Roskoe

I agree. The base layer (I use Underarmour Cold Gear) and the Gore Tex outer shell are the foundation of the cold weather layering system. In between those layers, you have a lot of flexibility to use polar fleece or wool to fine tune it to the conditions. But buy the uninsulated Gore Tex parka - and maybe get it a tad large - so you can use it over a wider range of temps.