Please Critique my Layering Choices...

[StalkerZERO]

Currently I use the sugoi dynamo winter jacket (doesn't vent much), along with an original zip merino wool midlayer from icebreaker. And I use a polypropelene base.
So far I think its performance is not bad. However for the money I spent I thought it would be a little warmer. In colder temps (in the lower 30's F) I'm not sure that this combo would suffice. I've been using the combo in the high 30's and low 40's and it works fine.

How about if I were to get the sugoi thermal II for the outer shell (entire back vented), and the raven midlayer from icebreaker (much warmer than the original zip) and the polypropelene base.
Would that combo be better you think?

[Machka]

If it were me, I'd just add a layer over your wool mid-layer ... probably something fleece ... for the colder temps.

[StalkerZERO]

If it were me, I'd just add a layer over your wool mid-layer ... probably something fleece ... for the colder temps.

Or maybe another base layer?

On a side note, the sugoi dynamo...I have a feeling its gonna be too hot by time it gets to in between the seasons. Ya know..when its too hot for full winter clothes and too cold for summer clothes. I mean, that sugoi dynamo is almost like a wet suit. :|
I was thinkin since the sugoi thermal II is very vented maybe a very heavy mid-layer would be good? The raven i mean from icebreaker. And when it gets warmer I just wear light layers along with the thermal II......what do you think?

[Jarery]

lots of thin layers is best. Easier to get everything perfect when the temp drops just another 5 degrees too.

[Jesse Smith]

You say, "In colder temps (in the lower 30's F) I'm not sure that this combo would suffice. I've been using the combo in the high 30's and low 40's and it works fine."

Does "I'm not sure" mean you haven't had a chance to wear this combo in colder temps yet? Or do you mean you've worn the combo in the colder temps and you're not sure it worked?
If you haven't, of course you should try it out and see if it still works into those temps. Personally, I wear a very similar combo in those temps. I wear very lightly insulated Altrec jacket, kind of a rain jacket/windbreaker. Under that I wear an Icebreaker Techtop. If the temps are under 30 F, I'll wear a Craft sleeveless undershirt as a baselayer. I probably would need more if my entire ride was a downhill cruise. But my 8k route seems to have nothing but climbs, both out and back. I can stay comfortable by regulating my effort and the the body heat generated. Work it a little son. Take advantage of the wool and the zippers.
I'm not familar with your outerlayer, but if it can be sealed against the wind and has openings for ventilation such as a high collar, cinchable cuffs and hem, and has a draft flap over the front zipper, it should work fine.
You didn't mention whether your hands, head, or feet are cold. Usually those extremities have a much greater influence over your comfort in the cold.

[StalkerZERO]

You say, "In colder temps (in the lower 30's F) I'm not sure that this combo would suffice. I've been using the combo in the high 30's and low 40's and it works fine."

Does "I'm not sure" mean you haven't had a chance to wear this combo in colder temps yet? Or do you mean you've worn the combo in the colder temps and you're not sure it worked?
If you haven't, of course you should try it out and see if it still works into those temps. Personally, I wear a very similar combo in those temps. I wear very lightly insulated Altrec jacket, kind of a rain jacket/windbreaker. Under that I wear an Icebreaker Techtop. If the temps are under 30 F, I'll wear a Craft sleeveless undershirt as a baselayer. I probably would need more if my entire ride was a downhill cruise. But my 8k route seems to have nothing but climbs, both out and back. I can stay comfortable by regulating my effort and the the body heat generated. Work it a little son. Take advantage of the wool and the zippers.
I'm not familar with your outerlayer, but if it can be sealed against the wind and has openings for ventilation such as a high collar, cinchable cuffs and hem, and has a draft flap over the front zipper, it should work fine.
You didn't mention whether your hands, head, or feet are cold. Usually those extremities have a much greater influence over your comfort in the cold.

Well my feet are usually ok......usually. I have thick wool socks and if it gets really bad I also wear some gator cold weather cycling bootie/socks. Those are pretty good. And, if it gets even worse then I have some battery powered heated socks just in case ;)
My head is about ok cause I use a balaclava and a hat..lol and earmuffs so no problem then.

And no, I haven't tried out the current combo in weather below 30f. I suspect I will have to buy another thin layer. I guess the real issue is that I'm uncomfortable with the sugoi dynamo being so fricken tight on me. It fits....but I guess I'm unconfortable wearing that thing in public....heh heh.
Thats why I was hoping I could get the thermal II and layering under that. It isn't as warm as the dynamo but it fits looser....hell it fits me perfect. :)
But the entire back is vented. I would have to definately wear several layers under that thing to be extremely warm then peel off layers when it gets warmer.
*sigh*.......guess I will have to spend some more money......again.

[Hezz]

Stalkerzero,

I have a pair of Sugoi firewall tights which are made out of the same material as your jacket. They are reasonably warm but not wind resistant enough for really cold tempatures.

I think your overall approach is good. I would add a lightweight totally breathable windbraker jacket over your Sugoi Dynamo on days when it is in the low 30's or below freezing. I think this one change will be the thing you need to have the system work well in colder temps.

YOu don't need an expensive waterproof breathable jacket when it's below freezing. The more breathable windbraking fabrics are better. Plus it can cover the slightly too tight fitting inner jacket.

A Gore windstopper would be perfect but you can just use a spring / fall windbreaker that you might already have. I think if you try this you will find your system working rather well.

[StalkerZERO]

Stalkerzero,

I have a pair of Sugoi firewall tights which are made out of the same material as your jacket. They are reasonably warm but not wind resistant enough for really cold tempatures.

I think your overall approach is good. I would add a lightweight totally breathable windbraker jacket over your Sugoi Dynamo on days when it is in the low 30's or below freezing. I think this one change will be the thing you need to have the system work well in colder temps.

YOu don't need an expensive waterproof breathable jacket when it's below freezing. The more breathable windbraking fabrics are better. Plus it can cover the slightly too tight fitting inner jacket.

A Gore windstopper would be perfect but you can just use a spring / fall windbreaker that you might already have. I think if you try this you will find your system working rather well.

If I were to wear the sugoi thermal II over the dynamo would that work?

[MichaelW]

Try the merino as a baselayer and any thin fleece/wooly pullover as a midlayer.
In cold , dry conditions your outer layer should be as breathable as possible so avoid waterproofs.
Are your feet/hands/head/neck well protected?

[StalkerZERO]

Try the merino as a baselayer and any thin fleece/wooly pullover as a midlayer.
In cold , dry conditions your outer layer should be as breathable as possible so avoid waterproofs.
Are your feet/hands/head/neck well protected?

Ya pretty much. Heated socks, wool socks, gator winter socks, and LG booties. So I think my feet are covered. Also, picked up a nice set of Outdoor Research 150 weight liner gloves...man oh man are they ever so cool.....erm I mean warm. ;)
But dang nabbit. :( Ya mean to tell me I wasted 200 bucks on the sugoi dynamo? :(