Re-thinking my layering system for early fall

[PlanoDano]

For late September hunts in semi-arid ranges
hunting between 7k and 9k feet
expect temperatures from low 20s to low 70s sometimes in the same day

Before I carried a light merino base layer. mid -weight wool mid layer and puffy which I never seemed to use
by accident last year I put a thin rei vest with synthetic insulation between the 2 wool layers and was impressed by the comfort.
Insulation of core was enough and I had good mobility of my arms.
I already planning for next year I weighed the vest and though it was one of the places I could save weight as it came in at 14 oz

Plans for this year

base layer - keep the 150 wt merino - I hear it makes you smell like petunias
mid insulating layer - this where I am looking to make a change
outer layer - switching to poly fleece for better weight to warmth ratio
Nixing the puffy outer layer altogether

mid layer evaluation
I don't mind spending a little here because these would be long term pieces
looking at down vest by Montbell and Synthetic insulation vest by Montbell or Patagonia
Some of the down vest are around 4 oz. and being down compress extremely well
Synthetic Vest run from 6 to 8oz it does not compress to the same degree as down but still compresses very good
Seems like down for sure based on warmth to weight
but
I notice while hiking up a ridge I perspire a bit even when the temperature is in below freezing.
I am guessing that the perspiration would be better handled by the synthetic insulation.
Please add your thoughts or experiences.

 

[5MilesBack]

mid insulating layer - this where I am looking to make a change
outer layer - switching to poly fleece for better weight to warmth ratio

Fleece is always my mid layer when I need some insulation. It's warm and it breathes well. I never wear anything heavier or more insulated while hiking because if I'm hiking, I'm sweating.....regardless of the temps.

I save the down for if and/or when I stop hiking and need more warmth.

 

[fightthenoise]

Your use case sounds exactly like mine but I use my puffy all the time. Do you not stop to glass? My system is:

150 wt first lite wick hoody
Klamath hoody grid fleece
Corrugate guide jacket as a soft shell type wind breaker thing
Montbell Alpine light parka

On bottom I wear the older first lite 3/4 length aerowool bottoms. Forget what they’re called. And obsidians. I’m not a big guy so I do get cold, so maybe that’s where we differ. After many trips, these are the pieces that have stuck and get used almost daily.

Lightweight base (wick) + insulating layer (klamath) + soft or hard shell (Corrugate) is a pretty well ascribed formula. I add a puffy for cheap insurance and because I’m a sissy. I’m in Colorado so moisture or rain is not much of a concern. If it was I’d switch the Corrugate for a hard shell and maybe a synthetic puffy if it was really wet.

I forgot to add, I like the Corrugate jacket because it can fit over the alpine light parka if there’s either precipitation or I’m bushwhacking. I also have the catalyst jacket, which is great, but it’s shooter’s cut and very slim in the arms and wrists. It won’t go over the puffy. It’s also fleece lined and kind of redundant with the klamath. Both mid insulating layers. I thought about ditching the Corrugate and the Klamath and just taking the catalyst but I like being able to put the Corrugate over the puffy and the Corrugate is very light and this setup allows for more combos to meet a more varied set of circumstances.

 

[PlanoDano]

I am not much at stopping and glassing. I use the Corrugate extensively in while bushwacking in Texas (some of us really do this) as it is the only piece I own that will hold up to the thorny vines without causing me to overheat. That being said, in the mountains in September most all of my outerwear ends up in the pack by noon and the Corrugate Jacket does not make it for weight and room to carry half of the day.