A good clothing system is the holy grail for comfort and safety in the outdoors, and a prerequisite for packing light. A good layer system will handle hot, cold, and wet; and weigh no more than 2 to 3 pounds.

Next to Skin, or Base Layer.

I consider this my most important layer, and the layer with the most difficult job. To manage heat and moisture around your body’s core is impossibly difficult. Find a shirt that can do this well, and let the good time roll.

Breathable Light Shell Layer

From 4 season alpine climbing, to walks in town. Windproof fabric adds significant warmth and little weight. Paired with a good base layer, experience the unmatched freedom of movement and comfort of a breathable shell layer.

Puffy Insulation Layer

Worn over the slippery breathable light shell layer, Down Puffy Jackets provide unmatched freedom of movement and comfort. Two additional windproof layers enclosing the ultimate insulation for warmth, packability, and longevity. The Down Vest worn over the light shell layer for in-between conditions. A hooded puffy jacket (with, or without the vest) completes your insulation. Weighing in at between 11 and 22 ounces depending on ones budget. Ranging from about $670 (plasma vest & parka), to about $298 (superior vest & highland parka), or somewhere in-between (superior vest with alpine light or permafrost light parkas). $438 and only 13 ounces for the (superior vest & extreme light anorak).

Hard Shell Rain Layer.

A life saver when the weather turns ugly. For many of us this layer spends quite a bit of time in the pack, so lightweight is a plus. Finding the right balance between weight, and reliability is the challenge. VERSALITE at 6.4 ounces, or RAIN TREKKER at 10 ounces?

Pants

Everyone needs a good pair of pants, and you will know it when you find them. A pair for hot weather, and a pair for cold weather. Maybe a 3rd pair for in-between. The OD PANTS, OD LIGHT, and CLIFF PANTS have never let us down. LIGHT DOWN PANTS for home and camp.