Quote Originally Posted by BleeckerSt_Girl View Post
Substantial, very warm, but very breathable: 100% merino wool layers in various combinations. My favorite combo for below 45F: a merino thin soft base layer, a soft merino zip turtleneck, and a soft wool vest.
I have a gore biking jacket and it totally makes me sweat- doesn't breathe at all. I put on my wool instead and I feel great and cozy in the extreme cold and I don't get drenched in sweat. Just my 2 cents.
I have many merino wool baselayers that I wear on cold weather rides, but I definitely need something windproof on top of the merino wool base. I live just outside of Chicago and I have often ridden on mornings where we start out with air temps in the low 20's (add to that the wind chill factor!!!)...that is just way too cold for wearing just merino wool layers...I need something warmer in addition to the wool layers. Hence the reason I went with the PI Gavia jacket. From the descriptions I've read, it sounds like it will be the perfect addition to my cold weather riding arsenal.

Linda