Help! Proper layering below 0!

Haha thanks guys, figured I didn’t need an arctic expedition jacket!

Shell only? Fair point. I tend to overheat quite quickly so I guess I can throw in an extra layer in the backpack to put on if it gets cold. So basically even the Stagger and Highland are too much with those layers?

So I need to look at Freebird or Hover then. Cyclic seems to be popular with people too.

The AK Stagger is a sick jacket. I have owned two of them and been very happy. While it is technically insulated in the chest and upper back, it is very light insulation (40G) and I still consider this jacket a shell. The Cyclic offers good value but I prefer the neck/hood on the Stagger (personal preference).

Whether you decide to get the Stagger or another jacket, a shell is definitely the way to go. That’s your barrier from wind, snow and rain, while also giving you good breathability to remove moisture trapped inside. The warmth comes from how you decide to layer. This system gives you the most versatility and the best performance. Whistler has a lot of vertical and the weather varies considerably; versatility (and not overdressing) is the key to comfort!

To give you an idea, on any “normal” day in Whistler I wear a midweight first layer, a very thin fleece and my shell (and a midweight first layer bottom with shell pants). This will usually cover me comfortably to about -9C. Anything colder than that and I would probably throw on a thicker fleece instead of the lightweight fleece. Anything colder than about -15C I will probably go to a heavyweight first layer bottom for a bit of extra warmth in my legs. If it’s super cold and I’m feeling lazy I might just throw on my down jacket with a midweight first layer. In spring, just a lightweight first layer and shell.