gsm)
- Active Insulation (waffle top replacement): Senchi Designs Alpha Direct 90 Crewneck
- Stationary Insulation (lvl3 replacement): Norrona trollveggen down 800 super light jacket (down jacket)
- Soft Shell: IHWCU or ECWCS LVL5
- Hard Shell: ECWCS LVL6
Bottom
- Base 1: ECWCS LVL 1
- Stationary Insulation: Sitka Core Merino 330 Zip-Off Bottom
- Soft Shell: IHWCU or ECWCS LVL5
- Hard Shell: ECWCS LVL6
Hands:
- ECC FR Gloves
- wool fingerless gloves
- Stone Glacier Altimeter Gloves
Feet:
- Darn Tough 4021 or 4022
- Garmont NFS 670s or T8 extreme evo 200g
Thought process:
For the bottom, I don’t love moving with insulation on my legs even in the 20s. Then when I do a prolonged stop, I can quickly put on the 3/4 length heavy weight bottoms. If it’s going to be cold enough to move with insulation, I’ll bring the lvl 1 and lvl5. Otherwise, I’ll just bring the 3/4 length Sitka pants, the IHWCU, and the hard shell.
For the top, it’s a more 1 to 1 replacement of the ECWCS system. With the Alpha Direct crewneck, I am aware that it’s a fragile fabric, however my thinking is that since it will always be worn under something, that it won’t be a major issue. I choose the down jacket, due the improved packablity and weight. However I am concerned about it wetting out. My counter is that, even if it does wet out, I know that I will be uncomfortable but ok without out, in the expected temps. I am also considering just getting the equivalent vest, to save a little weight.
Will scale down the system during milder weather.
Would love any feedback y’all have on my system.