Hi everybody,

I am planning a long winter trek and was hoping for some quick feedback about my system. I am relatively new to alpine hiking. Temperatures should range from mid-30's to low teens while active and some 0 degree nights.

Upper:
Base - Midweight LS Merino 1/4 Zip (Gucci M3)
Mid - R1 (not purchased) or deadbird Atom LT (already own for 3 season insulation)
"Winter" Windshirt - Rab Alpine Pullover
Puffy - FF Helios Hoody (camp/stops)

Lower:
Base - Light Cap
Pant - Marmot Scree Softshell

What do you think? My big question is about the midlayer. I have read so much great stuff about the R1, especially as a base/mid under the windshirt. I love the Atom LT for climbing, but fear I would overheat on the move with the ATom LT over the baselayer even in the coldest conditions, and the R1 would give me more versatility. Of course being the cheap-A$$ I am, if the Atom works, I could save the cash on the R1.

So, should I ditch the Atom for an R1 or equivalent?

Thanks for any help, I know its probably a stupid question..

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Edited by rOg_w on 05/28/2012 16:54:12 MDT.

As far as the R1 goes, It's usually too warm for daytime use. Great in the morning and evening.

Maybe consider adding a more robust top layer (I have a Marmot Precip and a RAB Kinetic) and a puffy bottom bottom layer (WM Flash pants).

personally for me the atom lt hoody is too warm down to around 20F or less on the move ... every time i wear it at those temps i sweat it out fairly quickly

a R1 is useful to have, or a cheap 100wt fleece .... you wont need em around 30F, or i wont at least ... but drop into the teens and you might find it useful when active

it all depends how hard you will be going and what type of movement ... for belayed climbing i can see the atom being more useful ... for continuos movement, especially up hill at those temps, less so

try it out in a day hike and see what works for you

Edited by bearbreeder on 11/12/2011 19:51:59 MST.

I will go slightly against the other responses and say that opt for my R1 9 times out of 10 for cold alpine use. My layering system goes:

-Baselayer: R1 Hoody, it is rather warm but perfect for high altitude, cold weathered days and the zipper is great for instant venting.

-Mid layer: First Ascent Downlight sweater, very warm but not too warm in cold temps when moving.

-Outer layer: Either my softshell or hardshell depending on expected weather conditions.

-Legs: I just go with Capilene 1 or 3 bottoms under First Ascent's Guide pants.

In my pack I will carry a First Ascent Mountain Guide Hoodied Jacket and a pair of FF Volant pants that are perfect for stops, camp, or emergencies. With all of this, I could probably stay warm down to about -10F and be comfortable around +40F.

Edited by PaulHope on 11/13/2011 16:08:48 MST.

You said, "mid-30's to low teens while active." Pesronally I wouldn't want either the R1 or Atom Lt (I own both). If it is windy, I do like the R2 vest, which is very breathable and can be worn over a base layer alone or under a wind shirt.