Alt mid-layer besides fleece

[gecko]

Lucked on this forum when searching for guidance on my first Tassie winter trip.
Did the OT at xmas-NY 30 years ago. Now arriving Cradle mid-July for day-walks and solo writing retreat (with luxury accom ie. indoors...). Have good basic gear, but an aversion to synthetics so unsure what to wear for mid-layer insulation. "Fleece" makes me overheat. Would be grateful for any suggestions...(and the sales are on in Kent St) !!

[tsangpo]

If you have a wool singlet and wool shirt then there should be enough separation to use a lighter fleece jacket if it's smell you're worried about. For an expensive and heavier option you could go for one of the heavier (~300) merino tops from Icebreaker or a Tasmanian company called Smitten Merino.

[baronessbunyip]

I often wonder if possum merino clothing would make a good midlayer. I know they once used to sell a vest and jumper on backpackinglight but now they just have the gloves, hat and sock - dont know why. Haven't tried it myself as a clothing layer but I would like to. I absolutely love my gloves - they are so warm, soft and light - but I know there can be issues with durability (ie if using them with trekking poles etc). Possum merino has much better loft than pure merino and the possum fur fibres are apparently hollow which makes them light for the warmth provided. Maybe the breathability would be better because it's a natural material??? Just a thought.

These are a couple of online shops which sell possum merino clothing although it's not aimed at the bushwalking market. Not exactly cheap but perhaps comparable to some good quality/brand-name fleece.

http://www.nzpossummerino.com/shop/mens-possum-merino-clothing.html

http://www.nznature.co.nz/category/outerwear3

[gecko]

Ta muchly for responses. My concern is less about smell & more about discomfort. Agree totally about possum merino - toasty & light but my NZ-purchased gloves wore through very fast. I know Smitten Merino & quality is excellent. Budget-conscious right now so merino singlets are from Target instead!

[Wolfix]

Mountain Designs sources fabric from same supplier as Icebreaker. Bit cheaper, around 20%. Icebreaker's designs are more sleek and possibly their fabric of slightly higher quality but I wear both and am happy with both. Macpac also do their own merino but not sure about mid-layers. Guide is a merino top will be as warm as a fleece twice its thickness. I suggest replacing your 100 weight fleece with 260 merino.

[Wolfix]

disclaimer: I work at an MD store but don't care what brand you buy. It makes no difference to me.

[Moondog55]

My favourite middle layer would be my cashmere jumper, not cheap usually but this one is a fake so very good price, best cashmere comes from Merton in Victoria, but not much change out of $400-.

Like wool; cashmere has a very broad comfort range but doesn't itch, is almost hypo-allergenic; drys quickly and is incredibly lightweight.
I also like my itchy and scratchy buy very lightweight mohair jumper.
In fact that combination over a silk top would be almost better than most fleece combos if it wee not for the very high cost.
A cotton japara wind-shirt over the cashmere would solve the itch anyway and weigh not much more than one made from Pertex

[Earthling]

What about a very light down jacket? Or perhaps a 500 down instead of the 800...not sure how light the 500s are though.
On a side note why do you overheat in fleeces? Im no scientist, but wouldnt the thermal capabilities of the garmet be the issue rather than the material?

Perhaps its more about ventilation capabilities of the fleece?
I use a light 100 weight fleece with a 1/3 zip which allows me to vent through the top and roll up the sleeves if needed. Then I have a more insulating full zip jacket of fleece or down for camp. This allows me to open up the full zip and roll up the sleeves allowing ventilation through that if needed.

[flyfisher]

I have a MD Kantega fleece jumper which is very light fleece (polartec) and for it's weight, it's really warm.

Packs up small too.

ff