I'll throw in my 2 cents here. Lots of fleece or fleece like products are available. They can vary a far amount. Some can be very wind proof, but not breath at all while some can breath a ton and not be wind proof at all. The last few months, I have been using a Sitka Kelvin Active, which is similar to the Patagonia Nano Air products. These, in my mind are expensive but fleece killers. I can find a large , in fact giant comfort range with one of these products and a wind shell. Yesterday, I skinned up above tree line wearing just a base layer, and kelvin active. When it got windy, and when I skied down, I added the wind / rain jacket. The comfort range I get with this combo is pretty amazing. I would use the same combo summer backpacking. Basically this combo, at least for active use has minimized my use of puffies and traditional fleece.
