Winter hard shell

[Jason]

I'm new to winter backpacking. I've been out winter hiking a lot, but I've never spent a night out this late in the season. We will be heading out to the Adirondack's in late November. I'm concerned about my outer layer when packing.

What I'm looking at now is the Marmot Tamarack as an outer layer, with a fleece for insulation and a capilene or polyester base layer. Should this be sufficient for backpacking (moving around)? I've got a cheap, but warm, down jacket for more idle times... but nothing that would suit me when I'm more active.

[marcski]

I have a Marmot shell...I forget the model name. It's a number of years old already (maybe 8 ), 3 ply gortex, mesh lining with a hood. Has kept me dry and its quite warm considering its just a shell. I usually ski in some sort of a poly base with a fleece vest and that shell. I'm warm dressed like that down to around 20-25. When it gets below that, I usually go to a long sleeve fleece and/or heavier weight depending on how cold it is.

For what its worth, after my experience, I'd definitely get another marmot shell. (The only noticeable wear I have is the beginnings of some freying at the sleeves and hem).