Thermal/Base Layer?

[ocurtsinger]

Hi All,
I'm doing my first big tour in a few days and am getting down to the final narrowing down of all my gear. Top on my small list of clothes, of course, is a long-sleeve wool layer, but I'm having trouble deciding between something that is skintight (ie a 'base' layer for warmth) or a looser fitting and thus more breathable. The smartwool layer that I have right now is a little roomy, and on a recent ride it seemed like the wind was cutting right through me...but on the same token I wouldn't want to be burning up in a tighter layer. My tour will take me along much of the Pacific Northwest coast and inland California in the spring and early summer, so I'm expecting some chilly and windy camping nights but also some pretty warm days. Any thoughts?

[paddleboy17]

I always think multi purpose.

[John Nelson]

I'm with paddleboy. Don't take anything that only serves one purpose. Whatever you take as a base layer must also be usable by itself. And never take anything for which some combination of your other gear will solve the same problem.