Midlayer recommendations

A quarter-zip merino poly blend from any number of different companies. I find the little zip up neck part quite good for keeping cold wind out, I don't wear a mask/neckwarmer but do have beard.

I usually have base layer, quarter-zip "mid" and a jacket, Hoodia if it's warmish or springtime but I'm a wuss at cold having been raised in the bay area. The coldest I've ever skied in was right around 0*F.

mystery3A quarter-zip merino poly blend from any number of different companies. I find the little zip up neck part quite good for keeping cold wind out, I don't wear a mask/neckwarmer but do have beard.

I usually have base layer, quarter-zip "mid" and a jacket, Hoodia if it's warmish or springtime but I'm a wuss at cold having been raised in the bay area. The coldest I've ever skied in was right around 0*F.

This. I personally use a swazi zip fleece.

Patagonia R1 fleece....best layer I've ever owned. Useful for everything too, not just skiing.

Thanks guys I’ll check some out

Under 15 degrees if I’m gonna not be hiking at all would be my under armour 4.0, saga flannel and then shell. If closer to 0 I may swap flannel for a thicker sweat shirt.

I'm a huge fan of the Strafe Alpha Direct Insulator for almost all winter temperatures (10-30°F). It's very warm under a shell, but breathes so much better than traditional puffies like a Patagonia Nano Puff. I've been using it for 95% of my days this season (w/ lightweight Trew merino base layer and Open Wear 3L Shell).

If it gets colder, then I'll go with something like the Patagonia Nano-Air or for super, super cold (sub-zero), the Micro Puff.

For temps in the 25-40°F range, I'll go with something more breathable like the Norrona Lofoten Alpha Raw Zip Hoodie or Patagonia R1. Or just go base layer + shell.

I'd highly recommend going with one of the more breathable "active insulation" pieces out there (e.g., Patagonia Nano Air, Polartec Alpha Direct, TNF Ventrix, etc.). They're similarly warm to traditional puffies, but are much more versatile IMO since they breathe better and you won't get sweaty as quickly if the temps or your exertion increases.

Found myself in this predicament a week ago.

Last weekend, no wind, about 15-20 degrees. My wife was freezing, my kid was just right and I was way too warm. I took off my fleece midlayer and gave to my wife, after that she was fine with a poly baselayer, thinner fleece and secondary fleece on top, all under her shell. I was then a tiny bit on the cool side after the switch, only wearing what OP wears.

I thought fleece was supposed to breath as a midlayer. That day, I was quite sweaty and found no way to dissipate the moisture but to take the fleece off. Is there anything like fleece which serves well but more breathable and thin?

^you need a button up shirt (or snaps). I have a few for different conditions. Wool flannel shirt is great and breaths well. Fleece shirt is better than thin fleece because you can undo buttons on the top and bottom. Also an insulated flannel (wool is best) is great when you need something a little warmer. Thin polyester button up is good when you just need a little more than the base layer. As a bonus you can pop the collar when it's windy and pockets provide an extra layer of fabric over the nipples.

Op also should try a vest. Down or synthetic puffy vest is great. My favorite is a primaloft puffy vest. Fleece vests can be really nice and a very good deal.

OregonDead^you need a button up shirt (or snaps).

Thanks for the suggestion, would've never guessed in doing this. I assume something like this right?

Vincent_DieselFound myself in this predicament a week ago.

Last weekend, no wind, about 15-20 degrees. My wife was freezing, my kid was just right and I was way too warm. I took off my fleece midlayer and gave to my wife, after that she was fine with a poly baselayer, thinner fleece and secondary fleece on top, all under her shell. I was then a tiny bit on the cool side after the switch, only wearing what OP wears.

I thought fleece was supposed to breath as a midlayer. That day, I was quite sweaty and found no way to dissipate the moisture but to take the fleece off. Is there anything like fleece which serves well but more breathable and thin?

Merino midlayers (or really any wool anything) will breathe better than poly fleece

Vincent_DieselThanks for the suggestion, would've never guessed in doing this. I assume something like this right?

Yes. They come in all fabrics. Best are wool some people will give them away because they think it’s too itchy but you don’t notice if you have A long sleeve under. Ask your family etc some of the old ones from my grandpa are the best