>>2496778Carinthia is great; you can't really make a mistake with their stuff. And Defence 4 is excellent. Had one for years now.
It all depends on your environment. I am Czech, so winters can go -20 C fairly regularly. Defence 4 + Helikon Swagman (a fantastic thing with many uses) always served me well during the coldest nights. I think you could possibly do it even without the Swagman, but since I am pussy, it works for me.
During the Autumn period (about now), I usually just stick with Defence 4 alone. In Spring and summer, it is Carinthia Tropen (+ Swagman again if it gets cold).
For the sleeping mat, I've been using Thermarest Zlite for ages, but over the last few years, I replaced it with Exped Dura 5 inflatable. Extremely comfy all-year sleeping pad. Very durable too. Pricy, though, but well worth it. Shove Bundeswehr elephan skin underneath to be extra safe and you are good.
Other than that, clothing should suit your activity. If you are going to be hiking the whole day, wear just enough to be "comfortably cold." If you are waiting somewhere most of the time, go full marshmallow man.
My go-to for winter is merino undies/base, a simple shirt, and a lighter winter jacket. It is good enough for hiking. At night, when I just stand around, I throw Swagman over my jacket again, which is comfy.
For shelter, I just use a Helikon poncho. It can easily tank whole night downpours/snowing. And it is compatible with Swagman too. One is absolutely enough, but I carry two.
In summer, lmao, who cares.
