What's the best apparel to wear over my base layer?
I like to wear close-fitting base layers like REI's Swift or Patagonia's Lightweight Capilene. When hiking in cold weather I will usually shed or add layers as I go. Can you suggest a good loose-fitting, wicking T-shirt to wear over the body-hugging base for those days when I've really worked up a sweat. Matt Fairfax, Virginia
Scirocco Windshirt
Sometimes, even just a wind-resistant vest makes a tremendous difference. Mountain Hardwear's Windstopper Vest ($115; www.mountainhardwear.com) is just about 100 percent windproof, while still very breathable. And its light fleece material is surprisingly warm. Vests are perhaps the most useful and underrated garments around; I wear them constantly when biking, hiking, or putzing around outside on those not-so-cold days. Keep the torso warm, and the arms, legs, and head will follow.
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