I'm a summer hiker in the Adirondacks but want to get into winter hiking as well, however, I know next to nothing about it and the gear required.
I have a base layer as well as a wool sweater (need to look for pants too but have been stuck on the upper wear). My thought is to get the Montbell Mirage Parka http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Down-Jacket-Reviews/MontBell-Mirage-Parka and the Arcteryx Alpha FL http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hardshell-Jacket-Reviews/Arcteryx-Alpha-FL.
Would I be correct with my attire that in the coldest conditions I could wear my base layer, wool sweater, Mirage, and Arcteryx and it would be more than enough? (they don't make a down jacket that specifically has a hard shell that goes with it or is it as simple as "wearing two jackets"). If so, I would imagine I would have to order the Arcteryx one size larger than what I would normally wear (Medium).
Under "normal" circumstances I could wear just the base layer, wool, and Mirage OR just base layer and Mirage?
I would also have the intentions of having an extra fleece sweater (and perhaps and extra base layer) in case I need to change.
Do I have the combinations of possibilities correct for winter hiking and would my choice of clothing work for those combinations?
Thanks in advance to those who took the time to read this post and help me.