These recommendations are light weight and allow for your body to breathe.
UPPER BODY GEAR:
Silk Weight
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days. The new wool blends are also an option.
Patagonia: Capilene® 1 T-shirt
Marmot: Lightweight Crew SS
Mid-weight (2 pair)
A poly-pro mid-layer that you will never take off. Fitted, light-weight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck-in and we recommend zipper collars for more ventilation.
Patagonia: Capilene® 2 Zip Neck
Marmot: Midweight Zip Neck LS
Expedition-weight top
Warmer than your mid-weight, but still breathable and lightweight.
Patagonia: R2® Jacket
Marmot: Reactor Full Zip Jacket
Warm jacket (optional)
A polarguard or fleece jacket. Warmer than your expedition weight top, but not as extreme as your big puffy jacket. Full zip is recommended.
Patagonia: Lightweight R4® Jacket, Micro Puff Jacket
Marmot: Baffin Jacket
Softshell Jacket (optional)
While we do not require this item, we also know that those that don’t have one will wish thtey did! These jackets are much more breathable than Gore-tex, but still effectively block wind and light precipitation. A windshirt is also an effective option for this optional layer.
Marmot: Super Hero Jacket, DriClime Jacket
Patagonia: Talus Jacket
Gore-Tex® Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it. PacLite® is preferred for lightweight.
Marmot: Minimalist Jacket
Patagonia: Stretch Element Jacket
Down Parka
A hooded puffy that will keep you warm in the coldest of conditions. The higher the quality down, the better (800-fill is best). However, be sure the jacket is still lightweight. Some 8000-meter parkas are too big and bulky for all but 8000-meter peaks!
Marmot: Ama Dablam Jacket
Patagonia: DAS Parka
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