How should base and midlayers fit?

[Erussell01]

In my unending quest to tinker myself into oblivion.....

I have been playing around with a bunch of different layers and how they function leading up to elk season

What I'm finding is- base layers perform better when they are close to skin. It seems that when they make contact, they can move moisture better.

Mid layers seem to function better from a moisture management perspective when they match up with the base layer. However, I find more comfort and breathability when the mid layer is a bit more loose.

For example, I have been playing aith a sitka midweight zip T for my morning runs. I have 2 sizes, large and xl.

The large moves moisture better, but feels warmer during exertion. The XL seems to be more "flowy" and therefore seems to be more comfortable in the heat, like it moves air within the garment better.

Puffys seem to perform best when they have room to loft and create dead air space to insulate. This one is a no brainer to me because it lofts, but the midayer piece has me rethinking a bit.


What have you guys found in this regard?

 

[Bump79]

I like a pretty tight fitting base layer. They look pretty douchey though when I'm just wearing it. I find it performs better and most importantly layers better.

Mid layers fleece just slightly loose. Active insulation just a little looser. Puffy nice and loose not snug anywhere. They tend not to stretch too.

 

[Erussell01]

Th

I like a pretty tight fitting base layer. They look pretty douchey though when I'm just wearing it. I find it performs better and most importantly layers better.

Mid layers fleece just slightly loose. Active insulation just a little looser. Puffy nice and loose not snug anywhere. They tend not to stretch too.

This aligns with what I have found as well. I think I had too loose of base layers for much of the past, and maybe too tight of mid layers and shellsl

I like a pretty tight fitting base layer. They look pretty douchey though when I'm just wearing it. I find it performs better and most importantly layers better.

Mid layers fleece just slightly loose. Active insulation just a little looser. Puffy nice and loose not snug anywhere. They tend not to stretch too.

Do you find that you adjust the fit based on temp and activity level?