I haven’t read through the comments so forgive me if this is a repeat. Moisture management is key. You need to breath and have clothing that wicks moisture not just absorbs moisture. Wool is very popular because it’s still warm when wet. It will pull moisture from you but is slower at drying than synthetics. I feel that wool gives me a heavy clammy feel. Like being in a sleeping bag in a tent. You are warm and don’t want to get out but not dry.
I’ve said it before so y’all know I’m a fan of Kuiu. I started with their Marino Wool base layers. They are very comfortable and on camping trips I’ve wore them as a baselayer and never took them off for days and they don’t stink to me. Once I tried their synthetics, that’s all I use now. It gets rid of the moisture a lot quicker. I’ll change into a fresh pair every night because it isn’t as anti microbial as wool and will hold a scent more.
And for socks, alpaca keeps me drier and warmer than wool in my experience.
Now for design. Arm pit zips and thigh zips are the best thing since slice bread. With high wicking base layers and the ability to dump body heat quickly from outer layers has made a huge difference in moisture management. If I’m walking, my neck, pit and thigh zips are open not letting heat and moisture build up under my clothes. When I get in stand, I wait a moment to let my body temp cool down before zipping the vents up. I can wear my complete suit avoiding having to tote, change, and layer clothes in the stand. Just simply open vents and close vents like a thermostat to adjust temperature. Also all my base layers have a mock tee neck. Unzip my outer jacket and base layer and midlayer neck to add more ventilation, but once zipped up, they really seal and hold body heat.
I’m learning things all the time and new innovations are always coming out. My clothing is a lot lighter, drier, warmer and less restrictive and bulkier than I was 5 years ago.
Kuiu is over priced and very expensive, but it works. I haven’t tried other top brands. Took the plunge a few years ago and just stuck with one brand. I buy only on sales. Put items on my wish list and just wait for a good sale. Thanksgiving week is always their biggest sale. 20-50% off. I try to hold off and save for that week every year. If I get asked what I want for Christmas, it’s Kuiu gift cards. I don’t expect anyone to buy me a garment from them, but a few $10-$20 gift cards here and there help.