Later on the 27th March

I tried to do a video of my 4 layer system (in fact I did do a video!) but the video was too big to upload. Something else I have to fathom out before I leave. Oh well, here it is in pictures from top to bottom. At top I am in all four layers with my outer Rab Latok Alpine XL looking a bit stretched. For those of you who are Rab XL I would suggest moving up 1 size. The coat is made of e-vent and is reputed to repel all the nasty type of weather that Scotland is likely to throw at the unsuspecting traveler. The coat has a great, cinch-cordable hood as you can see. It's almost like looking out the window of a warm house at the harsh world outside. I like the way the hood can be securely tied back with an inside velcro-ed tab. The waist also has cinch cords to keep the wind out. The sleeves are velcro-ed and there are two huge front pockets but no vent slits (apparently the coat does not need them). This is a light jacket with heavy duty performance - er, at least that is what Rab tells me. We shall see.

Layer 2 (or 3 if you are working from the inside) is a Rab down Microlight jacket that folds away into its own chest pocket - cool! Great for packing and really warm. I am really going for lightweight gear these days and this is a minimalist yet functional piece of apparel.

Layer 3 (or 2) is an Icebreaker Merino wool sweater of 260 weight. It is relatively light (although one of Icebreakers heavier items), good looking (unlike me!) and apparently wicks away horrid smells. Sounds like I will be able to wear it all week without people trying to avoid me.

Last but not least is my 'next to the skin' Arcteryx thermal layer with moisture wicking technology. There are lots of similar items on the market and I will also be taking a similar garment by Spyder. The quality of such garments is guaranteed as long they are made by the better companies so my advice is not to go cheap. 

I took several more photos of me progressively stripping off layer after layer but I am trying to avoid censorship issues so have reluctantly decided to forego posting them. Lucky for you!