Upper Body
Your upper body is your core. It is the most important part of your body to keep warm. Be sure to do a long test hike in your clothing before you head out to the trail. Make sure everything is warm and comfortable. Better to get any kinks worked out now rather than on the trail.
Base Layer
Long sleeved polyester thermals are the most common base layer for your upper body. Your base layer should hug your upper body snugly, but not make you uncomfortable or itchy. For a warmer option, you may consider polypropylene uppers (like Under Armour).
Lightest option: Weights vary by thickness of material, but any long sleeved upper under 6 oz is considered pretty light. Don't skimp on functionality for less weight here.
Cheapest option: a long sleeved, polyester thermal top from Wal-Mart, or Target should cost less than $6.
Summer Layer
This is the layer you'll be wearing most often. You'll want to be sure its loose and comfortable. Any short sleeved, non-cotton T-shirt will do. A runner's shirt that wicks well and doesn't chafe is a great choice. You'll be wearing it in most of your pictures too, so choose a color and style you like. Remember, this is the shirt you'll be wearing when you are hot, sweaty, and wishing for shade, so make sure it is thin and breathes well.
Lightest option: Check out runners' shirts. Runners push the limits of light weight shirts to gain every advantage they can on the track.
Cheapest option: If you don't already have a non-cotton running shirt, Ross frequently carries them in their 'active wear' section.
Warmth Layer
This is the most important layer for your upper body. Its purpose is not just to keep you comfortable, but to keep you alive in cold weather. There are short-sleeved and vest options available, but we recommend something full sleeved. The most common options are down jackets and fleece sweaters. Down is lighter, but more expensive (and remember, you cannot allow it to get wet). Fleece is a little heavier, but it's cheaper and handles moisture better. The weight and thickness of the layer should be determined by your comfort level and how well you handle the cold.
Lightest option: MontBell's Ex Light Down Jacket ($160) weighs 6 oz and - when worn over a base layer - can keep you warm down even below 20° F. To learn more, click here.
Cheapest option: A micro-fleece sweater from Ross weighs around 10 oz and costs less than $15. If you don't think micro-fleece will be warm enough for you, a regular fleece costs about the same.
Wind & Rain Shell
The Wind & Rain shell for the upper body is commonly the most overbuilt piece of clothing in a person's pack. Your rain shell needs do nothing more than keep your upper body dry. It doesn't need built-in warmth (that's what your warmth layer is for), or 20 pockets, or be able to hold up while army-crawling under barb wire. Keep it simple.
Lightest option: The Cuben Fiber Rain Shell weighs 1.5 oz. Not available for purchase. You must make your own. To learn more, click here.
Cheapest option: The Dri Duck Light Weight Hooded Rain Suit costs about $12 at Target (and comes with a pair of rain pants to boot). Dri Ducks are not durable enough for most hikers. If you want to spend a little more, any simple rain coat will work.