Mostly I walk in shorts, cotton singlet, and long sleeve shirt. I sweat easily and this way I am comfortable, even in fairly cold conditions. If it is particularly cold, I add an old (thick) woollen jumper.
I am off to Scotland in May next year to do some long day walks. The weather could be anything from snow and sleet with gales to maybe just overcast and drizzle. Oh, I suppose there might be some sun, but reports I have read never mention it Somewhat like central Tasmania I suppose on a bad day.
I am thinking I will need something more than shorts, shirt and jumper, but do not want to be so warm that I sweat. A 150gsm merino top under a shirt this week has had me sweating in temps that have only got up to 17, without actually doing anything physical. So I think layering will be the way to tackle this.
I have been thinking of getting a lightweight down jacket as an outer layer to replace the jumper. This would be warmer and cope with wind better, but not rain, although I could use it under a goretex coat if it is raining. My concern is that I will swelter in it while walking. I will probably also use it in the evening on the way to the pub for dinner.
There are lots of brands, but for comparison I have been looking at Macpac Uber jacket: nylon inner and outer, 74g 650 loft duck down, water resistant (C6), weight 240g. "An ultra-light down jacket designed for winter layering." as the web site says. Currently $114.
https://www.macpac.com.au/mens/jackets- ... 14097.html
For comparison, the Icefall jacket uses: Pertex fabric, 95g 800 loft goose down plus 80g Primaloft synthetic fill, Durable Water Resistant (C6 - same stuff as Uber?), water-resistant down, weight 320g. The synthetic fill is used in wet areas like shoulders and cuffs. The web site says "Designed for weight-conscious climbers, this down jacket is engineered for an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and improved moisture management." Currently $300.
https://www.macpac.com.au/mens/jackets- ... 15580.html
My feeling is that the Icefall is a great jacket, but will be overkill for what I want. I even suspect the Uber jacket will be more than I need.
Maybe I do not need down, and a fleece jacket would be sufficient? But it would be poor in wind which I will see a lot of in Scotland, especially on the islands.