Softshell/Hardshell combo

[Jason]

So I'm buying a Marmot hardshell in the next few days (their "Tamarack") and I was looking at a good fleece to go under it... when a guy at the shop told me about soft shells and how he loves his.

Will a stretchy, thin fleece soft shell with a polyester T-shirt underneath work well under this hard shell for warm and breathability? I'm going to the Adirondack's in late November (climbing) and I need a good system.

I figure I can likely get away with the softshell alone for most of the hike, and throw the hardshell overtop when we summit where it's colder. I could bring along a fairly heavy fleece as well.

Putting a soft shell under a hard shell seems to defy common usage though... does it?

[ctenidae]

Aparently, the combo is fairly common. Friend of mine does it. He says he just wears a light shirt under the softshell, and he roasts on all but the coldest days. I'm not so sure, though.

[Jason]

Well, a few people over at the backpacker forums (where I also frequent) have said NO to this idea for winter hiking. I'm just thinking of it this way... the soft shell as a replacement for the fleece. Usually there's microfleece as liner to these garments... but I'm still not sure either.

[JimG.]

Alot depends on you and your metabolism...if you burn off calories quick and tend to sweat easily, it might not be a good idea. I'm sure you're aware that excessive sweating that is not wicked away will cause you to feel cold no matter what you're wearing.

Do the garments you are looking at have armpit zips or some other form of additional ventilation?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by JimG.

Do the garments you are looking at have armpit zips or some other form of additional ventilation?

Yup. It's the Marmot Tamarack. Considering how chilly it's likely going to be, and that the Tam is a waterproof shell anyways, and I need insulation more than another windproof shell underneath - I'm gonna stick with the traditional fleece. Likely the Marmot Firelight jacket.

[thetrailboss]

I often use a regular Polartec Fleece for insulation since the windproofness is not an issue...if anything, windproof 'softshells' are less breathable and an insulating layer needs to be able to allow for moisture to leave you...

[ski_resort_observer]

When I saw the topic listed I thought it was about lobsters.

[skibum1321]

Originally Posted by ski_resort_observer

When I saw the topic listed I thought it was about lobsters.

You really are from Maine

[Jason]

Hahaha... lobsters.

Now I'm hungry.

[ski_resort_observer]

Originally Posted by skibum1321

You really are from Maine

For the time being but I am a Vermonter thru and thru, so is my wife. I will come with any excuse to go to our humble abode in the valley. I am going up next Sat to make sure the dirt on our road is ready for winter, luckily my wife is very understanding and believes everything I tell her.

I plan on checking on the construction so maybe I will run into one of you guys also walking around aimlessly uttering the words over and over, "must snow, must ski".